Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency – How much coenzyme Q10 is needed to see benefits?
Here’s another question and answer from my February interview with Dr. Cynthia Shelby-Lane regarding the need for coenzyme Q10 to prevent heart disease.
Lisa Nelson RD: How much coenzyme Q10, if any, should individuals with heart disease supplement to see benefits?
Dr. Shelby-Lane: CoenzymeQ10-H2, also known as ubiquinol, is the reduced form of coenzymeQ10 (CoQ10) that is over five times more bioavailable than ordinary (standard) CoQ10. CoQ10 plays an essential role in providing energy to the body through the mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles found in all cells. There are between 100 and 300 mitochondria inside every cell, and they are responsible for over 90% of the body’s energy production. Mitochondria can truly be described as the cell’s ‘blast furnaces,’ and CoQ10 plays a critical role in the utilization of oxygen inside these mitochondria. CoQ10 also acts as an antioxidant to protect the mitochondria against the massive free radical production that occurs during the cell’s energy-producing respiratory cycle.
CoQ10 is produced naturally in all cells, but there is an age-related decline in CoQ10 production that has been linked to a wide variety of disorders in humans. Heart cells were the first cells discovered that suffered major declines in CoQ10 with age, but we now know that CoQ10 levels decline with age in almost all cells. It is vital for our health to supply dietary CoQ10 to offset the inevitable age-related decline in CoQ10 levels that occurs throughout the human body.
CoQ10 supplementation has been strongly linked to improved cardiovascular health in a wide variety of studies. It decreases peripheral blood flow resistance, especially in the microcirculation, which accounts for up to 90% of blood flow resistance. Numerous studies have also shown that CoQ10 can improve cardiac function, support healthy blood pressure, protect brain cells, slow aging markers, and shorten recovery times in power lifting and body building.
With CoenzymeQ10-H2 you can get the therapeutic benefits of higher dose coenzyme Q10 at much lower dosage levels.
Recommended Dosage: 50 mg to 300 mg standard CoQ10 per day with meals. Most manufacturers will not specify, so standard Coenzyme Q10 is still the most used. It may be difficult for the consumer to get the more concentrated so, so this value (50 -300 mg) is for standard CoQ10. Testing is the best way to know if you are getting adequate supplementation.
To be effective, you need to take enough CoQ10 to significantly raise its level in the blood to see any beneficial effect. The amount needed to do that varies among individuals, and also depends on the potency or “bioavailability” of the CoQ10 used. Some people get a good rise with 100 milligrams, whereas others need two or three times that much to attain the same blood level. Taking too little of this supplement won’t help you.
A typical dose for heart disease is 50 to 150 milligrams a day. However when heart failure is severe, up to 360 milligrams a day taken in doses of no more than 180 milligrams at a time may be needed. Experts say that “the sicker the cardiac patient, the weaker the heart, the higher the CoQ10 dose needs to be.”
Some researchers recommend 2 milligrams of CoQ10 for each kilogram of body weight (0.9 milligrams for each pound of body weight).
CoQ10 is fat soluble. To be effective, it must be taken with some fat for absorption. Take it with a little peanut butter or olive oil. If possible, take CoQ10 in the form of soft gel capsules. They are better than dry capsules or tablets.
Dosage is determined by measuring blood levels of coenzyme Q10.
Generally, people who have heart failure begin to see an improvement in symptoms in about four weeks, although some people may take as long as three months. Maximum improvement occurs after six months, which is longer than ordinary drugs take to exhibit an effect. Once started, you must take CoQ10 continually to maintain its heart-strengthening benefits.
Safety
CoQ10 is very safe. In a large Italian study, 22 out of 2,664 patients reported mild side effects. This comes out to be less than 1 percent. The typical side effect reported is mild transient nausea. No toxicity has been found, even at high doses, in animals or humans.
Important Caution
CoQ10 is not a substitute for conventional drugs. It is usually used along with conventional therapy for best results. You should do this only under the supervision of your doctor. Heart failure is a serious condition that should not be self-diagnosed or self-medicated. If you have serious heart disease, always consult a doctor for the proper course of treatment.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency
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Heart Disease – Are you deficient of the nutrient L-carnitine?
A few days ago, I shared a little information on the nutrient L-carnitine. I want to give you a few more details related to this nutrient.
Let’s review the function of L-carnitine. In order for the heart to pump blood it needs fuel. This fuel is produced in the mitochondria of your cells. The hearts preferred energy source is fatty acids. Coenzyme Q10 is needed for the production of ATP (fuel) within the mitochondria. L-carnitine is needed for the transport of fatty acids to the mitochondria. Most people with heart disease are deficient of coenzyme Q10 and benefit from supplementation. Some individuals with heart disease are also deficient in L-carnitine and will only see improvements if Coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine are supplemented together.
