Coenzym Q10 (CoQ10) and Heart Health: Advantages
I. Fundamentals COQ10 and its role in the body
A. What is Coenzym Q10 (COQ10)?
Coenzym Q10 (CoQ10), also known as Kilikhinon, is a fat -soluble compound, naturally produced by the body. It is present in all cells, especially in mitochondria, energy centers. The term “ubikhinon” comes from the word “ubiquitous”, which reflects its widespread spread in living organisms. COQ10 is structurally similar to vitamins, although it is synthesized inside the body, which distinguishes it from vitamins that should come with food. The molecular structure includes a benzochinon ring and an isopreline lateral chain, the length of which varies depending on the type (in humans it is usually 10 isopreline units, hence the “Q10”).
B. COQ10 functions: Energy metabolism and antioxidant protection
COQ10 plays two main roles:
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Energy metabolism (production of ATP): COQ10 is the key component of the electron transfer circuit in mitochondria. This process is necessary for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main source of energy for cells. ATP provides energy to most cellular processes, including muscle contractions, protein synthesis and nerve impulses. Without enough COQ10, cells cannot effectively produce energy, which leads to fatigue, weakness and a decrease in organs functionality. COQ10 acts as a carrier of electrons between complexes I and III, as well as between complex II and III in the respiratory chain. Its oxidized form (Kilikhinon) accepts electrons, turning into a restored form (Kilikhinol). Then Kilikhinol transmits the electrons further through the chain, ultimately leading to a proton gradient, which is used to synthesize ATP using ATP syntase.
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Antioxidant Protection: COQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage DNA, proteins and lipids, contributing to aging and the development of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer disease. COQ10 neutralizes free radicals, giving them electrons and preventing their destructive effect. In particular, COQ10 protects lipids in cell membranes and low density lipoproteins (LDL) from oxidation. Oxidized LDLs are a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis. In addition to direct antioxidant effects, COQ10 can restore other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, returning them to an active form.
C. Factors affecting the COQ10 level in the body
The COQ10 level in the body depends on several factors:
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Age: With age, the natural production of COQ10 decreases. This decrease begins about 20 years and becomes more noticeable after 40 years. A decrease in COQ10 with age can contribute to age -related diseases and a decrease in general energy efficiency.
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Diseases: Certain diseases, such as heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and some genetic disorders, can reduce the COQ10 level. For example, heart failure can lead to increased COQ10 consumption due to the increased energy need from the heart muscle.
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Taking drugs: Some drugs, especially statins (drugs that reduce cholesterol) can significantly reduce COQ10. Statins inhibit the HMG-COA enzyme reductase, which is necessary for both cholesterol synthesis and COQ10 synthesis. Other drugs, such as beta-blockers, antidepressants and some medicines for diabetes, can also affect the COQ10 level.
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Nutrition: COQ10 can be obtained from food, but its number is usually not enough to maintain an optimal level, especially with age or with certain diseases. Rich sources of COQ10 are organs (for example, heart, liver), fatty fish (for example, salmon, tuna), whole grain products and some vegetables (for example, spinach, broccoli).
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Oxidative stress: Chronic oxidative stress caused by inflammation, environmental pollution, smoking and other factors can lead to increased COQ10 consumption, reducing its overall level in the body.
D. Forms COQ10: Kilikhinon and Kilikhinol
COQ10 exists in two main forms: Kilikhinon (oxidized form) and Kilikhinol (restored form). Kilikhinol is an active antioxidant form COQ10. After taking Kilikhinon, the body transforms him into Kilikhinol. With age, the body’s ability to transform Kilikhinon into Kilikhinol can decrease. Some studies show that the additives of Killikhinol can be more effective, especially for the elderly. However, other studies indicate that both KOLIKHINON and KLIKHINOL are equally well absorbed and effectively increase the COQ10 level in the body. It is important to note that the ratio of Killikhinon and Kilikhinol in the blood is an indicator of the redox state of the body.
II. COQ10 and heart health: specific advantages
A. Heart failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot effectively pump blood to meet the needs of the body. This can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath and edema. Studies show that COQ10 additives can improve heart function in people with heart failure.
