Coenzyme Q10 Enhances Longevity and Vitality

Coenzyme Q10 is required for energy production within cells.  When cellular energy declines then cells die faster and the process of aging is accelerated.  The importance of Q10 as an energizing anti-aging nutrient was first proposed in the 1990s.  In fact, Q10 was one of the first nutrients widely touted for anti-aging benefits.  A number of new studies continue to show the importance of Q10 to extend life as well as to support a higher quality of energetic function.

As Q10 levels decline¹ within cells then free radical production increases – which is the equivalent of a cell getting punched in the nose.  Too much free radical damage and cells die.  Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center in New York have now demonstrated that the degree of Q10 deficiency in cells correlates directly to excess free radical production and cellular death.

The weakening of the energetic function of the heart muscle eventually results in the problem of chronic heart failure.  A study following 268 patients for almost 3 years found that those with the highest blood levels of Q10² were the most likely to survive.  Supplemental Q10 given to heart failure patients was able to strengthen their heart function.  Researchers believe that Q10 and other antioxidants can prevent a slide into atrial fibrillation Most common type of irregular heart rhythm that involves the two upper chambers of the heart failing to beat in a synchronized fashion. It may be occur without symptoms or with feeling of palpitations, chest pain, fainting, or other cardiac symptoms.³, and another all-too-common problem in elderly patients that reflects poor fitness of the heart muscle.  Q10, along with other antioxidants, has been shown to improve heart muscle function even in diabetics⁴.

A study of European women showed that those living in polluted areas had lower levels of Q10 and vitamin E, as the antioxidants were used up combating the environmental toxins.  The researchers felt this helped explain why the more polluted areas had higher rates of poor health and mortality.  Every major metropolitan area in the United States has higher-than-desirable levels of pollution which are bound to deplete Q10 and other antioxidants.

A new study has shown that Q10 supplementation boosts protection to the eyes⁶ and helps prevent the formation of lens damage that otherwise leads to cataracts.

Survival potential of the human race is based in no small part on the energetics of reproductive function.  A new study shows that male infertility⁷ is directly related to Q10 levels in semen.  Poor sperm function and increased free radical damage in semen are directly related to the lack of Q10.

Q10 levels are lower in patients with depression⁸, especially when the depression is resistant to treatment or accompanied by chronic fatigue.  Q10 deficiency is common in patients with fibromyalgia Chronic pain disorder characterized by wide spread pain. Research suggests that central nervous system pain processing signals are in a state of dysfunction causing abnormal signaling. (as is depression).  Q10 supplementation, along with other antioxidants, has even been shown to significantly extend life in patients with untreatable cancer¹⁰.  These studies support the use of Q10 to help recover highly de-energized states of health.

All of these Q10 studies support the use of Q10 to improve energy, enhance survival and bolster longevity potential – especially in the context of cardiovascular and metabolic stress.