Why is Coenzyme Q10 touted as a wonder supplement and what does it really do?
CoQ10 naturally decreases in our bodies over the age of 20 as we absorb less from our food and produce less in our body cells. The main function of CoQ10 is a catalyst for metabolism helping our bodies to break down food into parcels of energy. These are in turn used by cells to digest food, heal wounds, maintain healthy muscles and perform countless other bodily functions.
CoQ10 also acts as an antioxidant helping to neutralise cell-damaging molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals that have been linked to cancer, heart attacks and other diseases.
Many other claims have been made over the years that include; slowing the ageing process, aiding weight loss, stabilising blood sugar, protection against gum disease, lowering blood pressure, relieving allergies and boosting immune systems. A long and prestigious list that helps it to earn its “wonder supplement” title.
Unfortunately even by eating only the richest natural sources (such as red meat, poultry, avocados, broccoli) we are unable to achieve more than 30% of our daily need so supplementation can be necessary.
So now we agree that CoQ10 is definitely a supplement worth taking we need to discuss which type. Ubiquinol vs Ubiquinone. In the body CoQ10 exists either in its oxidized form, ubiquinone, or in its reduced form, ubiquinol. Taking CoQ10 as ubiquinol allows our bodies to use it more efficiently as it has already been reduced to its strongest form. It is in this state that the CoQ10 does its most important role as an antioxidant and protector, without the need for metabolism that the ubiquinone form requires.
Recommended dosage is 50mg daily for five to seven days before increasing to 100mg per day, up to 500 to 600mg daily.
