Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally-occuring compound found in every cell in the body. Coenzyme Q10's alternate name, ubiquinone, comes from the word ubiquitous, which means "found everywhere. The mineral [[selenium]] is essential for the body's natural production of Coenzyme Q10."
CoQ10 plays a key role in producing energy in the mitochondria, the part of a cell responsible for the production of energy in the form of ATP.
Several small trials have found CoQ10 may be helpful for certain types of cardiomyopathy.
*Parkinson's disease : Lower levels of CoQ10 have also been observed in people with Parkinson's disease. Preliminary research has found that increasing CoQ10 may increase levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is thought to be lowered in people with Parkinson's disease. It has also been suggested that CoQ10 might protect brain cells from damage by free radicals.A small, randomized controlled trial examined the use of 360 mg CoQ10 or a placebo in 28 treated and stable Parkinson's disease patients. After 4 weeks, CoQ10 provided a mild but significant significant mild improvement in early Parkinson's symptoms and significantly improved performance in visual function.A larger 16 month trial funded by the National Institutes of Health explored the use of CoQ10 (300, 600 or 1200 mg/day) or a placebo in 80 patients with early stage Parkinson's disease. The results suggested that CoQ10, especially at the 1200 mg per day dose, had a significant reduction in disability compared to those who took a placebo.
[[Category:Treatments]]
[[Category:vitamins]]