HEALTH NOTES

Q-IO: An Update On Its Effects and Uses

Currently, there are several major studies being conducted regarding this nutritional supplement which has been used for many years now for a variety of different conditions. These uses include but are certainly not limited to strong antioxidant properties, cardiovascular and anti-cancer effects. Coenzyme Q-I0 is a commonly used term for a nutritional supplement called Ubiquinone. This substance is found circulating throughout the body in every region.

Q-I0 is used in the body to increase energy in specific regions including the heart, brain, kidneys, and muscles. It is also a very strong antioxidant and circulates throughout the body to free the body of free radicals which as we have noted in previous articles, have a strong, detrimental effect on the body.

The Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine recently reported a research study demonstrating the strong effect Q-I0 has when utilized on patients in end stage kidney disease. In some instances this study indicated that patients could either reduce the likelihood or totally eliminate the potential that they would require dialysis.

In another randomized controlled study, Coenzyme Q-I0 reduced progression or totally eliminated renal dysfunction in the vast majority of patients included in this study. Many of these patients were able to discontinue dialysis during the twelve week study period.

In kidney disease, toxic waste products are deposited throughout the body and are

circulating in the blood stream. These researchers found that there were lower levels of these blood indicators of kidney disease in patients utilizing CoQ-l O. In this double blind study, only half the number of CoQ-10 patients required dialysis as opposed to the

individuals who were not utilizing CoQ-10. These researchers also found that

antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin-E, -C, and betacarotene were found in higher levels in the bloodstreams of the patients taking CoQ-10 and toxic waste products fell by a significant percentage in these patients also.

Although one out of five patients treated did not respond, researchers found that utilizing CoQ-IO in quantities of 180 mg per day "improves renal function in end stage patients regardless of dialysis status, and can delay or divert the need for dialysis."

So, this supplement has demonstrated strong effects, not only as an antioxidant, but also in helping to prevent or in some instances cure, kidney disease. I am certainly not recommending the use of CoQ-l 0 as a replacement for your current therapy; however, it is something that should be discussed with your treating physician, as an adjunct or an alternative when properly supervised.

Next week we will discuss some of the effects on the cardiovascular system of this supplement.