To maintain the vital functions of the human body, the constant participation of many compounds and elements is necessary. One of such indispensable participants in the most important processes in our body is coenzyme Q10. Its second name is ubiquinone. In order to understand whether insufficiency is dangerous to health or not, you need to find out what function coenzyme Q10 performs. The benefits and harms of it will be described in the article.
Element Functions
Coenzyme Q10 is localized in the mitochondria (these are the structures of cells that are responsible for the conversion of energy into ATP molecules) and is a direct participant in the respiratory chain of electron transfer. In other words, without this element no process in our body is possible. Participation in such an exchange is explained by the fact that most of all coenzyme Q10 is localized in those organs of our body that spend the most energy during their life activity. These are the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas. However, participation in the formation of ATP molecules is not the only function of ubiquinone.
The second most important role of this enzyme in the human body is its antioxidant function. This ability of ubiquinone is very high, and it is initially formed in our body. Coenzyme Q10, whose properties allow it to be a strong antioxidant, eliminates the negative effects of free radicals. The latter cause various pathologies, in particular diseases of the cardiovascular system, which are the main indication for taking this coenzyme, and cancer.
As a person ages, the production of ubiquinone in the body decreases significantly, therefore, in the lists of risk factors for various pathologies, you can often find the item “age”.
Where does coenzyme come from
Coenzyme Q10, the use of which has been proven by experts, is often called a vitamin-like substance. This is true, since it is a mistake to consider it a full-fledged vitamin. Indeed, in addition to the fact that ubiquinone comes from the outside with food, it is also synthesized in our body, namely in the liver. The synthesis of this coenzyme occurs from tyrosine with the participation of B vitamins and other elements. Therefore, with the lack of any participant in this multistage reaction, a lack of coenzyme Q10 also develops.
It also enters the body along with various foods. Most of all it contains meat (especially the liver and heart), brown rice, eggs, fruits and vegetables.
When the need arises
As mentioned above, with age, human organs "wear out". The liver is no exception, therefore it synthesizes coenzyme Q10, properties which allows you to replenish energy reserves, is not sufficiently developed to meet the needs of the whole organism. The heart is especially affected.
Also, the need for ubiquinone increases with increased physical exertion, constant stress and colds, which is especially common in children. How in such situations to maintain the right amount of this enzyme in the body and to avoid the development of various pathologies?
Unfortunately, the amount of coenzyme Q10, which is contained in food, is not enough to fully provide the body in need. Its normal concentration in the blood is 1 mg / ml. To obtain the desired effect, the element should be taken in an amount of 100 mg per day, which is almost impossible to achieve only thanks to the coenzyme contained in food. Here, drugs come in the form of various forms that contain enough ubiquinone and do their job well.
Coenzyme Q10: use for the treatment of heart and blood vessels
The range of application of these drugs is quite wide. Most often, they are prescribed for cardiovascular pathologies, for example, in the fight against atherosclerosis of coronary arteries. In this disease, products of impaired fat metabolism, in particular cholesterol, are deposited on the inner wall of these vessels that deliver blood to the heart. As a result of this, the lumen of the arteries narrows, therefore, the delivery of oxygenated blood to the heart is difficult. As a result, during physical and emotional stress sharp pains and other unpleasant symptoms occur. Also, this disease is fraught with the formation of blood clots. And here coenzyme Q10 can help, the benefits and harms of which are described in the instructions for use for the respective drugs.
With its broad antioxidant properties, coenzyme Q10 preparations prevent the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels. Coenzyme also has the ability to reduce swelling of the extremities and eliminate cyanosis, which is why it is also used for congestive forms of chronic heart failure.
Treatment of other diseases
Ubiquinone, according to many clinical studies, has the ability to normalize blood sugar and lower high blood pressure, so it is prescribed for diabetes.
Positive feedback on the action of coenzyme Q10 has also been achieved by scientists in the field of oncology and neurology. Moreover, they all agree on one thing: in the process of aging, taking this coenzyme will be useful even for healthy people.
Coenzyme Q10 is applied to the skin. Its positive effect allows the widespread use of this vitamin-like substance in cosmetology in order to combat aging. Creams containing this element ensure the normal functioning of mitochondria, increase skin elasticity, fight its dryness by retaining hyaluronic acid, and even reduce the depth of wrinkles. To achieve the maximum anti-aging effect in cosmetology, it is the local use of coenzyme that is used.
It also relieves fatigue, improves the condition of blood vessels, eliminates dry skin, bleeding gums.
Release Forms
Coenzyme Q10 itself, benefit and harm which is widely described in the medical literature, is a fat-soluble substance, so it is often prescribed in oil solutions. In this form, its assimilation improves significantly.
If you take ubiquinone in the form of tablets or as part of powders, you must remember that you need to combine such a medication with fatty foods. This, of course, is less convenient and practical.
However, pharmacology does not stand still, and fat-soluble forms of drugs that require combination with fatty foods have been converted to water-soluble. Moreover, it is much more convenient for the treatment of heart failure, coronary heart disease, and post-infarction conditions.
So what are the preparations containing this indispensable compound?
Coenzyme preparations
An example of such a drug is the widely used drug Kudesan. In addition to ubiquinone, it also contains vitamin E, which prevents the destruction of coenzyme received from the outside in the body.
In use, the medicine is very convenient: there are drops that can be added to any drink, tablets and even flavored chewing pastilles for children. Kudesan combined preparations containing potassium and magnesium have also been created.
All of the above forms do not require combination with fatty foods, as they are water soluble, which is their indisputable advantage over other forms of coenzyme Q10. Nevertheless, the intake of fats in itself is very harmful for the body, especially in old age, and it can, on the contrary, provoke the development of many pathologies. This is the answer to the question: which coenzyme Q10 is better. Doctors reviews testify in favor of water-soluble drugs.
In addition to Kudesan, there are many drugs containing such vitamin-like substances, for example, Coenzyme Q10 Forte. It is produced in the form of a ready-made oil solution and also does not require simultaneous intake with fatty foods. One capsule of this drug contains the daily rate of the enzyme. It is recommended to take it in a course for one month.
Coenzyme Q10: harm
Coenzyme Q10 preparations have practically no side effects, and in rare cases, allergic reactions have been described.
In fact, it does not matter which brand the patients choose. It depends only on in what form it is more convenient to take the medicine for each specific person.
Contraindications for taking coenzyme Q10 drugs are pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is noted in view of the insufficient number of studies. There is also no information in the literature about the negative interactions of these drugs with other drugs.
Conclusion
So, the article considers such an element as coenzyme Q10, the benefits and harms that it gives are also described in detail. Summarizing, we can conclude that the use of additives containing ubiquinone will be useful for all people who are over twenty years old. After all, regardless of whether they suffer from heart disease or not, after this age, the body will in any case lack ubiquinone. However, before taking it, of course, you need to consult a doctor.