Coenzyme Q10 + Vitamin E

[Nutrition Adviser Product Information]

Rationale

Wassen Coenzyme Q10 + Vitamin E has been formulated to provide a 10 mg dose of coenzyme Q10 in combination with vitamin E. From our experience it would seem that some individuals find this dose of coenzyme Q10 quite sufficient in order to note a benefit, whilst others require a higher dose. Vitamin E has been combined with coenzyme Q10 as it may help to protect coenzyme Q10 and stimulate its production.

Description of coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (2,3 dimethoxy-5 methyl-6-decaprenyl benzoquinone) is also known as ubiquinone. The word 'ubiquinone' comes from the same latin route as 'ubiquitous'. (1)

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has a similar chemical structure to vitamin K, which is a fat-soluble vitamin. However, as coenzyme Q10 can be synthesised in the body it is not strictly, speaking, a vitamin.

CoQ10 is in every plant and animal cell. Mackerel, salmon and sardines contain the highest amount of CoQ10.

Function of coenzyme Q10

CoQ10 is a co-factor in the electron-transport chain, a series of oxidation-reduction reactions, which yields adenosine triphosphate (ATP) the basic energy molecule of the cells.

It is now well established that CoQ10 plays a part in the process of biological energy transduction. In addition, CoQ10 has been shown to increase antioxidant protection in the lipid part of membranes (2). Due to the involvement of CoQ10 with ATP synthesis, this substance is essential for the health of all human tissues and organs. CoQ10 seems to affect, primarily, the cells that are metabolically most active, such as those of the heart, gastric mucosa, gingiva and the immune system (3,4).

Whilst the body is able to synthesise CoQ10, a shortfall may occur. This could be due to the ageing process, nutrient deficiencies or certain physiological changes that may adversely affect the utilisation of CoQ10, thus increasing the requirement of this substance (4).

Low cellular levels of Coenzyme Q10 have been associated with the following conditions:-

• Muscular Dystrophy
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Congestive Heart Failure
• High Blood Pressure
• Cardiomyopathy
• Mitral Valve Prolapse
• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
• Angina
• Diabetus Mellitus
• Periodontal Disease
• Immune Deficiency
• Weight Loss
• In addition it may act as a Performance-Enhancing Agent in Athletes

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is primarily an anti-oxidant vitamin. It prevents damage caused by oxidation to polyunsaturated fatty acids found in cell membranes and the cell nuclei. (5) A research study indicates that vitamin E may have a stimulating effect on the body's production of coenzyme Q10. (6)

References:

1. Steven Greenberg & William H. Frischman, Co-Enzyme Q10: A New Drug for Cardiovascular Disease, J. Clin Pharmacol, 1990, 30: 596-608

2. F. L. Crane, Programme and Abstracts, Seventh International Symposium on the Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q10, Sep. 18 and 19 1992, Copenhagen, Denmark.

3. Monograph for Coenzyme Q10, Alternative Medicine Review, Volume 3, Number 12, 1998, pp 58-61

4. G. Lenaz (Editor), Coenzyme Q10/Biochemistry, Bioenergetics and Clinical Applications of Ubiquinone, John Wiley & Sons, 1985 p. 436

5. Department of Health, Dietary Reference Values for Food Energy and Nutrients for the United Kingdom, Report on Health and Social Subjects 41, HMSO, 1991

6. R. H. Heinzerling et al., Vitamin E Protects Mice Against Diplococcus Pneumoniae Type I Infection, Infection and Immunity, Dec. 1974, pp 1292-1295