More on Coenzyme Q10

If you haven’t read in the General Health Forum, the post on Coenzyme Q10, this should motivate you to do so. CoQ10 is vitally important for afibbers, especially, but actually every living being. It's important to understand why.

• People taking statins are at high risk of having damage as a result of the drug blocking the production of this essential nutrient.
• CoQ10 contributes 95% of the cellular ATP production to the heart muscle.
• The body’s natural production of CoQ10 diminishes with age, as does the ability to convert the nutrient into ubiquinol. While everyone is different, research indicates CoQ10 production may begin to decline as early as age 20. For some, CoQ10 levels within the heart and kidneys have dropped more than 25 percent by age 40.

In Japan, CoQ10 has been an approved drug for serious heart problems for over 30 years.

Item 1
Low Plasma Coenzyme Q10 Levels and Breast Cancer Risk
Reference: "Low plasma coenzyme Q10 levels and breast cancer risk in Chinese women," Cooney RV, Dai Q, et al, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 2011 April 5; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii, USA).

Summary: In a prospective, nested, case-control study involving 340 Chinese women with breast cancer and 653 age-matched controls, conditional logistic regression modeling, adjusted for age and age at first live birth, revealed a significant inverse association between breast cancer incidence and plasma coenzyme Q10 level, after eliminating cases diagnosed within one year of blood draw, independent of menopausal status. In addition, plasma levels of coenzyme Q10 were found to be significantly associated with circulating gamma-tocopherol and alpha-tocopherol levels.

The authors conclude, "This study reports an inverse relationship between circulating CoQ(10) and breast cancer risk, while the only other prospective study of CoQ(10) and breast cancer to date found a positive association. Lower levels of CoQ(10) in the SWHS population suggests that the two studies may not be contradictory and indicates a possible non-linear (U-shaped) association of CoQ(10) with risk."
[cebp.aacrjournals.org]


Item 2
Diabetes: Type 2 diabetics suffer from elevated oxidative stress resulting in autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Japanese researchers found that as the day proceeded, so did levels of oxidative stress. This oxidative stress depleted ubiquinol levels faster than ubiquinone. In fact, diabetics had approximately 75% less ubiquinol than the non-diabetic control group.

Item 3
In an advertising flyer that arrived in the mail promoting the benefits Coenzyme Q10 for heart health, several statements were offered as bullet points to grab one’s attention (so you would buy their product)… however, the points are important to emphasize..

This statistic grabbed me and was attributed to observations by Peter H. Langsjoen, MD (cardiologist) and CoQ10 expert.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs damage and weaken the heart muscle in just 12 weeks, according to French researchers whose study was published in JAMA and indicated taking just 20 mg of Simvastatin a day lowered CoQ10 levels by 22% !!

Research shows that if CoQ10 levels drop below 75% - you can experience serious health problems which would include:
• Out of control blood pressure
• Irregular heart beats
• Blood sugar imbalances
• Immune deficiencies
• Abnormal cell growth
• High cholesterol
• Breathing problems
• Fatigue and exhaustion.

(I looked for the study but was not able to locate it. I did find several references to the lowering of CoQ10 by statins in other studies)

About 20-40% decrease in plasma ubiquinone was found in humans
treated with different statins [16-18].
Similarly, although atorvastatin and
pravastatin induced comparable changes in lipid profile in
humans with familial hypercholesterolemia, only the former
reduced serum CoQ significantly [20]. These data indicate
that lipophilic statins are more effective in reducing plasma
CoQ than hydrophilic compounds. Atorvastatin administered
for only 14 days decreased plasma CoQ by about 50% in
patients with hypercholesterolemia [21]. Passi et al. [22]
reported reducing effect of atorvastatin, simvastatin and
pravastatin on CoQ content not only in plasma but also in
peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Ubiquinone depletion induced by statin therapy may be
accompanied by impaired mitochondrial function, as
evidenced by reduced oxygen consumption and ATP
synthesis [23, 24]

Myocardial Performance
It has long been recognized that CoQ deficiency leads to
the impairment of myocardial contractility and that its
supplementation can improve cardiac function [147].

