Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is an extremely important antioxidant and energy producing molecule found in every cell of the body. Your body makes CoQ10 from the same pathway that makes cholesterol. People with low levels of CoQ10 have a higher risk for brain degenerative diseases (dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), cardiovascular disease (heart disease, high blood pressure, angina), and for cancer (breast cancer, melanoma).

Studies reveal the benefits of taking CoQ10 as a supplement. One randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled (the best kind of study) showed that patients given CoQ10 at 120 mg/day had less angina (heart pain), arrhythmias (bad heart beats), and total cardiac events (less heart attacks). Other studies have shown benefits for reducing blood pressure as well.

More alarming, though, was that low levels of CoQ10 were shown to be a powerful predictor for the progression of melanoma and with a worse prognosis for those with breast cancer.

Numerous studies show benefit of CoQ10 for the protection of the brain which has implications for brain degenerative disorders.

The bottom line: If you have concerns with heart health, brain health, or with cancer due to your past medical history or that of your family, I urge you to consider taking 100 mg per day of high quality CoQ10.