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Improving the function of the left ventricle: COQ10 can improve the fraction of the left ventricle (FVL), which is a measure of how effectively the heart pumps blood. An increase in FVLA indicates an improvement in the contractile ability of the heart. COQ10 is believed to enhance the contractility of the myocardial, improving the bioenergy of the heart cell.
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Reducing symptoms of heart failure: Reception COQ10 can reduce symptoms of heart failure, such as fatigue, shortness of breath and swelling. This may be due to the improvement of energy metabolism in the heart muscle and a decrease in oxidative stress.
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Reduction of the risk of hospitalization: Some studies show that COQ10 can reduce the risk of hospitalization about heart failure. This may be due to the improvement of the general state of heart health and a decrease in the progression of the disease. A major study by Q-Symbio showed that COQ10 additives significantly reduce mortality from cardiovascular diseases and the frequency of hospitalizations in patients with chronic heart failure.
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The mechanisms of action for heart failure: COQ10 can improve the function of the heart with heart failure due to several mechanisms: an increase in the production of ATP, improve antioxidant protection and decrease in inflammation. In addition, COQ10 can improve the function of the endothelium, the inner layer of blood vessels, which helps to improve blood flow.
B. Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Hypertension is a serious risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Several studies have shown that COQ10 can help reduce blood pressure.
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Reducing systolic and diastolic pressure: Studies-analyzes show that COQ10 additives can lead to a moderate, but significant decrease in both systolic (upper number) and diastolic (lower number) of blood pressure.
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Improving the function of the endothelium: COQ10 can improve the function of the endothelium, which helps to expand blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. Violation of the function of the endothelium is a key factor in the development of hypertension.
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Antioxidant effect with hypertension: Oxidative stress plays a role in the development of hypertension. COQ10 antioxidant properties can help reduce oxidative stress and improve blood pressure control.
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Action mechanisms for hypertension: COQ10 can reduce blood pressure due to several mechanisms: improving the function of endothelium, reducing oxidative stress, improving energy metabolism in the cells of the vascular wall and modulation of inflammatory processes.
C. Coronary heart disease (coronary heart disease) and angina pectoris
IBS occurs when the coronary arteries supplying the heart with blood are narrowed due to atherosclerosis. Angina pectoris is a chest pain that occurs with insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle.
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Reducing the frequency of angina attacks: Some studies show that COQ10 can reduce the frequency of angina attacks and improve physical activity tolerance in people with coronary heart disease.
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Improving the function of endothelium in patients with coronary heart disease: COQ10 can improve the function of endothelium in patients with coronary heart disease, which helps to improve blood flow in the coronary arteries.
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Antioxidant protection at CHD: COQ10 can protect LDL from oxidation, which is a key step in the development of atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDLs contribute to the formation of plaques in the arteries.
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Action mechanisms for coronary heart disease: COQ10 can have a beneficial effect in coronary heart disease due to several mechanisms: improving the function of endothelium, antioxidant protection, improving energy metabolism in the heart muscle and reducing inflammation.
D. Prevention of cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapy
Some chemotherapeutic drugs, such as anthracyclines (for example, doxorubicin), can be cardiotoxic, that is, they can damage the heart.
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Protection against damage to the heart caused by doxorubicin: Studies show that COQ10 can help protect the heart from damage caused by doxorubicin and other anthracyclins.
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Mechanisms of protection against cardiotoxicity: COQ10 can protect against cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapy due to several mechanisms: antioxidant protection, maintaining energy metabolism in the heart muscle and decreased inflammation. Anthracyclines cause oxidative stress and damage to mitochondria, which leads to cardiotoxicity. COQ10 helps neutralize free radicals and maintain the function of mitochondria, thereby reducing the risk of heart damage.
E. Reducing side effects of statins (myopathy)
Statins, as mentioned earlier, reduce the level of COQ10 in the body. This decrease in COQ10 can contribute to the development of side effects associated with statins, such as myopathy (muscle pain and weakness).
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Reducing muscle pain and weakness: COQ10 additives can help reduce muscle pain and weakness associated with the use of statins. Some studies have shown that COQ10 can improve muscle function and reduce the level of creatinkinase (enzyme released from damaged muscles) in people taking statins.
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Improving energy metabolism in the muscles: COQ10 can improve the energy metabolism in the muscles, which can help reduce muscle fatigue and weakness associated with statins.