Here’s the link
Current Drug Safety, 2009, 4, 209-228 209
1574-8863/09 $55.00+.00 © 2009 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Adverse Effects of Statins - Mechanisms and Consequences
Jerzy Betowski*, Grayna Wójcicka and Anna Jamroz-Winiewska
Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
[www.benthamscience.com]

Item 4
In Canada, they provide a warning about statin use…(this one is on Lipitor)

Effect on Ubiquinone (CoQ10) Levels
Significant decreases in circulating ubiquinone levels in patients treated with atorvastatin and other statins have been observed. The clinical significance of a potential long-term statin induced deficiency of ubiquinone has not been established. It has been reported that a decrease in myocardial ubiquinone levels could lead to impaired cardiac function in patients with borderline congestive heart failure

One wonders if anyone in Canada ie, doctors or patients, is aware of what that means… ‘circulating ubiquinone’…etc...

Item 5
There are 1600 published studies in medical journals offering scientific proof to confirm the power of CoQ10.

Item 6
Robert Rowen, MD, is well known for his newsletters. He publishes useful weekly tips as well. He does sell supplements, so you have to overlook the promo/plug for his brand at the end of this referenced article. The information is still valid and useful.

..." A 2005 study found that diabetics and people who have blood glucose handling issues have 75% less ubiquinol overall compared to healthy individuals. The same profound loss of ubiquinol was found in those with chronic liver disorders such as hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatoma.

Dr. Rowen notes: By taking ubiquinol, you can reverse advanced heart disease. Most cardiologists don’t believe you can rejuvenate dying heart cells. I’ve told you in the past that most of these dead cells are really just hibernating. And when you give them the ability to produce energy, they come back to life. Remember what I said earlier without CoQ10 your cells can’t produce energy. So hibernating cells are probably just deficient in CoQ10 (or ribose, see my website for more information). When you give them ubiquinol, you’ll be amazed at the improved performance of one’s heart."
Source: [healthydoctors.com]

Item 7
Concentration of CoQ10 by organ (ug/g-organ or ml) (round numbers)
Heart 120
Kidney 70
Liver 55
Muscle 40
Brain18
Pancreas 35
Lung 10
Thyroid 35
Testicle 15
Intestine 15
Skin (epithelial) 8
Skin (dermal) 6
Plasma 3

Item 8
Food equivalent sources of CoQ10 – daily intake
15 pounds of peanut butter or…
3 pounds of sardines or…
2 pounds of chicken or
100 cups of broccoli

Item 9
Results with CoQ10 Supplementation
-- 87% restoration of heart function in 8 weeks.
Langsjoen HA, Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen PH, Willis R, Folkers K: Usefulness of coenzyme Q10 in clinical cardiology, a long-term study. In eds. Littarru GP, Battino M, Folkers K: Eighth International Symposium on Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q, The Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 1994; 15165-S175.

-- Doubled survival rate in patients receiving CPR after heart stopped.
[findarticles.com]
[circ.ahajournals.org]

-- 46% reduction in angina attacks and improved capacity CoQ10
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
[www.lef.org] - Making old hearts young again

-- According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, using CoQ10 can enhance the effectiveness of various drugs…including
those for blood pressure, glaucoma and several heart medications since CoQ improves heart muscle function.

-- A Belgian study showed 51.8% of overweight patients studied were deficient in CoQ10. A sluggish metabolism is the result of CoQ10 deficiency. Adequate levels of CoQ10 can help you burn calories to produce energy.
Van Gaal, L., DeLeeuw, I., Vadhanavikit, S., Folkers, K., "Exploratory Study of Coenzyme Q10 in Obesity. Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q", Vol. 4, pp. 369-73, Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., 1984.

The medical journal Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy indicated that by supplementing with CoQ10, the blood flow to your heart could improve by up to 91 percent! It’s been reported that 75 percent of patients have fewer heart rhythm disturbances… 66 percent of patients report diminished chest pain… and 50 percent of patients reduced their chance of a future heart disaster.

Item 11
Dosage recommendations vary depending on the condition being treated and the experience of the practitioner.

Recommended doses for common indications of coenzyme Q10 are:
• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): 50 – 100 mg in two or three divided doses1
• Angina: 150 – 600 mg in two or three divided doses1
▪ HTN: 75-360mg/day in divided doses9
• Mitochondria Disorders: 400 – 600mg/day in divided doses6
▪ Coenzyme Q10 deficiency: 150mg/day13
▪ Migraines prophylaxis: 150mg/day18
▪ Gum disease: 25 mg two times a day1
• Parkinson Disease: 1200mg/day10
[ucdenver.edu]

Item 12
Ubiquinol or Ubiquinone… which form for you?

