Mitochondria are often regarded as the ‘power plant of the cell’ because that is where the energy needed by the cells are made. One important coenzyme that the mitochondria produce to aid its function is the Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). This coenzyme plays is an antioxidant. Thus, it protects the mitochondria from attack by free radicals which is often a byproduct of the energy production process. By lining the membrane of the mitochondria, CoQ10 serves as a protective layer against the damaging impact of free radicals. But when should you consider supplementing your natural production with CoQ10 dosage?
Why do you need to protect your body from free radicals?
Free radicals are highly unstable and scavenge for electrons from other sources to achieve stability. Another way to look at it is like carbon monoxide which needs oxygen molecules to become stable. The way carbon monoxide leads to the depletion of oxygen which may lead to death is similar to the way free radicals can damage the integrity of the DNA, proteins, or fats when they take electrons from them. As waste products of cellular respiration, free radicals are always present in the body. However, body mechanisms like CoQ10 provide the extra electron that free radicals need to achieve stability, thereby regulating their amount in the body.
Why is mitochondrial health important?
The overall health of the mitochondria will impact on your physical and mental state. If the mitochondria are not working optimally, it will not be able to provide the cells with sufficient energy to fight infections. The decline in mitochondrial health can happen rapidly or gradually over many years. This decline can occur naturally as we age.
What are the signs of mitochondrial health decline?
The sign of mitochondrial health decline can vary from one person to another. However, there are common symptoms that may suggest that your mitochondrial health is suffering. This includes:
· Lack of energy of persistent tiredness
· Erratic blood sugar levels
· Rapidly aging skin
· Excessive feeling of stress or anxiety
· Insomnia
· Significant drop in mental focus
Bear in mind that these are nonspecific signs that may be suggestive of other health problems besides mitochondrial decline. The majority of mitochondrial health problems usually arise from age. However, the process can be facilitated through bad lifestyle choices. Improving the health of your mitochondria may lead to the eradication of some of the symptoms mentioned above. However, if after taking the recommended CoQ10 dosage for a reasonable length of time and symptoms persist, it will be wise to consult your physician for further examination.
Who should consider taking CoQ10?
If you experience the sudden onset of aging skin or a combination of the symptoms mentioned above, you should consider taking CoQ10. In the right CoQ10 dosage, the supplement penetrates the membrane of the mitochondria and restores balance in the level of free radicals thereby protecting the mitochondria from their harmful effect.
What is the right CoQ10 dosage?
When taking CoQ10 mixed with traditional supplements, you may be required to take as much as 500 to 1200 mg per day. However, in specialized forms, you will only need 10 mg per day.
Conclusion
Interestingly, specialized forms of CoQ10 can be taken with other supplements. It is important to mention that you should never substitute a medicine prescribed by your doctor with CoQ10. For example, the right CoQ10 dosage has been proven to lower blood pressure. However, if your doctor has already prescribed other medications for you, don’t ditch them for CoQ10. Also, some medications may interact with CoQ10 supplements. Therefore, it is important to communicate with your physician before taking CoQ10 supplement if you are already on a medication.
