Talking Health with Dr. Carter By Dr. Lester Carter Owner, Carter Drug Store 11/7/2013

Supplemental CoQ10 not only improves the quality of life, it also saves lives

Coenzyme Q10 has been called the miracle nutrient of the 21st century. It has been shown to energize the body, strengthen the heart, revitalize the immune system, control periodontal disease, normalize blood pressure, overcome infertility, reverse the effects of aging, and more.
How is this possible? Coenzyme Q10 is key to energy production.
It is necessary for the production of energy in every cell in our bodies. In addition, CoQ10 is an important fat-soluble antioxidant that is uniquely able to protect the cells’ energy generators from free radical damage.
Each of our body’s cells contains tiny energy generators called mitochondria. The mitochondria produce 95 percent of our total energy needs, and they can’t make energy without coenzyme Q10. If levels decline by
25 percent, our organs and systems will not have the energy they need to function correctly. Major ill health and disease are the result. A 75 percent deficiency is fatal. On the other hand, using CoQ10 to correct a deficiency state has an overall rejuvenating effect on the body.
While there are ten coenzyme Q compounds in nature, the last one, coenzyme Q10 , is the only one present in humans. During our youth and young adulthood, our livers can synthesize CoQ10 for us, using any of the nine other CoQs in food. As early as our twenties, this ability begins to decline.
By the time, we are in our 30s, we may begin to experience a decrease in energy and a general deterioration of our health. This is the time to start taking CoQ10 supplements.
Athletes have such increased energy output that they need supplementation far earlier.
Continued next week:
A wealth of heart health