Be sure it isn’t a powdered or crystal form. The Q-gels types are specifically formulated to assist with absorption and may add vitamin E and D-limonene. The nano-particle is especially effective. The VESIsorb™ technology allows for a powdered, nano colloidal delivery system that is rapidly absorbable as noted by serum measurement. You have to study the labeling fine print. Drs. Best has one. [www.douglaslabs.com]

It is found that in some individuals have difficulty converting ubiquinone to the active form, ubiquinol, especially those 40 and older. Both forms are used and recirculated continually by the body, but in some cases, using either a combination of both forms or high doses of the ubiquinol form are more effective. The ubiquinol form is more costly; yet if you take the other, it may not be effective.

Dr Langsjoen’s well-known study in congestive heart failure patients high doses of the ubiquinol form were needed for improvement.
Researchers at East Texas Medical Center found that patients with advanced congestive heart failure taking high doses of ubiquinone CoQ10 were not able to achieve adequate improvements in blood serum CoQ10 levels. When switched to ubiquinol, blood CoQ10 levels improved dramatically with a consequential improvement in clinical symptoms and left ventricular function. It is also being studied for its effects on TNF alpha, and therefore, inflammation. (see reference #7 in the General Health post –Coenzyme Q10 – The Spark of Life)

Kaneka holds the ubiquinol patent. Here’s their website
[www.kanekaqh.com]

There is now a book on Ubiquinol
[www.kanekaqh.com]

[www.kanekatexas.com]

References:

[faculty.washington.edu]

Folkers K, Langsjoen P, Willis R, Richardson P, Xia L-J, Ye C-Q, Tamagawa H:
Lovastatin decreases coenzyme Q levels in humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 1990; 87: 8931-8934 [www.pnas.org]

[15] Littarru GP, Langsjoen P. Coenzyme Q10 and statins: biochemical
and clinical implications. Mitochondrion 2007; 7(Suppl): S168-74.
[16] Folkers, K., Langsoen P, Willis R, et al. Lovastatin decreases
coenzyme Q levels in humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1990; 87:
8931-4.
[17] De Pinieux G, Chariot P., Ammi-Said M, et al. Lipid-lowering
drugs and mitochondrial function: effects of HMG-CoA reductase
inhibitors on serum ubiquinone and blood lactate/pyruvate ratio. Br
J Clin Pharmacol 1996; 42: 333-7.
[18] Kaikkonen J, Nyyssonen K, Tuomainen TP, Ristonmaa U, Salonen
JT. Determinants of plasma coenzyme Q10 in humans. FEBS Lett
1999; 443: 163-6.
[20] Kawashiri MA, Nohara A, Tada H, et al. Comparison of effects of
pitavastatin and atorvastatin on plasma coenzyme Q10 in
heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: results from a
crossover study. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2008; 83: 731-9.
[21] Rundek T, Naini A, Sacco R, Coates K, DiMauro S. Atorvastatin
decreases the coenzyme Q10 level in the blood of patients at risk
for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Arch Neurol 2004; 61: 889-
92.
[22] Passi S, Stancato A, Aleo E, Dmitrieva A, Littarru GP. Statins
lower plasma and lymphocyte ubiquinol/ubiquinone without
affecting other antioxidants and PUFA. Biofactors 2003; 18: 113-
24.
[23] Satoh K, Ichihara K. Effects of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl
coenzyme A reductase inhibitors on mitochondrial respiration in
ischemic rat hearts. Eur J Pharmacol 1995; 292: 271-5.
[24] Satoh K, Yamato A, Nakai T, Hoshi K, Ichihara K. Effects of 3-
hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors on
mitochondrial respiration in ischaemic dog hearts. Br J Pharmacol
1995; 116: 1894-8.
[147] Singh U, Devaraj S, Jialal I. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation and
heart failure. Nutr Rev 2007; 65: 286-93.

Jackie

Jackie, There's a great deal of data in your posting. Can I be cheeky and ask if atenolol [25mg daily] diminishes the efficacy of CQ10 and if so, by what percentage?

Jeff - I am not aware that atenolol might reduce CoQ10. I decided to do a google search to see what I could learn.

