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The nutrient Co-Enzyme Q 10 is found in every cell of the body in the energy producing mitochondria.

Referred to as nature’s spark plug because the body cannot function correctly without the initial spark from Co-Q 10.

Normally the liver synthesises Co-Q 10 but as we age it loses the ability to make it.

Co Q-10 is a powerful antioxidant which seeks out free radicals and helps neutralise them.

Because it helps oxygen utilisation it therefore is useful for muscles like the heart. The heart is one of the most consistently active tissue in the body a co Q-10 deficiency can affect heart function.

Syndromes or diseases that could benefit from Co Q 10 supplementation. 

• Congestive heart disease 
• Hypertension/ high blood pressure
• Cardiomyopathy 
• Mitral valve prolapse
• Angina
• Coronary bypass
• High Cholesterol
• Migraine Prevention 
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Diabetes Mellitus 
• Gum Disease
• Muscular Dystrophies
• Parkinson’s 
• Male Infertility
• Enhancing Athletic performance

Co Q – 10 May be beneficial when taking these drugs. 1

1.Adriamycin, Methyldopa, Pravastatin, Propranolol, Atenolol, Timolol, Clonidine, Hydralazine.

2. HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors Cause depletion of Co Q 10 Common cholesterol lowering drugs are Lipitor, Lipex, Lipostat.

3. Tri-cyclic antidepressants decrease co Q 10 enzymes such as Amytryptiline, Anafranil, Imapramine and Dothiepin

Checkout our hot Co Enzyme Q10 specials on our home page

Essential Antioxidants , What do they do in the body?

An antioxidant is a vitamin or nutrient that may help prevent damage to the heart, arteries, and other tissues. These compounds protect against cell damage inflicted by molecules called oxygen-free radicals, which are a major cause of disease and aging.

Because they have one or more unpaired electrons, free radicals are highly unstable. They scavenge your body to grab or donate electrons, thereby damaging cells proteins, and DNA (genetic material). The same oxidative process also causes oils to become rancid, peeled apples to turn brown, and iron to rust.

A deficiency in antioxidants can be the underlying factor in many disease or syndromes. Taking pharmaceutical drugs may even use up antioxidants in the system as they are needed to process the drugs into harmless substances in the liver. This is why an antioxidant supplement is an excellent idea to promote longevity and good health and can be safely taken alongside prescription medicines.

Antioxidants we need for optimum health 

• Vitamin E- a fat soluble antioxidant shown to help prevent cancer, protects against cardiovascular disease can help reduce the bad cholesterol (LDL), slows down the ageing process also use for premenstrual breast tenderness. 
• Vitamin A - another fat soluble antioxidant essential for the maintenance and repair of skin, the repair and renewal of the cells that line our digestive tract. Promotes good eye health, and Vit A is needed for immune system support.
• For example those low in Vitamin A often suffer viral infections, and frequent colds and be more prone to sun damage. 
• Co Enzyme Q 10 a fat soluble antioxidant excellent for improving heart function see the article on Co –Q 10 for more details 
• Vitamin C – Humans unlike many animals cannot make our own vitamin C in the body so need a consistent supply from foods. It quenches potentially harmful free radicals, improves cold and flu symptoms enhances wound repair, and alleviates hay fever symptoms and allergies. 
• Selenium – Low in NZ soils it is an essential antioxidant that helps protect men against prostate cancer, and men and women against many forms of cancer. Many NZ’ers are often deficient in this essential mineral. 
• Lipoic Acid- an antioxidant that helps removes heavy metals from the body.
• Certain compounds extracted from foods Of herbs themselves have powerful antioxidant activity. 
• Grape Seed Extract contains OPC’s (Oligomeric proanthocyanidins) OPC’s inhibit enzymes involved in collagen destruction (which causes us to get wrinkles) and OPC’s have anti allergy, anti oxidant and anti – inflammatory activities. 
• Green tea extract is being promoted as having anti cancer activity enhancing antioxidant activity in the body