By: Lee, William C. Y.
Many scientists and researchers
now believe there is a new weapon in the war against old age and
disease—coenzyme Q10. CoQ10, as it is more commonly referred to,
exists everywhere in the body, and, sources say, is the key to
the process that produces 95% of cellular energy. Now this
precious enzyme is available as a supplement, and people
throughout the world have begun taking CoQ10 to combat a wide
range of ailments and afflictions.
"As we age, the amount of
CoQ10 in the body diminishes; therefore, by supplementing the
dwindling enzyme, people can correct age-related declines in the
immune system, and increase energy and exercise tolerance."
To understand how CoQ10 works, it is first important to
understand how enzymes function within the body. Enzymes are the
protein substances found in all living things that are necessary
for the building and rebuilding of tissues and cells. They are
the catalysts that influence all of the body’s life systems, and
have the power to induce chemical changes without being changed
themselves.
According to the book Coenzyme Q10: Is It Our
New Fountain of Youth? by William H. Lee, R. Ph., Ph.D., enzymes
consist of at least two parts: the protein portion and the
cofactor portion. The specific amino acids that compose the
protein portion of the enzyme are determined by the genetic
code. Either mineral ions or vitamins, or both in some
instances, make up the cofactor portion of the complete enzyme.
The vitamin portion is usually called the coenzyme.
Lee
explains that the enzyme CoQ10 acts as a catalyst in the chain
of chemical reactions that creates the energy needed by cells to
stay alive and function. Cells do not use the nutrients consumed
in a person’s diet for their immediate supply of energy. Rather,
they prepare an energy-rich compound called adenosine
triphosphate (ATP), which stores energy to be released later.
Although ATP serves as the energy current for all cells, its
quantity is limited—very limited. There are only about three
ounces of ATP stored in the body at any one time, or enough
energy to sustain strenuous activity, such as running at top
speed for five to eight seconds, according to Lee.
As a
result, ATP must be constantly synthesized to provide a
continuous supply of energy. If this did not occur, our internal
reservoir would quickly empty, leaving the body depleted of
energy.
Healing Power
There have been many studies done
regarding the ability of CoQ10 to treat a wide range of
ailments, but it is still not accepted by the FDA. Despite the
research, and the almost total lack of toxicity at the dosages
prescribed, CoQ10 is only sold as a nutritional supplement in
the United States to maintain health.
The Real Vitamin and
Mineral Book, by Shari Liberman and Nancy Brunning, documents
some of the healing characteristics of CoQ10. The authors write
"Most of the research involves its ability to protect the
heart." The book goes on to explain that it may protect the
heart from damage due to a heart attack, as well as reduce the
amount of tissue damage that occurs during open heart surgery.
Lee cites the fact that "a deficiency of CoQ10 is common among
cardiac patients," adding that the heart is so metabolically
active and needs such a constant supply of usable fuel for its
constant contracting and pumping action, it may be unusually
susceptible to the effects of CoQ10 deficiency.
Aside from
the benefits to the heart, there are reports and small
uncontrolled studies that suggest CoQ10 may benefit people with
periodontal disease, diabetes, deafness, and impaired immunity.
Other possible medical uses for CoQ10 include the ability to
lower high blood pressure in people with a CoQ10 deficiency. In
a small pilot study, CoQ10 reduced the systolic and diastolic
pressure in 4 of the 17 patients. Liberman and Brunning also
cite an uncontrolled trial that suggests higher doses may be
even more effective.
There are also extensive reports of the
enzyme’s effectiveness in treating many forms of muscular
dystrophy and myopathy, according to Liberman and Brunning.
"CoQ10 is the only known substance that offers a safe and
improved quality of life for people suffering from weakened
skeletal muscles associated with muscular dystrophy and
myopathy," the book states.
Fountain of Youth?
According
to nutritional science, people should live to the unfathomable
age of 125 or more. This is a hard concept for people living in
our society to grasp, as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and
stress weaken the body’s resolve, making growing old a dreaded
prospect. This doesn’t necessarily have to be the case, he
suggests, as a "biogenic potential" for a longer, healthier life
is possible for those who are willing to seize the day.
Lee
says that CoQ10 has actually been shown to have direct
anti-aging effects, and may play a fundamental role in
decelerating the aging process in general. As we age, the amount
of CoQ10 in the body diminishes; therefore, by supplementing the
dwindling enzyme, Lee says that people can correct age-related
declines in the immune system, and increase energy and exercise
tolerance.
There are many documented reasons why taking a
supplement of CoQ10 can help people live a longer, healthier
life. And, supplementation is particularly beneficial, studies
show, when the enzyme is low or deficient in the body.
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General Information and datasheet (BOOKS & TAPES)
