This hot little nutrient is so important for all women and yet many only associate it with cholesterol drugs. Why do we need it on a regular basis? Let me count the ways…
1) It’s critically important in our electron transport chain. This is the energy making process of our body. Our body goes through a whole process to make ATP which is for energy and requires CoQ10. See the more detailed explanation below.
2) It can improve the strength and function of your heart because of the ATP it produces thereby reducing your chances of heart failure.
3) Some studies are showing an improvement in blood pressure. This is important to note if you are already on a blood pressure medication. Track your numbers as your health care practitioner may need to adjust your drug dose.
4) Other research links CoQ10 with improvement in migraine sufferers.
5) It is an antioxidant and therefore is important to your immune system and keeping you healthy from free-radical damage.
The electron transport chain (to bring you back to biochemistry) occurs in your mitochondria which are known as your ‘energy powerhouses.’ Sound familiar? There are four complexes that electrons must go through. In order to get from complex one to complex three or from complex two to complex three, the electron must get cozy with CoQ10 which then shuttles it right on to where it needs to be. Without CoQ10, a common side effect is fatigue and muscle pain.
If you are on a statin drug, you should really consider supplementing yourself with good quality CoQ10. The purpose of a statin is to be a HMG-CoA inhibitor which lowers cholesterol. The problem is that it also lowers CoQ10 which may end up causing cardiovascular problems.
Most CoQ10 supplements range from 100-300mg and should be taken with dietary fat if it is not already in an oil based capsule. Side effects are few however some experience some GI upset if taken on an empty stomach or diarrhea. CoQ10 does have some blood sugar lowering abilities, therefore if you are on a glucose lowering drug, consult your healthcare practitioner and monitor your numbers.