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Recommendations for receiving COQ10 when taking statins: Many doctors recommend that people who take statins consider taking COQ10 additives to reduce the risk of myopathy. A typical COQ10 dose for this purpose is from 100 to 200 mg per day.
III. Dosage, safety and interaction with drugs
A. Recommended dosage COQ10
The recommended COQ10 dosage varies depending on the state of health and individual needs.
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The total dose for maintaining health: To maintain the overall health of the heart, a dose is recommended from 30 to 100 mg per day.
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Dose for heart failure: With heart failure, doses from 100 to 300 mg per day are often used, divided into several tricks.
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Dose for hypertension: With hypertension, the recommended dose is from 100 to 200 mg per day.
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Dose for reducing side effects of statins: To reduce the side effects of statins, a dose of 100 to 200 mg per day is usually recommended.
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Individual recommendations: It is important to consult a doctor to determine the optimal COQ10 dose for your specific needs.
B. Safety and side effects COQ10
COQ10 is usually considered safe, and most people tolerate it well.
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General side effects: The most common side effects COQ10 include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain and appetite loss. These side effects are usually light and pass on their own.
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Rare side effects: In rare cases, COQ10 can cause allergic reactions, insomnia or an increased level of liver enzymes.
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding: COQ10 safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, so it should be avoided in these cases, unless this is recommended by the doctor.
C. COQ10 interaction with drugs
COQ10 can interact with some drugs:
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Varfarin: COQ10 can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin (anticoagulant), increasing the risk of blood clots. People taking warfarin should carefully monitor blood coagulation when taking COQ10.
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Hypertension medicines: COQ10 can enhance the effect of drugs for hypertension, which can lead to too low blood pressure. People taking medications for hypertension should control their blood pressure when taking COQ10.
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Insulin and Diabetes Drugs: COQ10 can affect blood sugar, so people with diabetes should carefully monitor the blood sugar when taking COQ10.
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Chemotherapeutic drugs: Although COQ10 can protect against cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapy, it can also interact with some chemotherapeutic drugs. It is important to consult a oncologist before taking COQ10 during chemotherapy.
D. Selecting a high -quality COQ10 additive
It is important to choose a high -quality COQ10 supplement from a reliable manufacturer.
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Certification of the third party: Look for COQ10 additives certified by a third party, organizations such as NSF International or USP. This guarantees that the additive was tested for cleanliness, efficiency and lack of pollutants.
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COQ10 form: Both Kilikhinon and Kilikhinol can be effective. Elderly people can get more benefits from Killikhinol, since with age the body’s ability to transform Kilikhinon into Kilikhinol may decrease.
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Composition: Pay attention to the composition of the additives and avoid additives with artificial additives, dyes and preservatives.
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Reputation manufacturer: Choose COQ10 additives from manufacturers with good reputation and positive customer reviews.
IV. Recent research and future areas
A. New areas of application COQ10
Studies continue to study the potential advantages of COQ10 for health. Some new areas of application COQ10 include:
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Migraine: Some studies show that COQ10 can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine.
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Parkinson’s disease: COQ10 is investigated as a potential for slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
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Female infertility: COQ10 can improve the quality of eggs and fertility in women.
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Male infertility: COQ10 can improve sperm mobility and fertility in men.
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Neurodegenerative diseases: COQ10 is studied as a potential for protection against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington disease.
B. Clinical trials and meta analyzes
Clinical trials and meta analyzes continue to provide evidence of COQ10 effectiveness in various diseases. Future research can focus on:
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The optimal COQ10 dosage for various health states.
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The effect of COQ10 on specific subgroups of patients.
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Use COQ10 in combination with other treatment methods.
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Long -term effects of COQ10.
C. COQ10 action mechanisms
Studies continue to delve into an understanding of the mechanisms of action COQ10. Future research can focus on:
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COQ10 interaction with other antioxidants and enzymes.
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The influence of COQ10 on the expression of genes.
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Roles of COQ10 in mitochondrial biogenesis.
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The influence of COQ10 on inflammatory processes.
V. COQ10 food sources
Although COQ10 additives are an effective way to increase the COQ10 level in the body, it is also important to include in your diet products rich in COQ10.
A. Products rich in COQ10
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Organs: The heart, liver and kidneys contain high concentrations COQ10.