Testing for serum levels of CoQ is the best approach. I didn't have the time to search extensively to learn about atenolol... sorry.

But... This was quite a trip and it serves as a caveat for those searching for answers on the Internet. Don't rely on all you read...at least from only once source. Do plenty of research before you act.


Here's a response to a question on CoQ10 I could not believe my eyes...!!!


Answer
Dear Barbara,

Cardiologists think CoQ10 is worthless. I wouldn't add it.
Statins may lower the level in the blood, but not in the heart where CoQ acts.

It's o.k. to try stopping the atenolol. Take 25 mg once a day for a week, then 12.5 once a day for a week, then stop. Watch your blood pressurea and pay attention to whether your sluggishness improves. If your blood pressure gets too hign, start the atenolol back at full dosage right away.

Please let me know if your sluggishness improves when you're off atenolol. I kind of doubt it. And of course write back any time you think I could help.

David Richardson (MD) from Harvard
[en.allexperts.com]



My comment... be very aware of incorrect information coming from medical sources about nutritional supplements. Doctors are absolutely in the dark about most of the vital nutrients that run our body...they only know about drugs which really don't cure us...just mask the symptoms of a core deficiency. Jackie

Thank you Jackie.

Dear readers:

That "Dear Barbara" reply by Harvard MD David Richardson is staggeringly.. deadly. These are the guys that through their "practice" of pretended medical expertise kill the equivalent of 6 jumbo-jet loads of patients every single day. Don't believe it? That is the number you get by dividing yearly Deaths by Medicine (very conservatively 783,936) by 365 (= 2,148 deaths-by-medicine/day). Jumbo-jets carry ~350 passengers. Please get smart about what is paraded as "health care":

Death by Medicine [www.afibbers.org]

Jackie, Thanks for your quick response. I had heard that beta blockers negated the benefits of Coq10, but if you can't find evidence of this, then I am tempted to reduce the dose of Coq10 and save some cash.

Jeff - No - you are missing the point...or maybe I missed the point of your question....

Your heart does need CoQ10 and whether or not you take a beta blocker, you should continue on with supplements. That's why if you can get the serum level tested - preferably at LabCorp where they use test out to the higher values. That way you'll know if you are close to 4.0 or higher, then your current dose of CoQ is 'somewhat' adequate. If you come in around 2.0, that's not nearly enough. Around 6 is where they see the benefits.

Jackie

Jackie:
Thank you again for all of your time consuming research and assembly of documentation on statin drugs and CoQ10.

I have now added CoQ10 to my supplementation list (two slices of bread and these supplements might make a good meal!).

I am presently with the powdered form of CoQ10 ubiquinone and am taking 2 x 200mg daily.

I have ordered the gelcaps of 100mg CoQ10 ubiquinol form and am wondering if I should simply scrap the ubiquinone capsules when the ubiquinol arrives, or if I should combine BOTH until the ubiquinone runs out in a couple of months.

You know my situation here. I think that taking the highest quality form of the supplements is essential and am not bothered at all by scrapping the ubiquinone or giving it to some folks I know that suffer from migraines (?). And switching over to the unbiquinol form in gelcaps myself immediately at 2 x 200 mg/daily or even 3 x 200 mg/daily. From all that you have posted and that I have read I believe that the ingestion of 400-600 mg. of ubiquinol CoQ10 could (willl) be of great benefit to me.

In closing, just a reminder that at my last CT Scan in January with dye contrast, several things showed up that were disturbing to me but did not phase my MD's. I showed extensive erosions in my stomache (I have now begun Mastic Gum/Probiotics); I showed that the sac my heart resides in was showing signs of mucous inside of it on the walls; I noted that the sac that my lungs sit in were also showing signs of mucous buildup on the internal walls; I showed that my lymph nodes were slightly enlarged. To me all indicative of being troubled inside and we are working to build up our immune system and eradicate these issues. I share the report for the benefit of our members:

Accentuated axillary lymph nodes. Limited scans through the upper abdomen show Chilaiditi syndrome and fatty degeneration of the submucosal layer in the stomach in keeping with chronic gastritis. The adrenal glands are within normal limits No obvious pathology
in the liver. The heart is normal in size but there is a small amount of pericardial effusion. Moderate coronary artery calcifications. There are accentuated lymph nodes in the mediastinum in the preaortic
space, subcarinal and pretracheal. However, none of the nodes exceed the size limit of 1 cm in short axis diameter. Both lungs are equally aerated. Relative elevation of the right diaphragm with subsequent linear atelectases in the middle lobe and lower lobe. No relevant pulmonary nodules. No pulmonary nodules in the lefl lung. The tracheobronchial tree is patent. Small amount of pleural effusion on the right side, likely
organized. No sinister bony lesion in the area being assessed.

