CoQ10  輔酶 Q10

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, found in the mitochondria of all cells. CoQ10 functions as part of the cellular system that generates energy from oxygen (in the form of ATP) for bodily processes. CoQ10 can also act as an antioxidant to help prevent cellular damage from free radicals created during intense exercise and during the generation of energy. 

·  Slows the aging process 減緩老化過程

   Increases energy 增能量

·  Strengthens the heart 強心

·  Improves immune function 強化免疫功能

·  Promotes weight loss 助減重

·  Enhances endurance and aerobic performance 增加耐力

·  Lowers blood pressure 降血壓

Coenzyme Q10 is part of the respiratory chain as an electron/proton carrier. It functions in the production of adenosine triphosphate(ATP) in the mitochondria of the cell. CoQ10 is synthesized in the cell - probably in endoplasmic reticulum - and is found in highest concentration in cells of the heart, liver, kidney and pancreas. CoQ10 has also been shown to exhibit activity as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant. The theory of CoQ10 supplementation posits that consumption of CoQ10 increases tissue and mitochondrial CoQ10 levels and supports ATP production as well as serving an antioxidant function. 

Since CoQ10 levels peak around age 20 and decline with age, it seems logical that supplemental CoQ10 might be beneficial in older adults. Animal studies, however, have not demonstrated any increase in life-span following CoQ10 supplementation. The antioxidant effects of CoQ10 are well-established. A number of studies have shown that CoQ10 reduces the initiation and propagation of lipid peroxidation in cell membranes and in lipoprotein fractions. Additionally, combined supplementation of CoQ10 plus vitamin E produces a synergistic antioxidant effect on lipoproteins and "spares" the vitamin E. In heart disease, CoQ10 has shown benefits in patiennts with heart failure - 50mg daily for 4 weeks resulted in improvements in dyspnea, heart rate, blood pressure, and ankle edema. cardiac patients supplemented with CoQ10 prior to heart surgery tend to recover sooner and maintain blood and tissue levels of CoQ10 better than patients not receiving supplements. Finally, individuals taking cholesterol-lowering medications (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors such as pravastatin) may benefit from CoQ10 supplements because these medications can reduce blood levels of CoQ10. The one area in which data is most conflicting is for CoQ10 as an ergogenic aid for athletic performance. because of its role in ATP synthesis, it is logical that supplemental CoQ10 may support the process of cellular energy production. Research in this area has been conflicting - with some studies showing a benefit and others showing no effect. 

CoQ10 has a good safety profile. Daily doses of 50-100mg are well tolerated. Reported side effects are rare, but tend to be various forms of epigastric distress (heartburn, nausea, stomach ache) which can be prevented by consuming the supplement with a meal. 

For athletes, the data do not consistently support the use of supplemental CoQ10 as an ergogenic performance aid. As an antioxidant, especially in combination with other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, CoQ10 appears to be beneficial. For heart patients, CoQ10 appears to be especially indicated, particularly in those patients who may be taking cholesterol-lowering medications (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors such as pravastatin). 

Intakes of 100-200 mg per day have been studied with no apparent adverse side effects, but muscle damage has been noted in at least one study of 120 mg per day over 20 days (perhaps due to a pro-oxidant effect and free radical damage in the muscle).