CoQ10 (30)
Santegra® product CoQ10 contains the natural form of coenzyme Q10, which is highly soluble in both water and fats. The material used in manufacturing of this product has the highest active substance content on the market today - 40%. The product has been manufactured using high quality pure raw materials and the technology that ensures all their beneficial properties intact, in strict compliance with GMP and TÜV regulations.
In today’s world, a growing number of people are suffering from cardiovascular diseases. In spite of the fact that statistic is far from comforting, we have the power to change it. Our health and longevity depends only on our life style and us. It is not a secret that one of the major factors of a healthy lifestyle is proper nutrition. If for some reason, your body does not receive an adequate amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients - dietary supplements can help.
One of the dietary supplements associated with the heart’s health is coenzyme Q10. The official name of coenzyme Q10 in the USA Pharmacopoeia is Ubidecarenone.
Coenzyme Q10 is a widespread substance, found naturally in every cell of every human being, animal, and even microorganism.
Coenzyme Q10 was first identified in bull’s heart mitochondria in 1957 in the University of Wisconsin (USA). (1)
In the 70’s of the last century, coenzyme Q10 started being widely used in Europe and Japan. Studies conducted on this coenzyme in the past years demonstrated its vital importance for the human health.
First of all, coenzyme Q10 is crucial for the energy production in the mitochondria of the living cells.
Secondly, coenzyme Q10 is a natural potent antioxidant, which protects cells from free radical damage.
Coenzyme Q10 is vital for all organs in the body, especially those with high energy demands, it is essential for the heart, since the heart requires twice more energy than the other organs.
Unfortunately, coenzyme Q10 content in the cells is decreasing with age. The research shows that a maximal content of coenzyme Q10 is observed between the ages of 19 - 21, and by the age 80 it drops down to 65%. (2)
Other factors that decrease the coenzyme Q10 level are the unbalanced diet, the harmful effects of the environment, the intense physical workload, and some medication.
Our body is capable of producing coenzyme Q10 in a sophisticated process that requires a number of enzymes, vitamins and trace elements. The synthesis of coenzyme Q10 can be difficult due to lack of certain substances in the body, since the diet of a modern human is far from ideal.
You can boost coenzyme Q10 levels with some food, such as animal organ meat, mackerel, sardines, peanuts.
A typical coenzyme Q10 dosage is 30 to 90 mg per day. To achieve this dose you have to eat more than a pound of sardines, or two pounds of beef liver!
It is established that most of us only receive 2 to 10 mg of coenzyme Q10 daily - an insufficient amount.
It is considered that the decrease of coenzyme Q10 level in the body by 25% can trigger the pathologic process mechanisms causing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, paradontosis, weak immune response, and an overall decrease in vitality.
That is why it is so important to take supplemental coenzyme Q10 for middle aged and older people.
The researches show that coenzyme Q10 improves the function of the cardiovascular system; helps normalize blood pressure, prevents clot formation, stabilizes heart rhythm in arrhythmias, normalizes microcirculation in all tissues and organs, and improves mitochondrial energy production. (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Clinical trials showed the positive effect of Coenzyme Q10 on gums. (9)
Adequate amount of Coenzyme Q10 is vital for the proper immune system functions. Clinical trials demonstrated that Coenzyme Q10 increased the phagocytic activity of macrophages, and the amount of antibodies. (10, 11)
Coenzyme Q10 is useful in dealing with allergies.
Coenzyme Q10 normalizes metabolism, acts as a catalyst in fat burning process, helps with weight control, and increases endurance.
Coenzyme Q10 helps avoid premature aging, acts as natural anti-oxidant, and protects from the harmful effect of free radicals, and as the result of this has a positive effect on the internal state of the body, and the appearance.
However, not all forms of coenzyme Q10 are equally good. There are natural (trans-) forms, as well as synthetic (cis-) forms of this substance. The natural form of coenzyme Q10 is much more preferable than the artificial one, because it is identical to what our body produces.
CoQ10 by Santegra® is 100% natural (trans-) form of coenzyme Q10 with good solubility both in water and in fats, thus the absorption of CoQ10 is much better than the absorption of standard coenzyme Q10 powder.
In addition to its high bioavailability, Santegra® product has another advantage. Since this product is designed for all age groups, it is convenient to use for those who have difficulties in swallowing a large capsule, for example old people. The capsule can be easily opened, and the contents dissolved in water, milk or juice.
Santegra® product – the unique CoQ10 formula is created based on the latest advanced scientific research, it is a new generation product that has no equal on the dietary supplement market.
As a dietary supplement take one capsule daily with a large glass of water for a month.
Contraindication
Individual intolerance.
Coenzyme Q10 is a crystalline powder, insoluble in aqueous media and poorly soluble in fats, in addition, its molecular weight is quite high (863 g/mol), that is why it is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
The benefits of coenzyme Q10 for the human health is well known, but its low bioavailability has been a problem for a long time.