Even though your body can produce L-carnitine deficiencies do occur. A deficiency can be caused by aging, vegetarian diets, diet deficient in iron, diets low in the vitamins B6, niacin, and vitamin C, liver disease, kidney disease, and certain medications (such as anti-convulsant drugs). As I mentioned above, a damaged heart also promotes an L-carnitine deficiency.
Combined supplementation of L-Carnitine and coenzyme Q10 have improved many cardiovascular situations:
1. Angina
2. Congestive Heart Failure
3. Renal insufficiency
4. Arrhythmia
5. Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides)
6. Leg Cramps
Some sources of L-carnitine include mutton, lamb, beef (red meat), and pork.
There are two forms of L-carnitine available at health food stores – fumarate and tartrate. So far, L-carnitine tartrate has been found to be more efficient for individuals with heart disease. New forms of L-carnitine are being researched and may become available, also.
While there are no known side effects from supplementing L-carnitine, always consult your physician regarding any and all supplements you currently take and/or would like to supplement.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Be Heart Healthy and Lose Weight
Heart Health – Do you need to supplement L-Carnitine?
This is probably a supplement you’ve never heard of, but when supplemented along with coenzyme Q10 substantial benefits have been seen in individuals with heart disease.
L-carnitine is a compound produced by the liver and kidneys from the biosynthesis of the amino acids lysine and methionine. To form L-carnitine you also need adequate levels of vitamin C, B6, niacin, and iron.
Let me explain how L-carnitine works. The powerhouse of your cells is the mitochondria and produces the energy your heart needs to function. L-carnitine is responsible for transporting fatty acids to the mitochondria for energy production. The heart typically gets 60% of its energy from fat sources. If this process is slowed due to a lack of L-carnitine heart function is affected, especially compounding problems for individuals with heart disease. Those with moderate to severe atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries due to inflammation and cholesterol deposits) and congestive heart failure are most affected by a deficiency of L-carnitine. Too make matters worse, damaged heart tissue has a hard time “holding on” to L-carnitine resulting in a deficiency.
If you remember back to the information I shared on Coenzyme Q10, Coenzyme Q10 directly affects energy production in the mitochondria. When Coenzyme Q10 levels are low, cells are unable to produce energy, meaning the heart lacks the fuel it needs to pump blood.
About 85% of individuals with heart disease respond positively to coenzyme Q10 supplementation and significant improvements to their heart health. However, ~10-15% do not see any improvements from the addition of coenzyme Q10. Researchers have learned the “missing link” for these individuals is L-carnitine. The combination of L-carnitine with Coenzyme Q10 is needed for some individuals to experience the additional energy boost and improved heart function.
Signs of improvements many individuals see from a combination of L-carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 include better color, easier breathing, and less difficulty with exertion activities.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Heart Healthy Tips
Reduce Heart Disease – What are the benefits of supplementing CoQ10?
The benefits of CoQ10 are numerous:
- Prevent heart disease
- Slows the aging process
- Lowers blood pressure
- Boosts energy
- Increases strength
- Builds up the immune system
- Improves the nervous system
- Protects against gum disease
- Counteracts negative side effects of some cholesterol medications
Consult your MD to determine if supplementing CoQ10 is the right treatment option for your situation.
February is American Heart Month. In recognition of American Heart Month you can access Heart Health Made Easy at a 25% savings. Learn more about this take action guide to lower cholesterol and blood pressure at http://www.hearthealthmadeeasy.com.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
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Reduce Heart Disease – Do you know the signs of a CoQ10 deficiency?
Symptoms associated with a CoQ10 deficiency develop gradually over time, so it’s very easy to miss the signs.
Symptoms include: aches and pains, fatigue, sore muscles, weakness, malaise, and shortness of breath
Our bodies are designed for CoQ10 to be formed from a variety of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. If your intake of vitamin C, B-12, B-6, pantothenic acid, and various other minerals and nutrients is deficient, the production of CoQ10 is compromised. Conditions and medications, such as hyperthyroidism, antidepressants, gum disease, and advanced age will also cause lower than adequate levels of CoQ10.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
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Reduce Heart Disease – How does CoQ10 work?
The powerhouse of your cells is the mitochondria. The mitochondria convert the foods you eat into energy your body can use. The form of energy the body uses is called ATP. ATP is produced within the mitochondria by taking needed electrons from foods. CoQ10 is responsible for carrying the electrons back and forth between enzymes in the production of ATP.
If that was a little too much science for you, let me make it much simpler.
Without CoQ10 your cells can not produce energy for your body to function, including the heart muscle. The heart uses an enormous amount of energy to function and maintain blood circulation 24/7.
CoQ10 is especially beneficial if you have narrowed arteries and reduced blood flow to the heart. CoQ10 uses what little oxygen and nutrients the heart receives to increase the production of ATP and boost the heart’s energy levels.
Physicians routinely using CoQ10 as part of their treatment plan for heart patients often refer to CoQ10 as “the miracle supplement” due to the drastic improvements to patient heart function.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
