Want more 'get up and go?' (Coenzyme Q10)

Member Name: laramax

Product:	Coenzyme Q10
Date:	23/03/08 (189 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A great supplement to give you a boost

Disadvantages: Can be expensive

Have you ever had one of those days where it feel like your 'get up and go' has got up and gone? I have! However I think I might have finally found something that helps - if you want to know more read on..............

Nowadays the shelves in supermarkets and pharmacies are groaning with supplements. This is a growing market as people strive to stay healthy and compensate for failings in diet and lifestyle. In my view some are unnecessary but there is one supplement I really do believe thas made a significant difference to me. That supplement is Q10.

What is Q10 ?
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Co-enzyme Q10 is present in all our cells and is found in high quantities in the heart muscle. It is a vitamin-like substance which is essential for processing oxygen and generating energy-rich molecules. It is said that the rate at which you produce energy-rich molecules in your cells is often limited by the availability of CoQ10. Our levels of CoQ10 start to decrease from the age of around 20 and research suggests falling CoQ10 levels play a significant role in age-related medical conditions, especially those affecting the heart and circulation.

Q10 is an antioxidant which acts together with vitamin E to form a powerful defence against oxidation of body fats including LDL-cholesterol in the circulation. Like other antioxidants, CoQ10 seems to protect against hardening and furring-up of the arteries. As we live longer these types of disease are becoming more prevalent in Western society.

Q10 is quite similar to vitamin K in that it protects our bodies against free radical damage and has a protective effect on cell membranes. It is a naturally occurring fat-soluble antioxidant which is necessary for the proper functioning of the cells. We could not survive without it. If the level of Q10 start to drop, so does our health.

It has been found that if we have low levels this can result in high blood pressure, heart attack, angina, immune system depression, periodontal disease, lack of energy and obesity.

Organs that need most energy, like the heart, need the greatest amounts of Q10. Q10 also stimulates the immune system helping our bodies to fight infections better.

Benefits of taking Q10
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Firstly I should say this is a supplement and not a cure. If you have health worries then you should consult with your doctor however there are a number of claims made about how Q10 can help your health.

It can help with the treatment of gum disease and increasing the rate of gum healing. I have used it in low doses in treating pets with gum problems and found it to be very successful.

It can help people who suffer from cardiovascular disease by helping the heart to function properly.

It is said to complement the action of blood pressure drugs.

It can help to ward off the ageing process. Studies using mice showed they increased their lifespan by 50% by taking Q10 ! (If we get a telegram from the Queen for reaching 100 what would you get for getting to 150 I wonder?)

It is a great energy booster - and to be honest this is the real reason I take it each day. It works for me!

Does it occur naturally?
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Yes it does and the foods containing the highest levels include beef, spinach, sardines and peanuts. Cooking is known to reduce its effectiveness though, hence the reason why it is often taken as a supplement rather than relying on diet.

Contra-indications
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I have found no reference to drug interactions or other contra-indications with Q10 however, if you are on medication, it would be wise to consult your doctor before taking any supplement.

Would I recommend it?
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Yes I would. I have been taking it myself for seven years now and really do think it makes a difference to my energy levels. I do have relatively high BP though so it doesn't seem to make a difference to that!

Boots Q10 costs £15.05 for 60 capsules 30mg strength however they are currently available on a '3 for the price of 2' offer.

There are also a wide range of other manufacturers around selling similar products.

Summary: A great way to supplement your energy levels