Life Extension

According to the National Cancer Institute, coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring substance found in tissues throughout the body as well as in many foods. It can also be manufactured in the laboratory. In the body this enzyme referred to as CoQ10 produces energy for the cells. It also works as an antioxidant, a substance that prevents abnormal cells from grouping into pre-cancerous growths. CoQ10 is being studied both as a possible treatment for cancer and as a source of relief for some of the side effects caused by harsh cancer treatments.

Studies that have been done on animals show that CoQ10 helps the immune system to perform better. This increased performance level helps the body resist certain infections as well as certain types of cancer. Additional studies show that CoQ10 can be used in conjunction with doxorubicin to treat cancer. The doxorubicin is a powerful cancer-fighting drug which has an unfortunate side effect of damaging the heart. CoQ10 works to protect the heart so that the patient can more safely take the other drug. A smaller study on breast cancer and the benefits of CoQ10 seemed positive but also had some reporting flaws which lead to speculation.

Currently CoQ10 is sold only as a dietary supplement. This means that it has not been reviewed by the Federal Drug Administration and is not regulated. CoQ10 may interact with other drugs used to treat cancer. Anyone using CoQ10 or other supplements could disclose all information to their doctor.

The health food supplement and life extension believers extol the values of CoQ10 as an energy booster, an antioxidant and an enhancer of the immune system. They feel that the enzyme can help prevent or treat more than just cancer. They take CoQ10 to protect against heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Other claims by CoQ10 retailers include the ability of the supplement to combat gum disease and obesity.

CoQ10 is structurally similar to vitamins E and K and is a quinone cyclic compound. It interacts with cells in the body on a very basic level, with the mitochondria. This basic cell component is the site of energy production in the body. CoQ10 plays a role in the membrane of the microscopic mitochondria as it produces adenosine triphosphate or ATP. CoQ10 is found in higher levels in both the heart and liver due to the higher concentration of mitochondria there.

As a supplement CoQ10 is taken in doses ranging from 50 to 400 mg per day depending on the condition for which it is being taken. It has drug interactions with statins which are taken for cholesterol, beta-blockers for high blood pressure and antidepressant medicines. Studies have not been done on the effects of CoQ10 on pregnant or nursing women.