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Linda Lazarides'
Nutritional Health Bible
an essential reference book for everyone serious about health and nutrition



Treat Yourself with
Nutritional Therapy

Coenzyme Q10 (also see Energy production)

Vitamin-like substance

Functions

  • Antioxidant nutrient
  • Transfer of oxygen and energy between components of the cells
  • Transfer of oxygen and energy between the blood and tissues
Good food sources

  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Mackerel
  • Nuts
  • Sardines
  • Soya oil
  • Whole grains
Deficiency symptoms

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Gum disease and deterioration
  • Heart failure and other heart problems
  • Infections
  • Some mental problems
  • Reduced muscular strength and endurance.
Preventing deficiency

Coenzyme Q10 does not need to be ingested from food, since the body is capable of making it. However the synthesis of coenzyme Q10 is dependent on vitamin E, so you should ensure that your daily diet contains vitamin E-rich foods such as whole grains and nuts.

Comments

Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble nutrient with a structure similar to those of vitamins E and K. Its functions overlap to some extent with these vitamins.

SUPPLEMENTATION

In research studies, coenzyme Q10 supplements have been found to:

  • Bring clinical improvements in Aids
  • Cure some cases of breast cancer
  • Improve glucose tolerance in diabetics
  • Improve congestive heart failure
  • Improve heart function (including angina and irregular heart rhythms)
  • Reduce high blood pressure
Preferred form and suggested intake

Although it may be difficult to obtain, an emulsified form of coenzyme Q10 is said to be more bioavailable than the usual non-emulsified forms, since emulsified nutrients and fats are taken up by the lymphatic system rather than the bloodstream, thus temporarily bypassing the liver. Supplementation with 30-90mg CoQ10 (in divided doses) daily is adequate for most purposes, but studies using the nutrient against breast cancer have obtained their best results by gradually increasing the dosage to about 400 mg daily.

Cautions

There is no known unsafe dose of CoQ10 but it is probably wise not to exceed 400 mg daily since we do not yet know enough about possible effects at higher doses.

Availability: Coenzyme Q10 is a very expensive product. Widely available in health food shops and through nutritional therapists.

Adapted from the Nutritional Health Bible by Linda Lazarides
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