Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency

The human body is a miraculous web of interconnected chemical reactions and electrical impulses but sometimes even the slightest deficiency can throw the entire process out of whack. Though there are no symptoms, per se, of Coenzyme Q10 deficiency, it is believed that some people lack the ability to produce this compound and therefore are more susceptible to disease. Knowing what diseases Coenzyme Q10 is being considered to help treat is an important part of safeguarding your overall health. As with any unregulated supplement, consult your physician before taking Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) supplements.

Cancer Treatment

because Co Q10 is used to regulate the proper functioning and growth of healthy cells, it is considered a possible alternative or supplementary approach to cancer treatment. Cancer causes uncontrolled, mutated growth while Co Q10 may be able to allow cells to grow normally. Additionally, Co Q10 is an antioxidant which retards and prevents free radical damage to a cell's DNA.

Heart Disease

Because Co Q10 helps cells maintain a high rate of energy conversion, deficiencies in Co Q1 have been linked to heart disease, particularly arrhythmia (or irregular heart beats). In some cases, heart disease has been alleviated (though not cured) by the additional supplementation of Co Q10 under strict physician supervision.

Developmental Deficiencies

In children who have the genetic inability to produce Co Q10 there have been studies which indicate that their brain does not develop properly. This may lead to seizures, mental retardation, and other developmental delays. Also, cerebellar ataxia, or uncoordinated muscle movement, is believed to be caused by Co Q10 deficiency.

Parkinson's Disease

Like developmental delays in children who lack the ability to produce Co Q10 , older adults may lose the ability to produce Co Q10. Much like cerebellar ataxia, this may result in Parkinson's Disease; tremors, uncoordinated movements, and difficulty in walking. Some studies suggest that Co Q10 helps alleviate some of the worst symptoms and may slow the onset of the disease.

Other Uses

As a dietary supplement, Co Q10 is both promising and controversial. People with compromised immune systems (such as with HIV/AIDS) or those who have a genetic defect which prevents proper production of Co Q10 seem to benefit in numerous ways from Co Q10 injections or oral supplements.
On the other hand, those whose bodies can produce Co Q10 properly may jeopardize their health by taking too much Co Q10. Nevertheless, this supplement has been considered in treating obesity, diabetes, male infertility, chronic lethargy, fibromyalgia, certain diseases of the mitochondria, and even to prolong the average lifespan.