First identified in 1957, Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance that is located all throughout the human body, but more specifically, its highest concentrations can be found in the mitochondrion area of the cell.
Also known as an energy transporter, Coenzyme Q10 is primarily responsible for the production of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) or energy production in the human body.
These important molecules are concentrated in the organs that require the most energy production such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Along with energy production, CoQ10 also serves as a natural antioxidant.
It has been proven in several studies that the natural levels of Coenzyme Q10 begin to decrease over time, thus decreasing ATP production in the body which could potentially lead to health problems.
A CoQ10 supplement is used to increase these levels in some individuals. The level of CoQ10 in the body seems to decrease with age and is also often evident in patients suffering from a variety of diseases and illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, heard conditions, muscular dystrophies and other similar chronic diseases.
Additionally, it is believed that some medications or prescription drugs can cause a lower CoQ10 presence in the body.
Other Benefits Of Taking A CoQ10 Supplement?
Some of the other benefits of using CoQ10 are such things as an ability to stimulate the body’s metabolism thereby assisting in weight loss, the ability to slow the aging process and the ability to assist with the effects of congestive heart failure.
The average dosage for taking CoQ10 supplement is 30 or 90 mg in a day, broken down in small dosages throughout the day. There are instances where physicians may suggest consumption of 200 mg in a day.
The supplement will typically yield better results when taken with a fatty or oily meal as it is a fat soluble substance.
Visible signs of benefits for taking CoQ10 supplement are slow to produce and may take as much as two months to reveal themselves.
Any Common Side Effects?
There are a few things to be on the look out for when taking CoQ10 supplement. This supplement lowers blood glucose levels. Therefore, individuals who are diabetic or hypoglycemic will want to use caution when using the supplement.
The CoQ10 also lowers blood pressure making it important to monitor blood pressure for those with already low blood pressure. The supplement should not be used without consulting a physician if you suffer from these conditions.
A few other side effects of CoQ10 supplement are nausea, diarrhea and vomiting in some individuals. This may simply be a matter of adjusting the dosage being used.
There is also some potential for organ damage for those with heart conditions. Taking the medication under supervision of a physician is highly recommended.
There may be an issue with individuals exercising too strenuously while taking the supplement ultimately causing a lack oxygen to the organs.
Additional possible side effects may be loss of appetite, rash and skin irritation, headaches with dizziness, sleep disturbances, irritability, increase in fatigue, flu like symptoms and a sensitivity to light.
What If I’m Currently Taking Medications?
Like any other supplement you may choose to add to your diet plan, it is a good idea to consult with your physician before hand.
You should always report any and all unusual and potential symptoms of side effects that you may experience. If you are currently taking medications you will want to discuss these with the doctor before starting because some supplements can cause medications to work less effectively when taken in combination.
In addition, some supplements can aggravate medical conditions you may be under treatment for.
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