ubiquinone, ubidecarenone
Where it comes from: bacterias, yeast or synthetic
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant possibly capable of protecting the body against free radicals and carcinogenic substances. It is implicated in energy formation and has an immunostimulant activity. It is related to vitamin K.
Coenzyme Q10 is produced by the body and absorbed from food. It is found in spinach, broccoli, nuts, meat and fish. In the body, it is found in every cell, but highest concentrations are found in the heart, kidneys and pancreas. In general, the body produces sufficient CoQ10 but levels tend to decrease with age.
The consequences of CoQ10 deficiency are not well documented. Some believe that CoQ10 deficiency is not the result of insufficient dietary intake but rather of excessive elimination. People with heart or cardiovascular disease, gengiva disease, macular degeneration, hyperthyroidism, muscular disease, some cancers and AIDS have been found to have low blood levels of CoQ10.
Data are limited and insufficient to clearly establish it's usefulness in the treatment of most medical problems.
Used doses: 150 to 600 mg daily
Used doses: 150 mg daily
Used doses: 50 to 150 mg daily in divided doses.
Used doses: 100 mg daily, in divided doses, have been used.
Used doses:300, 600 and 1200 mg per day
Used doses: 200 mg daily, in divided doses, have yielded encouraging results.
There is insufficient reliable information to conclude that coenzyme Q10 is effective in any other indication, including topical use.
Before taking CoQ10, check with your pharmacist to make sure that there are no interactions with your regular medication.
In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.
Medicinal plant contents vary naturally from plant to plant - just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.
For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.
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The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.