CoQ10 – 200mg

NYBC has recently decided to stock CoQ10 in a 200mg/capsule format (Jarrow)</, since many research studies involve supplementation at that daily level or even higher. As a not-for-profit purchasing co-op, NYBC seeks low-cost options for people choosing to use supplements, so this format from the well-regarded Jarrow line seemed a good value as well.

An extract from the NYBC write-up on this supplement–

Clinical studies have shown repeatedly that coenzyme Q10 has potent abilities to assist the heart muscle, and as an adjunct treatment for angina, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, hypertension (high blood pressure), and drug toxicity.

Research has also shown that as cellular levels of coenzyme Q10 decrease, HIV disease progresses. Other studies have documented its immune restorative qualities, including restoration of T cell function. Absorption of dietary fat soluble coenzyme Q10, due to the high inflammatory cytokine levels, is disrupted, so supplementation may help. Many PWHIV believe CoQ10 is an important nutrient to aid in detoxification if one uses nucleoside analogues (AZT ddI, ddC, d4T, etc.) or any toxic drug. Due to this impaired absorption, it’s best to take a form of CoQ10 that is mixed with lecithin or some other fat to improve its uptake. However, it may be that only very high doses will help (like 200-400 mg a day!) This will not be cheap.

CoQ10 is very helpful in conjunction with certain drugs. Studies have shown clear benefit when used with a heart toxic chemotherapy drug called adriamycin. In addition, some have suggested that it is very important to use CoQ10 when taking one of the statin drugs, used to manage high LDL cholesterol since the level of CoQ10 in the blood is depleted when using this class of drugs.

Lecithin and Your Liver

Lecithin has quite a deal of clinical data showing benefit for liver function, especially for alcohol-related liver damage. Supplementation with Lecithin improves glutathione levels as well as increasing plasma methionine and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) levels–all of these being key markers to good liver function and health. (By the way, Lecithin supplementation is a lot less expensive way of raising SAMe levels than taking SAMe itself!) Other recent data suggest that Lecithin can help with elevated lipid levels (which are associated with cardiovascular disease) and type II diabetes (Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2006 Sep;16(6):395-404.). A small study also showed possible improvement in kids with cystic fibrosis (Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Mar;85(3):702-708).

Simple to take, too: one way is just to mix with other powders, such as protein powders, when making a nutritional shake.

For more on this dietary supplement, including dosing suggestions and certain cautions, see the entry on LECITHIN.

Here’s a brief quote from the entry:

“This may be an excellent product for people with hepatitis B or C, according to one well-designed study using 3 grams per day. Other benefits may be for mood enhancement for those with neurological disorders, to enhance cardiovascular health (in the context of a better diet) and possibly preventing or treating gallstones.”