September 2015
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) ranks among the bestselling supplements, with global sales predicted to reach $849 million by 2020, according to a recent study. Researchers report that CoQ10 may have significant benefits for people with cardiovascular disease (CVD), from reducing risk for repeat heart attacks and improving outcomes in patients with heart failure to lowering blood pressure and helping combat side effects of cholesterol-lowering statins.
There is also evidence that CoQ10 may have “significant cardiovascular protective effects” that could help prevent CVD, the world’s leading cause of death, reports a recent study published in Cardiovascular Pharmacology: Open Access.
While these are exciting findings, messaging to patients about CoQ10, particularly in the popular media, is often confusing, leading to less than optimal results and poor supplement choice. Here’s a guide to the latest discoveries about the heart health benefits of CoQ10 and how to make smart choices in selecting supplements.
What is Coenzyme Q10?
Found in almost every cell of the body, CoQ10 is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance that helps convert food into energy. A powerful antioxidant that protects against damage from toxic free radicals, CoQ10 is produced by the body and is also found in many foods, with higher levels in organ meats, such as liver or kidneys; as well as sardines, mackerel, chicken, cauliflower, broccoli and asparagus.
