HEALTH NOTES

Co-Q10 – Part VI

Co-Q10 has also been researched in both male and female sexual reproduction disorders. In one study, females showed a protective benefit during preeclampsia. This is a life-threatening disorder which occurs in about 7% of pregnancies, in which blood pressure changes and elevated blood sugar levels and retention of fluids all create significant heath risks for both mother and the fetus.

Researchers at the University of Ecuador found that Co-Q10 levels were severely decreased in preeclampsia patients. In a study published in the journal Free Radical and Biological Medicine, researchers utilized three different groups of women: 18 healthy pregnant women; 12 individuals with preeclampsia; and 22 women who are not pregnant and did not have hypertension. In the normal pregnant women, Co-Q10 levels were significantly higher than in either the non-pregnant or preeclampsia groups. When comparing the levels, Co-Q10 measured 1.08 in healthy, pregnant women, 0.86 in non-pregnant women, and 0.70 in women with preeclampsia, indicating that Co-Q10 supplementation could potentially assist in some way in reducing the symptoms in preeclampsia.

Once again, I must emphasize that I give you this information just for your own review and food for thought. I am not in any way recommending that women with preeclampsia should utilize Co-Q10 as a sole form of treatment, particularly without discussing this with their obstetrician, for his/her input relative to this potentially helpful, nutritional therapy.

Other diseases that have been studied and found to have potential promise relative to Co-Q10 therapy include syndromes involving a specific portion of the brain that controls involuntary, motion called the cerebellum. Individuals who suffer from the syndromes affecting motion are found to have significantly reduced Co-Q10 levels in the cerebellum. Macular degeneration has been studied in a research study performed in Rome, Italy. Promising results were found in a research study in Rome, Italy, on patients with macular degeneation who utilize Co-Q10 supplementation. Parkinson’s disease has been studied relative to Co-Q10 supplementation. In Parkinson’s patients who are supplemented with 360 mg per day of Co-Q10 significant improvement was found in Parkinson symptom function. Those individuals consuming 1200 mg per day of Co-Q10 showed a 44% reduction in the decline of motor skills, movement and mental function. This, when compared with a placebo group.

A sixteen month study indicated that Co-Q10 in fact slowed the progression of Parkinson’s disease. This is extrememly important information for follow-up, in that no Parkinson’s drugs to date can slow the progression of this disorder.

As we have discussed in this series of articles, the potential benefits of Co-Q10 therapy may be widespread and far reaching relative to many diseases and disorders. Unfortunately, the implementation and utilization of Co-Q10 by standard medical physicians is lagging far behind the research. Research is indicating significant benefits in multiple areas, although implementation is not forthcoming at this time. I feel that this will change over the next several years, as I have seen changes with such things as Omega-3 fatty acid utilization by rheumatologists and orthopedic groups in caring for patients with various forms of arthritis.