Studies suggest that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Omega fatty acids 3s ingredients, either by themselves or with other drug therapies whether oral or intravenous in higher dosage, may help prevent the following conditions.
1. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a substance that’s found naturally in the body and helps convert food into energy. CoQ10 is found in almost every cell in the body, and it is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants fight damaging particles in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Scientists believe free radicals contribute to the aging process, as well as a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer.
Heart surgery
Clinical research indicates that introducing CoQ10 prior to heart surgery, including bypass surgery and heart transplantation, can reduce damage caused by free radicals, strengthen heart function, and lower the incidence of irregular heart beat (arrhythmias) during the recovery phase. You shouldn’t take any supplements before surgery unless your health care provider approves.
After Heart Attack
One clinical study found that people who took daily CoQ10 supplements within 3 days of a heart attack were less likely to have subsequent heart attacks and chest pain. They were also less likely to die of heart disease than those who did not take the supplements. Anyone who has had a heart attack should talk with their health care provider before taking any herbs or supplements, including CoQ10.
Heart failure
There’s evidence that CoQ10 may help treat heart failure when combined with conventional medications. People who have congestive heart failure, where the heart isn’t able to pump blood as well as it should also have low levels of CoQ10. Heart failure can cause blood to pool in parts of the body, such as the lungs and legs. It can also cause shortness of breath.
Several clinical studies suggest that CoQ10 supplements help reduce swelling in the legs; reduce fluid in the lungs, making breathing easier; and increase exercise capacity in people with heart failure. But not all studies are positive — some find no effect — so using CoQ10 for heart failure remains controversial. CoQ10 should never be used by itself to treat heart failure, and you should ask your health care provider before taking it for this condition.
High blood pressure
Several clinical studies involving small numbers of people suggest that CoQ10 may lower blood pressure. However, it may take 4 – 12 weeks to see any change. In one analysis, after reviewing 12 clinical studies, researchers concluded that CoQ10 has the potential to lower systolic blood pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 10 mm Hg, without significant side effects. More research with greater numbers of people is needed. Don’t try to treat high blood pressure by yourself — see your health care provider for treatment.
High cholesterol
People with high cholesterol tend to have lower levels of CoQ10, so CoQ10 has been proposed as a treatment for high cholesterol, but so far there’s no evidence whether it works or not. There is some evidence it may reduce side effects from conventional treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins, which reduce natural levels of CoQ10 in the body. Taking CoQ10 supplements can bring levels back to normal. Plus, studies show that CoQ10 may decrease the muscle pain associated with statin treatment. Ask your health care provider if you are interested in taking CoQ10 with statins.
Diabetes Type 2
CoQ10 supplements may improve heart health and blood sugar and help manage high blood pressure in people with diabetes. Two studies found that 100 mg of CoQ10 twice daily improved A1c levels, a measure of long-term blood sugar control. But another study found no effect. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor or registered dietitian before using CoQ10.
Heart damage caused by chemotherapy
Several clinical studies suggest that CoQ10 may help prevent heart damage caused by certain chemotherapy drugs, adriamycin, or other athracycline medications. More studies are needed, however. Talk to your health care provider before taking any herbs or supplements if you are undergoing chemotherapy.
Gum (Periodontal) disease
Gum disease is a common problem that causes swelling, bleeding, pain, and redness of the gums. Clinical studies show that people with gum disease tend to have low levels of CoQ10 in their gums. A few studies with small numbers of people found that CoQ10 supplements led to faster healing and tissue repair, but the studies were not well designed. More research is needed.
