CoQ10, also known as Coenzyme Q10, is a naturally occurring nutrient found in each cell of the body.

This nutrient was first identified by University Of Wisconsin researchers in 1957. It is found in foods, particularly in fish and meats. It is a vitamin-like chemical that is found in practically all the cells in our body, especially the heart. It shows antioxidant properties and the body uses it to generate ATP, a storage form of energy. CoQ10 levels drop after the age of 20 and after 80 years old, it can be lower than the levels found in you at birth. In addition to playing a significant role in the energy system of each of our cells, CoQ10 is also believed to have antioxidant properties and may play a role in heart health. Many who take this supplement notice that this nutrient enhances physical energy. Science is discovering that CoQ10 benefits include everything from helping prevent heart attacks and high blood pressure to possibly treating nerve problems, blood sugar issues, increasing energy and stamina, boosting immunity, and even losing weight.

CoQ10 is essential to the production of energy at the cellular level, and organs that use the most energy (like the heart and liver) have the highest concentrations of CoQ10. The actual work that CoQ10 does takes place in a part of every cell called the mitochondria, and its job is to help transform fats and sugars into energy.

Extensive research has shown that adequate amounts of CoQ10 are necessary to healthy metabolism and organ function. CoQ10 supplements are often used to aid in recovery from heart surgery, and there is a mounting body of evidence that CoQ10 can play a substantial part in preventing heart disease as well as in the treatment and prevention of a number of age-related disorders.

Ongoing research is currently evaluating the use of CoQ10 in the treatment of headache, breathing problems, breast and prostate problems, and auto immune problems.

The body's production of CoQ10 decreases as we age. Normal aging can reduce the CoQ10 levels in the heart by as much as 72%. In addition, a group of frequently-prescribed drugs known as statins (used to reduce LDL and cholesterol levels) also deplete CoQ10 levels. CoQ10 research has shown that cholesterol lowering drugs, known as statins, can actually decrease the body's supply of CoQ10. These drugs act to inhibit the enzymes that are involved in cholesterol production, which takes place in the liver. However, they also inhibit the production of CoQ10 in the process! So the problem with CoQ10 and statins is that while these drugs may lower cholesterol they also lower CoQ10 levels.

If you're middle-aged or older, CoQ10 benefits are particularly important and supplemental CoQ10 can be crucial to maintaining good health. While CoQ10 has been shown to be an effective form of treatment for some disorders, the most dramatic research results have been shown to be an effective form of treatment for some disorders, the most dramatic research results have been in the area of prevention. Not only is maintaining good CoQ10 levels a requisite for ongoing heart health throughout middle age and beyond. Vista Health Products offers one of the finest CoQ10 products on the market today. This product is a great addition to Vista's Red Yeast Rice.