By Christine Cheng, R.Ph. and Fred Cheng, R.Ph.
Our immunity and performance depend on the healthy functioning of our body cells, and in order to carry out their many functions, cells need a supply of
energy. This energy is derived from burning of fuel (food) which takes place in tiny organelles in the cells called mitochondria. This process (combustion or respiration) requires the presence of a co-factor called Co-enzyme Q-10, also known as ubiquinone. Ubiquinone is a Latin word meaning existing everywhere. Indeed, Co-Q-10 is so named because it is present in virtually every cell in our bodies, with the highest concentrations in the heart, liver, kidney and pancreas.
As we age, the supply of Co-Q-10 in our bodies depletes, and supplementation may be beneficial. Some drugs, notably the cholesterol lowering statins are known to deplete Co-Q-10. Other drugs include antidepressants, antipsychotics, cardiovascular drugs, and oral hypoglycemics. People who are on these drugs should consider taking a Co-Q-10 supplement in order to prevent muscle aches and muscle degradation. Athletes and heart patients also need more Co-Q-10 because skeletal and heart muscles consume more energy. People with internal organ challenges such as liver and kidney problems also need more Co-Q-10 because these organs consume a lot of energy. Co-Q-10 is also a strong anti-oxidant that helps us to fight degeneration and aging. That is how it finds its way into some anti-aging vitamins and creams. The overall effects of supplementation are: less fatigue, improvement in muscle power, exercise tolerance, and performance, improvement in cardiac function, and increase in brain energy. Studies have shown that Co-Q-10 can benefit patients with congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetic neuropathy, and muscular diseases (such as fibromyalgia).
Co-Q-10 is a relatively large molecule and thus not easily absorbed. It is also prone to oxidation, which means the supplement companies must find ways to stabilize the molecule to keep it active. INNOVITE, a Canadian developer and manufacturer of nutraceuticals has developed a water-soluble form of Co-Q-10 that makes it 3 times more absorbable than standard Co-Q-10 supplements. They also have another preparation called INNO-Q-NOL, which has ubiquinol, the most bioactive form of Co-Q-10. This latter preparation makes use of ascorbyl palmitate (form of Vitamin C), medium chain triglycerides, and annatto seed extract to both stabilize the molecule and enhance absorption. Dosage varies from 60-1000mg per day, although doses as high as 2400mg have been studied for up to 5 years of use. Side effects are rare and usually limited to gastro-intestinal discomfort and blood thinning problems
Buy Innovite CoQ10 M.R.B. HERE
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Find them on Instagram and Facebook! Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.
Articles, Q&A, blog posts and all materials submitted for publishing is the intellectual property of Cloverdale Pharmacy Ltd – reproduction in part or whole, in print or online, without written consent and permission is prohibited.