What I took away from this report was that my insides were somewhat "inflamed and busy", perhaps my immune system being somewhat 'deflated'. I also took away that it is quite conceivable that my AFib is of a vagal nature but not one of my MD's commented on the report asides from saying that they were not concerned. Well, given my history, I myself am somewhat concerned.... medicine in these parts has turned into a numbers game and one needs to educate oneself as best possible and one needs to be one's own advocate.

The more I look at the statin drug damage done and CoQ10 the more I realize how much of a 'no brainer' it has become that I need to be ingesting some significant quantities - and am inclined to dump the unbiquinone and go with the ubiquinol as soon as it arrives..... OR in the alternative go with the ubiquinol at 200mg x twice a day and the ubiquinone leftovers at 200 mg once a day until it runs out.

As a matter of interest my "trots" seem to be settling down; I have a very sensitive stomache.... so am inclined to believe that they were a result of eating 'crap' food on the weekend in Montreal and nothing more.

I would be grateful, not to hijack this thread, but I would be grateful to get opinions as to my plans in regards to CoQ10. AND if you would be thinking about starting D-Ribose once the Co-Q10 regimen and mastic gum regimen are settled in place.

Murray - Thanks for your extensive update. On the powdered CoQ10 you have now.... I'd just add that to the new form once you get it. The old powdered form is typically very difficult to absorb, but when that's all they had years ago, they always said to take it with some fat... like peanut butter or olive oil....so I'd just do that and then dose with plenty of the new, improved highly absorbable. I'd think that you'll need at a minimum 300 mg of the new version. You may or may not absorb the old form, but it won't hurt to try using it up... but immediately rely on the new form for efficacy. Combined, you may get a surprising 'jump start.'

Systemic inflammation is often the result of a response to various foods. At the very least, in your situation, I'd become extremely serious going gluten free if you aren't already. Strictly gluten free. I can elaborate more on that if you are interested. Past posts have addressed it at various times. The idea is to stop throwing gasoline on the fire. ie, gluten is the gasoline that perpetuates the systemic inflammatory response.

Analyze your dietary intake and be sure you are not consuming food additives or chemicals/preservatives from packaged foods. You need to eat as "cleanly" as possible so you don't tax your body further in the detoxification process which is apparently struggling quite a bit.

Because of your H1N1 infection and complicated by diabetes, your healing rate is slow so you have to keep up with your heroics.

I appreciate the effort you are expending here and your willingness to learn how to help yourself. I truly hope you begin to see some progress.

Best to you, Jackie

Murray - I realize I did not comment on your ribose question. If you have it on hand, you could start introducing it now... but I'd start with half doses. If your product indicates that 1 heaping teaspoon yields 5 grams of ribose, then I'd begin with half a teaspoon and take it with a meal as ribose tends to lower blood glucose and you don't want to upset your balance. It will not contribute to your glucose load because it's not the same type of "sugar." I have a lot of ribose information I can share if you want to read more... just email me.

I'd do that small dose for a week, at least. If you feel fine, then I'd try using a second half-dose with another meal and very gradually, ramp up your dosing until you are at two, 5-gram doses a day. The optimal is three, 5-gram doses.

If you notice it stabilizes your heart and provides more overall energy, you'll know it's an important addition.

Good luck with all your experiments. I'm glad you are seeing the connection with the statin consequences and other issues.

Be well, Jackie

Jackie:
I cannot thank you and the others that share their knowledge enough. It has been the way human beings have learned for millenia... mouth to ear. And in paying back and paying forward a good percentage of those that benefit will continue ... mouth to ear.

I was pleased to be able to contribute some small information from my background as an electronics technician and amateur radio operator regarding RF and ionizing energy fields and the new laws that are being put into place by Industry Canada and the FCC... fighting tooth and nail against the big Power Companies who want to dump huge amounts of RF energy into their power lines (read = antennas!) for the transmission of packet data (read = internet money).