Coenzyme Q10 cited in int’l info center

The natural nutrient coenzyme Q10, popularly called CoQ10, has been favorably cited and recommended in the Wallach Files, a highly respected international information center for dietary supplements and other natural substances scientifically proven to improve health.

A comprehensive analysis of all available scientific data on CoQ10 prepared by Dr. Hemmi Bhagavan, a recognized authority on nutritional supplements from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, concluded: "There is sound scientific rationale for an important role for coenzyme Q10 in the maintenance of cardiovascular health in general and in the management of heart disease and in particular heart failure."

Review of published literature in peer-reviewed journals on the use of coenzyme Q10 as an adjunct to conventional therapy in patients with congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy shows that there is strong evidence in favor of significant clinical improvement with coenzyme Q10 supplementation.

"As a naturally occurring nutrient that is produced in the body, coenzyme Q10 has an excellent safety record and no side effects. Therefore, coenzyme Q10 supplementation as supportive therapy for patients with or at risk for congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy is justified and appropriate, since it can afford significant clinical benefit to the patients," it added.

The statement also added that by improving heart function and the quality of life in these patients, and by reducing the number of hospitalizations, coenzyme Q10 supplementation also has the potential to reduce overall healthcare costs.

Hence, it may be considered a cost-effective drug for heart failure and cardiomyopathy, a condition wherein the heart muscles become flabby and are not able to perform its pumping function adequately.

Patients with heart failure and cardiomyopathy usually complain of easy fatigability, difficulty of breathing on exertion and leg edema or manas. Sometimes they may also have palpitations, irregular heartbeat and chest tightness.

Aside from narrowing of the arteries starving the heart muscles of essential nutrients, cardiomyopathy may also be caused by excessive alcohol intake, toxic anticancer drugs, pregnancy, and nutritional deficiencies such as beri-beri.

According to the Wallach Files study and recommendation, the weight of the evidence based on an objective assessment of available scientific literature supports the health claim that coenzyme Q10 supplementation may help reduce the risk for congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy, and may be used as an adjunct to standard medical therapy.

This standard therapy includes angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and/or angiotensin receptor blocker, low-dose beta blocker, and in some cases, diuretics and digitalis. Dietary salt restriction and other lifestyle changes are also strongly recommended.

Researchers believe that the beneficial effect of CoQ10 in the prevention and treatment of heart disease is due to its ability to improve energy production in cells and its powerful antioxidant activity.

Many patients with heart disease were found to have low levels of CoQ10. Giving CoQ10 to these patients with heart disease, improved their outcome.

One important study showed that heart attack patients, who within three days received daily CoQ10 supplementaion, were less likely to have subsequent chest pains and another heart attack.

In addition, these patients were less likely to die of heart disease than those who did not receive CoQ10.

CoQ10 has also been evaluated in some studies as beneficial in patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, mitochondral encephalomyopathies and also in migraine headaches.

Trianon coenzyme Q10 is one of the popularly prescribed and recommended preparations in the country which is available as an over-the-counter preparation in Mercury drug stores and other leading drug outlets nationwide. The recommended dose of Trianon CoQ10 is one to two of the 30-mg capsules daily.