In the day and age of preventative medicine and nutritional programs; there are many different products on the market that make numerous claims and tout seemingly “miraculous” results so it is often difficult to determine when a supplement truly lives up to it’s hype. However, there is one supplement that comes to mind—one that is not only utilized by most doctors and natural health practitioners, but that also has virtually hundreds of studies revealing its effectiveness for a wide range of therapeutic and preventative applications.

The supplement is: Ubiquinone- which is derived from the words ubiquitous; meaning “existing or being everywhere at all times” and quinone; referring to the organic function group, but is more commonly known as Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10. CoQ10 is often referred to as a “miracle nutrient” and is well-known as “the universal antioxidant.” Though many of us have heard about it, not many truly know what it is and what it can do for the body.

CoQ10 is found in every cell in the body in the mitochondria (the cell’s “power generators” that convert oxygen and nutrients into energy). Though CoQ10 is produced in the body; concentrations decrease in response to; poor dietary practices, medications, stress, illness and exercise, and as we age the production of CoQ10 naturally decreases, all of which leaves our body and organs vulnerable to free radical damage and decreased energy.

CoQ10 plays a critical role in cellular energy production and therefore is found in the highest levels in the most demanding organs in the body, such as; the heart, liver, kidneys and skeletal muscles. Due to the fact that the heart functions without rest, it requires the highest amount of energy in its cells, making it extremely vulnerable to free radical damage should any condition decrease the necessary levels needed for optimal functioning. Maintaining optimal levels in cells makes CoQ10 well-known for its supportive role in cardiovascular health; however, its actions reveal an extensive range of beneficial activities.
Another vital role CoQ10 plays is that of a powerful antioxidant, because it is found in virtually all cells in the body, it helps prevent free radical damage. CoQ10’s antioxidant activity also works to protect the body’s supply of Vitamin E from oxidative damage. Ultimately CoQ10 works to support the body to keep all the systems functioning normally.

Though you can obtain CoQ10 from dietary sources such animal organ meats and fish (which makes it especially difficult for vegetarians to reach their optimal intake) many studies show that, dietary sources do not provide adequate levels of this nutrient. Because the average intake is only 2-5 mg daily, many doctors recommend taking a CoQ10 supplement to maintain optimal levels. For best results it is recommended to take CoQ10 in divided doses and with meals that contain fat (as a fat-soluble antioxidant it is absorbed more efficiently with fat). If your initial response to a dose is less than optimal or gives you “too much energy”, work with your physician or holistic health practitioner to adjust and maintain your individual dosage requirements.

Live well with CoQ10….naturally!