Coenzyme Q10 entered the dietary supplement market in 1977. At that time, CoQ10 products contained coenzyme in the form of a crystalline powder, poorly soluble in both water and fats. The bioavailability of coenzyme Q10 in the first generation formulations was very low. The first generation products have been manufactured for over 25 years without any major changes in the formulations.
In 2007, Santegra® was one of the first companies to bring to the market the second generation of coenzyme Q10, a fat-soluble CoQ10 complex, which significantly (several times) increased the bioavailability of the active ingredient.
In 2012, scientific and technological progress allowed Santegra® to be the first in the CIS and European Union markets to present the revolutionary, third generation CoQ10! The innovative nature of this product is that it has a unique, dual solubility and dissolves equally well in water and fats. This made it possible to increase the bioavailability of the active ingredient in comparison with the second-generation coenzyme Q10.
The effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 level rise in blood plasma when taken orally depends on the method of the transportation of this substance. Studies have shown that both powder and oil formulations of coenzyme Q10 are not absorbed efficiently. There was a demand to find the new methods to increase the bioavailability of coenzyme Q10.
It is well known that improved water solubility is one of the most promising methods for increasing the bioavailability of oral preparations. Due to its complete water and fat solubility, the bioavailability of Santegra® CoQ10 is much higher than the bioavailability of all known forms of coenzyme Q10 available on the market.
The level of coenzyme Q10 in blood plasma after taking CoQ10 increases almost 30 times.
The absorbability of CoQ10 is 520% -860% higher than that of standard coenzyme Q10 powder.
Standard forms of coenzyme Q10 after oral administration are concentrated mainly in the blood plasma and in the liver tissues; very high doses are required to supply the rest of the organs. The completely soluble form of coenzyme Q10 allows supplying all tissues and organs with this vital substance.
Coenzyme Q10 levels in the brain after taking Santegra® CoQ10 are almost 275% higher than after taking standard coenzyme Q10 powder.
Numerous clinical trials have provided evidence, supporting the use of CoQ10 in the prevention and treatment of various disorders related to oxidative stress.
A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study by Morisco et al. evaluated the effect of CoQ10 in patients with NYHA Class III and IV HF receiving conventional treatment for heart failure. All enrolled patients had symptoms of dyspnea and/or fatigue with signs of fluid retention and no evidence of pulmonary disease. Subjects were randomized to receive adjunctive therapy of either placebo (n=322) or CoQ10 2 mg/kg/day (n=319) up to a maximum daily dose of 150 mg for one year. Assessment parameters at 3, 6, and 12 months included the incidence of hospitalization, pulmonary edema, cardiac asthma, ventricular arrhythmias, or mortality. Conventional drug regimens, adjusted to maintain hemodynamic stability, and patient demographics were similar in both groups. The incidence of one or more hospitalizations for symptomatic CHF in both the CoQ10 and placebo groups were 20% and 40% (p<0.01), respectively. The number of deaths in each group was not statistically significant. The authors concluded that the incidence of pulmonary edema, cardiac asthma, and arrhythmia was significantly lower in the CoQ10 group vs. the placebo group and that treating 1000 patients for one year with study doses of CoQ10 may prevent 200 hospitalizations due to worsening CHF symptoms. (3)
Baggio et al. (1994) studied the efficacy of CoQ10 as adjunctive therapy in an open, prospective, noncomparative, multicenter study of 2,359 evaluable patients with heart failure in NYHA Class II (n=1,715) or III (n=644) stabilized on conventional therapy. Patients received 50–150 mg/day of CoQ10. At the end of the three-month study period, the proportions of patients with improvements in clinical and functional assessment from baseline were documented. The results indicated improvements in cyanosis (78.1%), edema (78.6%), pulmonary rales (77.8%), hepatomegaly (49.3%), jugular reflux (71.8%), dyspnea (52.7%), palpitations (75.4%), sweating (79.8%), vertigo (73.1%), subjective arrhythmia (63.4%), insomnia (62.8%) and nocturia (53.6%). Fifty-four percent of patients had improvements of at least three symptoms. Moreover, 28.8% of patients entered as NYHA Class III improved in score to Class II and 89.7% of patients entered as NYHA Class II improved in score to Class I. The authors concluded that patients receiving CoQ10 improved functionally and that patients in NYHA Class II showed better improvement rates than did patients in NYHA Class III. (4)
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial of 12 adults with stable angina on conventional therapy, supplements of 150 mg/day of CoQ10 for four weeks showed a decrease in both anginal frequency and use of nitroglycerin (p>0.05). (5)
Increasing numbers of the adult population are using alternative or complementary health resources in the treatment of chronic medical conditions. Systemic hypertension affects more than 50 million adults and is one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study evaluates the antihypertensive effectiveness of oral coenzyme Q10 (CoQ), an over-the-counter nutritional supplement, in a cohort of 46 men and 37 women with isolated systolic hypertension. METHODS: We conducted a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with twice daily administration of 60 mg of oral CoQ and determination of plasma CoQ levels before and after the 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The mean reduction in systolic blood pressure of the CoQ-treated group was 17.8 +/- 7.3 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM). None of the patients exhibited orthostatic blood pressure changes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest CoQ may be safely offered to hypertensive patients as an alternative treatment option. (6)
In a randomized, double-blind trial of hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) (1999), the effects on blood pressure and insulin resistance of CoQ10 (60 mg twice daily) was compared to vitamin B complex. After an eight-week period, reductions were reported in the following indices: systolic and diastolic blood pressure; lipid peroxidase; fasting and 2-hour plasma insulin; blood glucose; and serum triglyceride levels. Moreover, an increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and vitamins A, C, and E, and beta carotene serum concentrations in the CoQ10 treated group were observed. However, an increase in vitamin C and beta carotene serum concentrations were the only changes seen in the vitamin B complex group. (7)
Coenzyme Q10 improves blood pressure and glycaemic control: a controlled trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes by Hodgson J.M. and co-authors (2002). The objective was to assess effects of dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) on blood pressure and glycaemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes, and to consider oxidative stress as a potential mechanism for any effects.
