CoQ10 and the Heart

 It is almost impossible to overestimate the benefit of CoQ10 for heart function. The beating of the heart for a lifetime is one of the 3 most energy demanding processes in the human body along with brain function and the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach lining. In one study of 40 patients suffering severe heart failure 69% of those with cardiomyopathy benefited from 100 mg of CoQ10. Among those with ischemic heart disease 43% experienced subjective and objective improvement. The researchers wrote, "The results suggest that CoQ10 is a novel and effective breakthrough in heart-failure therapy and it appears safe, as no adverse reactions were registered."

CoQ10 is depleted by statin medications which can lead to muscle damage. Anyone using statin drugs would be wise to supplement with CoQ10. The nutrient was also shown to benefit suffering of Gulf War Veterans.

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References:

Heart and CoQ10.

Gulf War Veterans

Statins and CoQ10

CoQ10 and Aging

 CoQ10 is a little understood nutrient by the average individual. It plays a crucial role in the generation of cellular energy. The energy factory of the cell is called the mitochondria. The generation of energy involves the risk of generation of free radicals which can damage the cells leading to chronic diseases including heart disease and cancer. CoQ10 is a fat soluble antioxidant that accumulates in the mitochondria reducing the generation of free radicals and protecting the cells. This nutrient has been shown to enhance the immune system and benefit individuals facing potential heart failure.

Ageing, poor eating habits, stress, and infection all affect the body's ability to produce adequate amounts of CoQ10. After the age of about 35, the body begins to lose the ability to synthesize CoQ10 from food and deficiency develops. Many researches suggest that using CoQ10 supplements alone or in combination with other nutritional supplements may help maintain health of elderly people or treat some of the health problems or diseases associated with aging.

Reference:

Summary article on CoQ10 importance.

Tea and EGCG

 People sometimes wonder why NeoLife developed a tea product. The EGCG compound is tea has been heavily researched an shown to protect neurons including those in the brain. It also helps prevent cancer, reduces the risk of heart disease and protects against developing diabetes. Tea drinking is a habit with a benefit while so many nutritional habits do more damage than good.

The referenced article concludes: "Tea polyphenols, especially EGCG has been the focus of research owing to it multiple protective effects against cancer and other diseases such as diabetes, neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Large amount of epidemiological and clinical studies have indicated that supplementation of green tea has significant protective effects against chronic diseases."

Reference:

Khan, Naghma, et al., Tea Polyphenols in the Promotion of Human Health, Nutrients, Nutrients 2019, 11, 39; doi:10.3390/nu11010039.

Pomegranate and Heart Health

 The above study did not mention pomegranate as a source of catechins, but it is rich in these important substances as well as many other important nutrients. A recent article recommends pomegranate as a dietary supplement "for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases." In addition to a wide range of cardiovascular benefits, the article also notes that pomegranate has antimicrobial, anti-cancer, and antioxidant benefits. NeoLife Tre is a 20-fold concentrate of pomegranate punicalagins in addition to the benefits of compounds from berries and tea. Here is a quote from a recent article on pomegranate compounds:

"Pomegranate, an ancient and highly distinctive fruit, is a rich source of natural bioactive constituents. Various studies showed that pomegranate and its products exhibit protective effects on the cardiovascular system. These vasculoprotective effects include diminishing of oxidative stress, positive influencing macrophage-, endothelial cell-, and platelet function, lowering lipid oxidation, reducing blood glucose levels, vasodilatory effects as well as decreasing blood pressure via an inhibition of ACE activity. In light of the altogether promising outcome of numerous pre-clinical and clinical studies, pomegranate is advocated to be used as a dietary supplement for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, thus representing a supplementary non-pharmacological therapy for cardiovascular diseases.

Reference:

Wang, Dongdong, et al., Vasculoprotective Effects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), Front. Pharmacol. Sec. Ethnopharmacology,9, 24 May 2018, 1-15.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.00544

CoQ10

 CoQ10, Magnesium and Energy

CoQ10 is a nutrient produced within the body which protects the heart. This nutrient is a primary antioxidant in the production of energy by the cells in the mitochondria, the cellular energy factory. Unfortunately, the ability to produce CoQ10 declines with age and is notably deficient in cardiac failure. In a study in the European Heart Journal in 2006 CoQ10 was shown to dramatically benefit those with chronic heart failure when 100 mg was taken twice a day. When patients exercised, the benefit was even greater.

CoQ10 plays a key role in energy production. It is not surprising that this nutrient has been suggested as a possible treatment for Alzheimers and migraine. Brain function, along with the beating of the heart and the production of digestive substances (hydrochloric acid) are three of the most energy draining body functions. It would not be surprising if we were to find that this nutrient also benefits digestion.

Magnesium plays a key role in energy production as well. Some studies combine the two nutrients for optimal benefit.

References:

Belardinelli R, Mucaj A, et al, Coenzyme Q10 and exercise training in chronic heart failure, Eur Heart J, 2006 Aug 1; [Epub ahead of print].

Dumont M, Kipiani K, et al, Coenzyme Q10 Decreases Amyloid Pathology and Improves Behavior in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease, J Alzheimers Dis, 2011 July 28; [Epub ahead of print]. 

Islam J, Uretsky BF, Sierpina VS, Heart failure improvement with CoQ10, Hawthorn, and magnesium in a patient scheduled for cardiac resynchronization-defibrillator therapy: a case study," Exlore (NY), 2006; 2(4): 339-41. 

Modi S, Lowder DM, Medications for migraine prophylaxis, Am Fam Physician, 2006; 73(1): 72-8. 

Carotenuto M, Esposito M, Nutraceuticals safety and efficacy in migraine without aura in a population of children affected by neurofibromatosis type I, Neurol Sci, 2013 March 27; [Epub ahead of print].