CARDIO PLUS

CoQ10 50mg 60 capsules

CoQ10 is a naturally occurring nutrient found in each cell of the body. CoQ10
was first identified by
University of Wisconsin researchers in 1957. CoQ10 -- also spelled CoQ 10 --
is found in foods, particularly
in fish and meats. In addition to playing a significant role in the energy system
of each of our cells, CoQ10 is
also believed to have antioxidant properties. Many who take CoQ10 notice
that this nutrient enhances
physical energy.

For which conditions is CoQ10 helpful?

Studies with CoQ10 have mostly focused on its role involving certain types of
cardiovascular diseases,
including congestive heart failure and hypertension. However, CoQ10 has
also been evaluated for high
cholesterol and in diabetes.
Studies with CoQ10

Diabetes: CoQ10 may be beneficial in diabetics. It helps improve the function

of endothelial cells lining
blood vessels and may slightly help with blood sugar control.

Heart Attacks: In a small trial of patients with recent myocardial infarction,

CoQ10 -- used in addition to
aspirin and cholesterol-lowering drugs -- decreased the likelihood of further
cardiac events for at least one
year after the heart attack. The dosage of CoQ10 used in the study was 60
mg twice daily.

Heart Failure: One study in patients with heart failure showed significant
improvement in functional status,
clinical symptoms, and quality of life in end stage heart failure patients who
were placed on CoQ10 (see
bottom of page).

Hypertension: CoQ10 may help lower blood pressure by a small amount in

some people.

Cholesterol: Individuals on cholesterol medicines of the statin class such as

Lipitor and others, may
consider taking CoQ10 supplements since statins decrease blood CoQ10
levels (see study bottom of page).

How does CoQ10 work?

Each cell in the body needs a source of energy to survive, so cells break
down sugars, fats, and amino
acids to make energy. Small enclosures within cells that make this energy are
called mitochondria. CoQ10
exists naturally in our mitochondria and carries electrons involved in energy
metabolism. CoQ10 is essential
in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the basic energy molecule
of each cell.

In the bloodstream, CoQ10 is mainly transported by lipoproteins such as LDL

(low-density lipoprotein) and
HDL (high-density lipoprotein). It is thought that CoQ10 is one of the first
antioxidants to be depleted when
LDL is subjected to oxidation. Hence, CoQ10 is an important nutrient that
prevents the oxidation of
lipoproteins, thus potentially reducing the risk of arteries from forming plaques
and getting damaged.
In healthy individuals, CoQ10 is found in high concentrations in the heart,
kidneys, and liver.

CoQ10 and Drug interactions

The administration of CoQ10 and warfarin does not significantly affect the
anticoagulant effect of warfarin in
rats. A Human trial shows Co Q10 and Ginkgo biloba do not influence the
clinical effect of warfarin. Those
who take statin drugs may consider taking additional CoQ10.
Side Effects and Cautions

High dosages of CoQ10 can induce restlessness and insomnia. Long term
effects of high dose CoQ10 use
are not clear at this time.

CoQ10 Recommendations

CoQ10 is probably beneficial in cardiovascular conditions and this nutrient will

likely be found to play some
positive role in cognitive or neurodegenerative disorders, but more studies are
needed.
In the meantime, it would seem appropriate to supplement with this nutrient
as part of a long-term health
regimen, particularly for those with cardiovascular conditions. Long-term
therapy with 10 to 60 mg a few
days a week seems a reasonable option for many individuals.

Cosupplementation with vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 reduces

circulating markers of
inflammation in baboons.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Sep;80(3):649-55.

Inflammation and oxidative stress are processes that mark early metabolic
abnormalities in vascular
diseases. We explored the effects of a high-fat, high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet
on vascular responses in
baboons and the potential response-attenuating effects of vitamin E and
coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ10)
supplementation. We used a longitudinal design by subjecting 21 baboons to
sequential dietary challenges.
RESULTS: After being maintained for 3 mo on a baseline diet (low in fat and
cholesterol), 21 baboons were
challenged with an HFHC diet for 7 wk. The serum C-reactive protein (CRP)
concentrations did not change.
Subsequent supplementation of the HFHC diet with the antioxidant vitamin E
(250, 500, or 1000 IU/kg diet)
for 2 wk reduced serum CRP concentrations. Additional supplementation with
CoQ10 (2 g/kg diet) further
reduced serum CRP to approximately 30% of baseline. Introduction of the
HFHC diet itself significantly
decreased serum P-selectin and von Willebrand factor concentrations.
However, neither vitamin E alone nor
vitamin E plus CoQ10 significantly altered the serum concentrations of P-
selectin or von Willebrand factor.
CONCLUSIONS: Dietary supplementation with vitamin E alone reduces the
baseline inflammatory status that
is indicated by the CRP concentration in healthy adult baboons.
Cosupplementation with CoQ10, however,
significantly enhances this antiinflammatory effect of vitamin E.