Take Coenzyme Q10 to avert an energy crisis

As I See It by John Appleton

Twenty years ago I was looking into ways to reduce my risk for cardiovascular diseases, which both of my parents suffered with. I discovered a molecule known as Coenzyme Q10, which is the catalyst for the production of all the energy needs of our cells.  

Unless our cells can generate sufficient energy for their needs, it will be a struggle for us to function normally.  This can be readily apparent in our heart cells, which have very significant energy requirements in order to keep our heart beating 100,000 times every day. 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat soluble vitamin-like substance that is found in the energy powerhouses of our cells, the mitochondria. CoQ10 can be likened to a spark plug in an engine. We can have the engine and the fuel but without the spark the engine will not fire.  

Scientists and doctors have known about CoQ10 of decades, yet because it can’t be patented and sold as a drug, the potential of this vital molecule has not been realised. Coq10 was discovered by accident in 1957 by an American scientist Dr Fred Crane and surprisingly even though it is largely ignored by the medical establishment, CoQ10 has become one of the most sought after supplements around the world. I was fortunate to meet Dr Crane when he was speaking at the 4th International Coenzyme Q10 conference in Los Angeles 2005.

We all make our own CoQ10, but as we age production decreases and as a consequence, mitochondria become less able to meet the energy requirements of our cells. For those of us who ‘huff and puff’ when walking up stairs or struggle to recover even after simple forms of exercise, this could be an indication of an energy deficit. If we don’t address this situation as we age and the heart becomes less and less able to circulate the blood around the body, more serious conditions such as heart failure may manifest. 

Many older people may be unknowingly contributing to the problem by taking cholesterol lowering medications which inhibit the body’s ability to make Q10. Consequences of this can be serious and New Zealand doctors will have received reports from patients suffering with painful muscle aches which are attributable to low levels of CoQ10.  Many doctors are fortunately advising patients on cholesterol lowering medications to supplement with CoQ10. 

We should all be aware that if we want to maintain our youthfulness as we age maintaining optimal mitochondrial function is vital and as I see it this cannot happen without a bit of help from CoQ10. Some years ago as part of a study linking low levels of CoQ10 to aging, 50 ‘old’ mice (equivalent to a 60 year old human) were supplemented with CoQ10 and 50 mice were not. 

The mice that were supplemented with CoQ10 lived on average 50% beyond their normal life expectancy.  This study was replicated three times with the same results. Apart from the very significant extension in life, the mice supplemented with CoQ10 retained a youthful appearance right up to the end of their lives.  

I have been taking 100 mgs of CoQ10 for nearly 20 years. I started out taking the Ubiquinone (oxidised form) of CoQ10 but when the active form Ubiquinol was launched in 2006 I switched to this. The Ubiquinone form which is commonly sold in pharmacies is fine but after the age of 60 we become less able to convert the oxidised form into the active form. Does it help?  All I can say is that I am never short on energy regardless of what form of exercise I undertake and my heart rate normalises very quickly.

There are many ways in which our mitochondria can be harmed as we go through life so we need to consider all options that may maintain their function. Supplementing with CoQ10 is one option that we should all be aware of.  

Dr Fred Crane sums it up very succinctly - CoQ10 = energy = life.

John Appleton www.johnappleton.co.nz  john@johnappleton.co.nz 09 489 9362