Nutrient Spotlight: CoQ10 & Ubiquinol

 
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Are you familiar with the antioxidant called CoQ10? 

CoQ10 is an antioxidant that our cells need to create energy.  Because of this, CoQ10 is essential for heart health and is also an important substance for fertility. There has been quite a bit of research into the beneficial effects of CoQ10 on overall sperm health and egg quality. Studies have found that men using a CoQ10 supplement experienced a significant increase in sperm motility, count and morphology. Studies researching the effects of CoQ10 in women have found similar improvements in ovarian response and egg quality.

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In addition to heart health and fertility, research shows that CoQ10 can help:

  • Diabetes. Although more studies are needed, some research suggests that CoQ10 may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels in people with diabetes, lowering their risk of heart disease.

  • Statin-induced myopathy. Some research suggests that CoQ10 might help ease the muscle weakness and pain sometimes associated with taking statins.

  • Migraines. Some research suggests that CoQ10 might decrease the frequency of these headaches.

Our bodies make CoQ10 naturally. As we age, we make less of it (so our cells and organs have less oomph). You can get small amounts of CoQ10 from many heart-healthy foods, although sometimes supplementation is helpful as well.⠀

Try these foods to get a small boost of CoQ10:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

  • Beef, chicken & pork⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

  • Fatty fish like trout, mackerel & sardines⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

  • Edamame (boiled soybeans)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

  • Pistachios⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

  • Peanuts⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

  • Sesame seeds⠀⠀

  • Spinach⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

  • Broccoli⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀


We have CoQ10 available at our office as a supplement. Feel free to discuss with your acupuncturist on your next visit.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀


https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-coenzyme-q10/art-20362602

Balercia G, Buldreghini E, Vignini A, Tiano L, Paggi F, Amoroso S, Ricciardo-Lamonica G, Boscaro M, Lenzi A, Littarru G. Coenzyme Q10 treatment in infertile men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia: a placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized trial. FertilSteril. 2009 May;91(5):1785-92.

Bentov Y, Casper RF. The aging oocyte–can mitochondrial function be improved? FertilSteril. 2013 Jan;99(1):18-22.

Xu Y, Nisenblat V, Lu C, Li, R, Qiao J, Zhen,X and Wang,S. Pretreatment with coenzyme Q10 improves ovarian response and embryo quality in low-prognosis young women with decreased ovarian reserve: a randomized controlled trial. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018; 16: 29.