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Linda Lazarides'
Nutritional Health Bible
an essential reference book for everyone serious about health and nutrition
Treat Yourself with
Nutritional Therapy
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Coenzyme Q10 (also
see Energy production)
Vitamin-like substance
Functions
- Antioxidant nutrient
- Transfer of oxygen and energy between components of the
cells
- Transfer of oxygen and energy between the blood and
tissues
Good food sources
- Beef
- Chicken
- Mackerel
- Nuts
- Sardines
- Soya oil
- Whole grains
Deficiency symptoms
- Chronic fatigue
- Gum disease and deterioration
- Heart failure and other heart problems
- Infections
- Some mental problems
- Reduced muscular strength and endurance.
Preventing deficiency
Coenzyme Q10 does not need to be ingested from food, since
the body is capable of making it. However the synthesis of coenzyme Q10 is
dependent on vitamin E, so you should ensure that your daily diet contains
vitamin E-rich foods such as whole grains and nuts.
Comments
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble nutrient with a structure
similar to those of vitamins E and K. Its functions overlap to some extent with
these vitamins.
SUPPLEMENTATION
In research studies, coenzyme Q10 supplements have been found to:
- Bring clinical improvements in Aids
- Cure some cases of breast cancer
- Improve glucose tolerance in diabetics
- Improve congestive heart failure
- Improve heart function (including angina and irregular
heart rhythms)
- Reduce high blood pressure
Preferred form and suggested intake
Although it may be difficult to obtain, an emulsified form
of coenzyme Q10 is said to be more bioavailable than the usual non-emulsified
forms, since emulsified nutrients and fats are taken up by the lymphatic system
rather than the bloodstream, thus temporarily bypassing the liver.
Supplementation with 30-90mg CoQ10 (in divided doses) daily is adequate for most
purposes, but studies using the nutrient against breast cancer have obtained
their best results by gradually increasing the dosage to about 400 mg daily.
Cautions
There is no known unsafe dose of CoQ10 but it is probably
wise not to exceed 400 mg daily since we do not yet know enough about possible
effects at higher doses.
Availability:
Coenzyme Q10 is a very expensive product. Widely available in health food shops
and through nutritional therapists.
Adapted from the Nutritional Health Bible by Linda Lazarides
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