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Fat fish: Salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring are good sources of COQ10.
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Meat: Beef, pork and chicken contain moderate amounts of COQ10.
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Nuts and seeds: Peanuts, sesame and pistachios contain CoQ10.
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Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, colored cabbage and battting contain small amounts of COQ10.
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Vegetable oils: Soy oil and rapeseed oil contain COQ10.
B. The effect of cooking on the level COQ10
Preparation can reduce the level of COQ10 in foods.
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Žarka: Frying meat can reduce COQ10 to 30%.
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Cooking: Cooking of vegetables can reduce COQ10 to 20%.
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Steaming: Steaming is a more gentle method and can save more COQ10.
C. COQ10 consumption strategies with food
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Turn on in your diet a variety of products rich in COQ10.
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Choose fatty fish several times a week.
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Turn on the organs in your diet moderately.
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Include nuts and seeds in your diet as a snack.
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Prepare steamed foods to save more COQ10.
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Consider the possibility of taking COQ10 additives if your diet does not provide enough COQ10.
VI. CoQ10 and age -related changes in heart health
With age, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases increases, which is associated with several factors, including a decrease in the level of COQ10.
A. Reducing the level of COQ10 with age and its effect on the heart
With age, both the synthesis of COQ10 and the ability of the body to transform Kulikhinon into Kilikhinol are reduced. This decrease can contribute to:
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A decrease in energy metabolism in the heart muscle.
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Increase oxidative stress in the heart muscle.
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Impaired endothelium function.
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Increased risk of heart failure, hypertension and coronary heart disease.
B. Advantages of taking COQ10 for older people to maintain heart health
COQ10 additives can be especially useful for older people to maintain heart health.
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Improving energy metabolism in the heart muscle: COQ10 can help compensate for a decrease in energy metabolism associated with age.
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Reducing oxidative stress: The antioxidant properties of COQ10 can help protect the heart from damage to free radicals.
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Improving the function of the endothelium: COQ10 can help improve the function of the endothelium, which helps to improve blood flow.
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Reduction of risk of developing cardiovascular diseases: COQ10 can help reduce the risk of heart failure, hypertension and coronary heart disease in older people.
C. COQ10 dosage recommendations for older people
Older people may need higher doses of COQ10 than young people to achieve the optimal level of COQ10 in the body.
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Start with a low dose and gradually increase it: Start with a dose of 30-100 mg per day and gradually increase it to 100-300 mg per day, if necessary.
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Consult a doctor: It is important to consult a doctor to determine the optimal COQ10 dose for your specific needs.
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Side effects monitoring: Follow the possible side effects and inform your doctor about them.
VII. COQ10 and other heart health additives
COQ10 can be used in combination with other additives for the health of the heart to achieve a synergistic effect.
A. COQ10 synergistic combinations with other additives
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Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, have anti-inflammatory properties and can improve endothelium function. In combination with COQ10, they can have a synergistic effect on the health of the heart.
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Magnesium: Magnesium is necessary for the normal function of the heart and can help reduce blood pressure. In combination with COQ10, they can improve the function of the cardiovascular system.
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L-Carnitin: L-carnitine plays a role in energy metabolism and can help improve the function of the heart. In combination with COQ10, they can have a synergistic effect on the energy metabolism of the heart muscle.
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Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for the health of the heart and can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In combination with COQ10, they can have a synergistic effect on the health of the heart.
B. Potential advantages of combined COQ10 reception with other additives
- Improving the function of the heart.
- Reducing blood pressure.
- Improving the function of the endothelium.
- Reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
C. Recommendations for the combined reception of additives
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Consult a doctor: It is important to consult a doctor before taking any additives, especially if you take medications.
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Start with low doses: Start with low doses of each additive and gradually increase them, if necessary.
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Side effects monitoring: Follow the possible side effects and inform your doctor about them.
VIII. Final thoughts
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays an important role in the health of the heart due to its functions in energy metabolism and antioxidant protection. Studies show that COQ10 can be useful for heart failure, hypertension, coronary heart disease and to reduce side effects of statins. Although COQ10 is usually considered safe, it is important to consult a doctor before taking additives, especially if you take medicines or have any diseases. The inclusion of products rich in COQ10 in your diet, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also contribute to heart health.