Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency

Let's commence our discussion on coenzyme q10 deficiency with a brief overview of what coenzyme q10 is all about and what role it plays in the smooth running of our biological machinery. Often abbreviated as CoQ10, coenzyme q10 is a naturally occurring chemical in the bodies of organisms having eukaryotic cellular structures. This chemical resembles oil soluble vitamins and is found in the mitochondria of most eukaryotic cells. The primary function of this chemical is to generate energy in cells by playing an active role in the cellular respiration process wherein the cells of the body use oxygen to generate the molecular units of energy, the ATPs( Adenosine-5'-triphosphates) that play the pivotal roles as elements of intracellular energy transfer. Since aerobic cellular respiration is the way the body generates most of its energy (as much as about 95%), coenzyme q10 has great significance in the entire ATP generation process. That makes this chemical even more important for those vital organs that require the most amount of energy, viz., kidney, liver and heart. As a result, these are the organs that have coenzyme q10 in the highest concentration.

Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency - Causes, Effects and Remedy

If you paid close attention to the preceding, introductory segment, it must have been clear that any insufficient amounts of CoQ10 in the body has a direct and adverse effect on the heart, liver and the kidneys as these organs need the maximum ATPs for carrying out their regular functions normally. Also, since coenzyme q10 also acts as an antioxidant, a deficiency can lead to weakening of the immune system, making way for a large number of diseases and infections to attack and thrive inside the body. That being said, let's take a closer look at what are the various causes and effects of a deficiency of coenzyme q10 followed by a brief discussion on the ways in which such a deficiency can be corrected.

Causes
A low level of coenzyme q10 in the body can be caused by insufficient intake of coenzyme rich foods such as nuts, beans, vegetable seed oils and oilseeds, fish, meat, poultry and certain vegetables like broccoli, spinach, sweet potato, sweet pepper, garlic, cauliflower, carrots and peas. Another major cause of CoQ10 deficiency is a reduction in biosynthesis of coenzyme which is often due to insufficient intake of CoQ10 rich foods. Also, the rate of biosynthesis can get reduced owing to a lot of other reasons such as aging, deficiency of various other nutrients, consumptions of statins and blood thinning medication, chronic and terminal diseases as well as certain genetic mutations. A third cause of CoQ10 deficiency is when the body uses up more coenzyme q10 than is normal, leaving a gap between the rate of supply and the rate of consumption of this biological enzyme. Excessive exposure to UV rays also deplete CoQ10 reserves of the skin.

Effects
A deficiency of this essential biological enzyme leads to diseases and disorders of the heart, kidneys and the liver, besides weakening the overall immune defenses. The organs that constitute of the immune system undergo cell division at a more rapid pace than other organs of the body. This makes it necessary for the cells of these organs to keep receiving constant energy reserves for continuous repair and maintenance. Therefore, a CoQ10 deficiency leaves the immune system in a weakened state due to a gap between the quantity and rate of coenzyme consumption and the quantity and rate of it supplied at a given time. Such a deficiency directly leads to various mitochondrial and metabolic disorders. A lot of cardiovascular disorders and diseases are also attributed to CoQ10 deficiency. Degenerative disorders such as Parkinson's Disease and various cancers also find their way inside the body when the CoQ10 levels are low and the immune system is not as robust as it is supposed to be.

Remedy
The most common remedy for correcting CoQ10 deficiency is the administration of coenzyme q10 supplements. While such a supplement has been known to be effective in adverse conditions of the heart and the immune system, these supplements have also been known to be effective in treating various cancers as well as provide relief from the side effects of cancer treatment procedures and medications. Clinical studies regarding administration of coenzyme q10 to Parkinson's patients have shown to cut the progression of this neurodegenerative disease by as much as over 40%! Also, including sufficient amounts of CoQ10 rich foods in your daily diet is a good way to keep these degenerative diseases away and keep your nerves, cardiovascular and other vital organs healthy and well-oiled.

Coenzyme Q10 supplements are also known to be effective against periodontal diseases and migraines. Due to its antioxidant functions, CoQ10 greatly reduces the oxidation of DNA, thereby, significantly slowing down the aging process and diminishing the physical signs of aging. The recommended maximum coenzyme q10 intake is currently set at 3600 mg a day for both healthy as well as sick individuals. An overdose may lead to gastrointestinal problems which can be mild to moderate, depending upon the person's individual physical constitution and resistance threshold. Certain coenzyme q10 side effects such as dizziness and nausea may persist in sensitive individuals. Anyway, as advised by many an expert, certain foods such as fish, poultry, nuts, beans and legumes do contribute to that younger look and healthier, more energized feel and the reasons are strong enough. All these foods are rich in essential fatty acids, proteins and coenzyme q10 - all of which are anti-aging and antioxidant agents that take years away from your looks while adding years to your life!