Seventy-four subjects with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia were involved in a randomised double blind placebo-controlled 2x2 factorial intervention.
The study was performed at the University of Western Australia, Department of Medicine at Royal Perth Hospital, Australia.
Subjects were randomly assigned to receive an oral dose of 100 mg CoQ twice daily (200 mg/day), 200 mg fenofibrate each morning, both or neither for 12 weeks.
Fenofibrate did not alter blood pressure, HbA(1c), or plasma F2-isoprostanes. There was a 3-fold increase in plasma CoQ concentration (3.4+/-0.3 micro mol/l, P<0.001) as a result of CoQ supplementation. The main effect of CoQ was to significantly decrease systolic (-6.1+/-2.6 mmHg, P=0.021) and diastolic (-2.9+/-1.4 mmHg, P=0.048) blood pressure and HbA(1c) (-0.37+/-0.17%, P=0.032). Plasma F2-isoprostane concentrations were not altered by CoQ (0.14+/-0.15 nmol/l, P=0.345).
These results show that CoQ supplementation may improve blood pressure and long-term glycaemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes. (8)
Decreased serum and gingiva levels of CoQ10 have been documented in patients with periodontal disease. In fact, a small double-blind placebo-controlled trial conducted by Wilkinson et al. found CoQ10 50 mg/day for 21 days to significantly improve several clinical aspects of periodontal disease, including inflammation, pocket depth, and tooth mobility. (9)
Studies have demonstrated that the degree of CoQ10 deficiency is correlated with the severity of immune compromised diseases. A clinical case series of eight adult patients treated with 60 mg/day of CoQ10 reported significant increases in serum IgG levels over 1–4 months. (10)
An open, non-comparative pilot study of 14 healthy adults treated with 100 mg/day of CoQ10 for two months showed significant increases in T4/T8 ratios, indicating stimulation of the immune system. (11)
1. Crane FL, Hatefi Y, et al. Isolation of a quinone from beef heart mitochondria. Biochem Biophys Acta 1957;25:220-221.
2. Harmon D. Free radicals in aging. Mol Cell Biochem 1988;84:155-166.
3. Morisco C, Trimarco B, Condorelli M. Effect of coenzyme Q10 therapy in patients with congestive heart failure: a long-term multicenter randomized study. Clin Investig 1993;71:S134-S136.
4. Baggio E, Gandini R, et al. Italian multicenter study on the safety and efficacy of coenzyme Q10 as adjunctive therapy in heart failure. Molec Aspects Med 1994;15:S287-S294.
5. Kamikawa T, Koboyaski A, et al. Effects of coenzyme Q10 on exercise tolerance in chronic stable angina pectoris. Am J Cardiol 1985;56:247-251.
6. Burke BE, Neuenschwander R, Olson RD. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in isolated systolic hypertension. South Med J 2001;94(11):1112-1117.
7. Singh RB, Niaz MA, et al. Effect of hydrosoluble coenzyme Q10 on blood pressures and insulin resistance in hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease. J Hum Hypertens 1999;13(3):203-208.
8. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Nov;56(11):1137-42
9. Wilkinson E, Arnold R, Folkers K. Treatment of periodontal and other soft tissue diseases of the oral cavity with coenzyme Q. In:Folkers K, Yamamura Y (eds): Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of CoQ. Amsterdam, Netherlands:Elsevier/North-Holland Biomedical 1977:251-265.
10. Folkers K, Wolaniuk A. Research on coQ10 in clinical medicine and in immunomodulation. Drug Und Exper & Clin Res 1985;11:539-545.
11. Folkers K, Hanioka T, et al. Coenzyme Q10 increases T4/T8 ratios of lymphocytes in ordinary subjects and relevance to patients having the AIDS related complex. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1991;176:786-791.