Over thirty years ago, Dr. Karl Folkers, a biomedical scientist at the University of Texas in Austin, discovered that coenzyme Q10 helps to strengthen the heart muscle and energize the cardiovascular system in many heart patients. In recent years, additional studies support his findings and further add that coenzyme Q10 may protect against atherosclerosis and contain antioxidant properties which may protect against the formation of oxysterols.
In addition to being recommended for certain heart conditions, it is also purported to be beneficial in treating diabetes (by stimulating production of insulin), periodontal disease (by fighting off bacteria that cause disease), weight loss (essential in the burning of fat), and breast cancer.
There are no known contraindications for use of coenzyme Q10, but there are varying opinions regarding proper dosage. Available in capsules ranging in size from 10 to 60 milligrams, most recommended dosages are for the treatment of health conditions, and not for prevention.
As an example, Dr. Julian Whitaker recommends 30 to 100 milligrams, three times a day, for angina and heart disease, and 20 to 30 milligrams, three times a day, for weight loss. Foods highest in coenzyme Q10 include beef, spinach, sardines, albacore tuna, and peanuts.
Nutrients offer safe and effective treatment for many health conditions. But don’t assume that the larger the dose, the quicker the results. Even water can be harmful at high enough levels. Some vitamins, minerals, supplements and herbs can cause acute poisoning if taken in massive amounts. Lower, but still excessive levels for your personal health needs, taken for weeks, months or even years may lead to chronic toxicity.
An additional note: While this supplement has helped some to lose weight do not think of it as a “diet pill.” Exercise promotes the development of an efficient method to burn fat. Muscle tissue is the primary user of fat calories in the body. The greater your muscle mass, the greater your fat-burning capacity. In other words, you must also eat right and exercise, both during and after weight reduction.
About Dr. Karl Folkers (1906-1997)
Dr. Folkers and his group of co-workers at Merck & Co. were the first to identify the structure of and to synthesize coenzyme Q10, which Dr. F. Crane had at that time isolated from beef heart mitochondria. From then on, he continued to devote his primary research emphasis to coenzyme Q and its uses in clinical medicine.
