coq10 benefits

by Minjae Kim storyteller

Discovery and Characteristics of Coenzyme Q10

In 1957, an American doctor discovered coenzyme Q10 in the hearts of cattle. However, it was not until 1974 that Japan became the first to commercialize and market it as a product. Although discovered in the United States, Japan took the initiative to commercialize it due to specific reasons. Coenzyme Q10 is a substance produced naturally in our bodies. Since substances found in living organisms or nature are not protected by patents, materials such as coenzyme Q10 and policosanol are no exception. The lack of patents means no profit for companies, leading multinational pharmaceutical companies to abandon the development of coenzyme Q10 as a therapeutic agent. This signifies that it is not beneficial not only for pharmaceutical companies but also for hospitals and doctors.

Functions and Effects of Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10 or CoQten, exists throughout our bodies. To facilitate the activity of cells in our bodies, nutrients need to be converted into energy. CoQ10 acts like a lubricant in this process, aiding cells in smooth operation. As a result, it is found abundantly in areas of the body, particularly the heart, which requires it the most. This is one of the reasons why CoQ10 was initially discovered in the hearts of cattle.

Various benefits of CoQ10 are now becoming more widely known. In 1978, Peter Mitchell conducted research on how CoQ10 helps prevent heart disease, leading to him being awarded the Nobel Prize. There are also research findings suggesting that CoQ10 delays aging. One of the causes of aging is reactive oxygen species. Vitamin E helps neutralize reactive oxygen species. However, vitamin E can become harmful after neutralizing reactive oxygen species. This is where CoQ10 plays a crucial role. CoQ10 helps reduce the side effects that vitamin E may produce after neutralizing reactive oxygen species. Therefore, when taking vitamin E to delay aging, it is recommended to take it together with CoQ10.

Supplementation and Management of Coenzyme Q10

It is also important to purify harmful reactive oxygen species produced after exercise, and one way to do this is by taking CoQ10 before and after marathons. Although our bodies produce CoQ10 themselves, the problem is that this production capacity decreases with age. After the age of 20, the production capacity gradually declines, and by the time one reaches their 40s, it may become insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to supplement CoQ10 after the age of 40 to slow down the aging process. There are almost no side effects, but because CoQ10 has a strong effect of lowering blood pressure, dizziness due to low blood pressure may occur when taken with blood pressure medication.

Methods of Consumption and Precautions for Coenzyme Q10

The optimal timing for taking CoQ10 is with food or after meals. This promotes absorption in the intestines, maximizing the effects of the medication. Similarly, other vitamins are also recommended to be taken after meals. People with high cholesterol levels are mainly prescribed a medication called statins. Statins are widely used worldwide as a treatment for high cholesterol. However, statins can interfere with the body's production of CoQ10. Therefore, it is advisable to take CoQ10 together with statins. In the UK, there are products available that coat CoQ10 and statins together, allowing them to be taken together.

Product Selection and Purchase of Coenzyme Q10

Most CoQ10 products worldwide are made from raw materials sourced from Japan. Therefore, when choosing a product, it is unnecessary to pay attention to the brand since they use the same raw materials. It is sufficient to consider only the price and quantity. Although Coenzyme Q10 lacks patents and is not profitable from the perspective of pharmaceutical companies or hospitals, it can be considered a cost-effective medication from the consumer's point of view. Coenzyme Q10 has significant impacts on our bodies and can greatly contribute to maintaining health through proper management and consumption.

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