CoQ10 Supplementation
Muscles are the key to remaining youthful. Once there is a loss of muscle mass, the body packs on weight and a person feels old. To prevent this antioxidants like CoQ10 are required to fight the free radical damage that causes oxidative stress and physical degeneration.
Ubiquinol form of CoQ10 is the most important one for the heart and sustained energy.
The type of CoQ10 found in most supplements which has been around for years is called Ubiqui (none) - oxidized CoQ10. The body routinely converts ubiquinone to ubiquinol (reduced form and the active form). But, if one is over 40 years of age there is a need to take very large dose of ubiquinone to get the potential benefits as the ‘conversion’ is not very effective and as a result full benefits may not obtained.
Elderly people benefit from ubiquinol more, because it is better absorbed and requires no conversion.
When on prescription drugs, such as digitalis and ACE inhibitors for heart failure or cardiomyopathy, CoQ10 can prove to be a very beneficial additional supplement. One may even need less of the medicine post supplementation.
According to medical experts, below given is a general guideline for supplementation under normal conditions:
PRECAUTION: You need to consult a doctor regarding your intake of CoQ10 supplementation to avoid adverse affects.
- 30 to 50 mg of CoQ10 daily for 20 to 30 years old
- 100 mg daily for 30 to 50 years old
- 200 mg daily for the age of 50 or above
- 100 - 200 mg daily in case of heart ailments or dyslipidemia
- 100 – 200 mg daily in case of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
- 200 – 300 mg daily incase of multiple sclerosis
- 300 – 600 mg daily in case of cardiomyopathy
- 500 – 600 mg daily in case of metastatic cancer, half the dose for cancer stricken children
One can work it around with a nutritionally oriented physician or a nutritionist.
Energy-boosting effect can further be enhanced by taking L-carnitine (or acetyl-L-carnitine), alpha-lipoic acid, ribose, creatine monohydrate, and quercetin. For boosting the food intake of CoQ10, some organ meats, such as heart and liver could be included in the diet.
