By TERRY S
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound produced naturally by the human body and is required for the basic functioning of cells. CoQ10 levels have been reported to decrease with age and are also frequently low in individuals with a variety of chronic diseases, such as various heart conditions, degenerative muscular conditions, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. In addition, some medications may also inadvertently lower CoQ10 levels.
CoQ10 has been widely investigated for its use in treating and preventing a variety of conditions, including congestive heart failure, HIV/AIDS, Huntington’s disease, high blood pressure, surgical-related heart damage, migraine headaches, muscular dystrophy, heart attacks, and Parkinson’s disease. The most substantial evidence exists to support the use of CoQ10 in treating various genetic and acquired disorders of cellular dysfunction, in particular those collectively referred to as mitochondrial encephalomyopathies. As such, a specific formulation of CoQ10 (called UbiQGel) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat various forms of mitochondrial encephalomyopathies. Dosages for this indication typically range from 150-160mg per day, however doses up to 3,000 have also been reported in some studies. For other indications, doses typically range from 100 to 300mg, divided, per day.
