Other Names: CoQ10, Co Q10, Ubiquinone, Vitamin Q
CoQ-10 is a nutrient produced by the “energy factories” in your cells called mitochondria. Taking a CoQ-10 supplement boosts the way your cells produce and use energy. It also helps your body burn fat ... improves cholesterol ratios ... boosts your physical energy levels ... and improves thyroid and pancreas functions.
By the way, statins -- the widely -- (or is it “wildly”?) prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs -- actually deplete your body’s natural CoQ-10. Statins block production of cholesterol in the liver, where CoQ-10 is also manufactured. Without sufficient CoQ-10, statins can cause liver damage ... irregular heartbeat ... muscle weakness ... leg cramps ... heart attack and stroke (the two potentially fatal conditions that statins are supposed to prevent).
Other medications also can limit your body’s production of CoQ-10, including: Diabetes drugs ... antidepressants ... female hormone replacement therapy ... and blood pressure meds. If you take any of these, you definitely need to supplement with CoQ-10.
When shopping, labels may read “CoQ-10” or “Coenzyme Q-10”, but the more active form will be labeled “QH” or “ubiquinol.” This is a stronger form of CoQ-10, though purchasing that version isn’t essential, especially if price is an issue. Take 100 mg two or three times twice per day, because your body can’t metabolize higher doses.
==Special Precautions of Coenzyme Q10==
CoQ10 and Statin Drugs : Some research suggests that statin drugs, or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol, may interfere with the body's production of CoQ10. However, research on the use of CoQ10 supplements in people taking statins is still inconclusive, and it is not routinely recommended in combination with statin therapy.