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Coenzyme Q10 Health Benefits
Coenzyme Q10 health benefits include fighting prostate cancer and energy production. All cells of the body produce coenzyme Q10, and its main job is to transform food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy on which the body runs.
Levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, decline with age. The levels also tend to be low in some people who have chronic diseases, such as heart conditions, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and cancer. Some research indicates coenzyme Q10 can be helpful for people who have congestive heart failure . (Molyneux 2009)
A limited number of studies have been done using coenzyme Q10 in cancer. Many reports are related to the work of Karl Folkers, PhD, a biochemist who discovered vitamin B12 and who had a deep interest in CoQ10 and its use in treating cancer. His research inspired others to consider coenzyme Q10 health benefits in the treatment of different types of cancer, including prostate cancer. A Dr. William Judy reportedly treated 36 men who had prostate cancer with 500 mg CoQ10 daily. (Life Enthusiast) All but eight of the men saw their PSA levels return to normal. None of the studies were ever published, and so the claims concerning coenzyme Q10 health benefits in these cases of prostate cancer remain anecdotal.
Results of a preliminary study conducted at the University of Granada reported that coenzyme Q10 significantly lowered prostate cancer cell growth without affecting non-cancerous cells in a laboratory setting. (Quiles 2003) In a subsequent pilot study, a combination of coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, selenium, folic acid, and beta-carotene was given to 41 end-stage cancer patient. Eleven different cancers, including prostate cancer, were involved. The median predicted survival was 12 months, but the actual survival was 17 months, greater than a 40 percent increase. Ten patients survived for less time than predicted, whereas 31 survived for longer. (Hertz 2009)
The typical adult dose of CoQ10 is 30 to 90 mg daily. People who have heart conditions typically take up to 150 mg daily. (University of Maryland) Men who have prostate cancer and who want to explore coenzyme Q10 health benefits should consult their physician before starting supplementation.
References
Hertz N, Lister RE. Improved survival in patients with end-stage cancer treated with coenzyme Q(10) and other antioxidants: a pilot study. J Int Med Res 2009 Nov-Dec; 37(6): 1961-71
Hoenjet KM et al. Effect of a nutritional supplement containing vitamin E, selenium, vitamin C and coenzyme Q10 on serum PSA in patients with hormonally untreated carcinoma of the prostate: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Eur Urol 2005 Apr; 47(4): 433-39
Life Enthusiast website; accessed Feb. 6, 2010; http://www.life-enthusiast.com/exsula/ingredients/ing_coenzyme_q10.htm
Molyneux SL et al. Coenzyme Q10: an adjunctive therapy for congestive heart failure? NJ Med J 2009 Oct 30; 122(1305): 74-79
Quiles JL et al. Coenzyme Q differentially modulates phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase gene expression and free radicals production in malignant and non-malignant prostate cells. Biofactors 2003; 18(1-4): 265-70
University of Maryland Medical Center, information on coenzyme Q10 health benefits:
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/coenzyme-q10-000295.htm
