Do you know someone who would benefit from the information in this Update? Please share this information with a friend by forwarding my Update to them.
To review Dr. McNabb's privacy policy, please click here
Welcome
to your home on the
web
|
 James McNabb, M.D., C.N. |
Boost Your Energy With Coenzyme Q-10
When people think about vitamins and supplements, Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10) is usually not one that springs to mind. In fact, it is not a vitamin at all under normal circumstances. CoQ-10 is a molecule that aids the mitochondria of the cell to make APT, which is the currency of energy for the cell. The tissue that requires the most is muscle, both heart and skeletal, because muscle demands the most energy. Fortunately, our liver makes lots of CoQ-10.
COQ-10 Depletion
Unfortunately, severe depletions of CoQ-10 can occur due to side effects from several classes of drugs.
Statins
Statins are a class of drugs that lower cholesterol. Lipitor and Zocor are examples. They block an enzyme in the liver that makes cholesterol called HMG CoA reductase. In so doing, cholesterol is lowered. Because the same enzyme also makes CoQ-10, blocking CoQ-10 effectively makes it a vitamin. The serious side effects of these drugs are heart failure, and muscle weakness, which can become severe enough to result in muscle damage, resulting in possible kidney failure. Merck, the maker of the prototype statin drug Mevacor, holds the patent for combining Mevacor and CoQ-10. Current FDA regulations, however, prevent nutrients or vitamins combined with pharmaceuticals. This is a very shortsighted policy. All Statin drugs are known to irritate or damage the liver, and frequent liver tests are strongly suggested. Due to the inconvenience and expense of frequent lab tests, this recommendation is ignored in most cases.
Thiazide Diuretics
Sadly, there are other classes of drugs, which deplete the body of CoQ-10.
Thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), prescribed for high blood pressure, (often the same patients taking Statin drugs) reduce stores of CoQ-10 in addition to sodium and water.
Beta-Blockers
The third major class of drugs that reduce CoQ10 is beta-blockers, which are prescribed for high blood pressure as well. Atenolol and Timolol are examples. If you are taking any of these drugs, singly or especially in combination, you should realize that CoQ-10 has now become a vitamin for you.
Recommendation
People who lack CoQ-10 often complain of chronic fatigue and difficulty getting through their day. If you have been taking any or all of these types of medications, whether or not you feel tired, I recommend at least 100 mg daily of CoQ-10.
Disclaimer:
This site and its services are for consumer educational use only. Nothing
contained in this site is or should be considered, or used as a substitute for,
medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We advise users to always seek the
advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions
regarding personal health or medical conditions. Never disregard, avoid or delay
in obtaining medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care
provider because of something you have read on this site. If you have or suspect
that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health
care professional immediately.
Optimum Nutrition: Nutrition Information and Nutritional Products from Physician-Nutrition.com