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Tuesday, 04 December 2012 15:22

Vitamin Q

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Vitamin Q, also known as ubiquinone, ubidercarenone and coenzyme Q (CoQ10), is an oil-soluble, vitamin substance that is present in eukaryotic cells, mostly located in the mitochondria. This plays a major role in the electron transport chain and participates in aerobic cellular respiration, results in creating energy in the form of ATP. In the human body, energy is created 95 percent of time from this process. Since the heart, liver and kidneys require the highest level of energy, these organs have the highest concentration of CoQ10. The body naturally makes CoQ10 to neutralize free radicals in cells.

Think of this vitamin as a super antioxidant. As you age, your body creates less CoQ10. This results in cells becoming more vulnerable to free radical damage. Free radicals are in the air we breathe, the foods we eat, sunlight, pollution, et cetera. Eating foods rich in antioxidants is one way to fight them off. Another way is to apply antioxidants to the skin where they can be absorbed into the live layers to strengthen cells and keep them healthy.

CoQ10 is important to the production of energy for the body. A deficiency can cause extreme physical fatigue. People with low levels of CoQ10 may feel tired, or even exhausted after just a few minutes of walking. Low CoQ10 levels can also cause mental fatigue. Symptoms include difficulty concentrating and memory lapses. People will also experience often mood changes such a loss of excitement, mild to moderate depression, irritability and a decreased ability to handle everyday stress. Deficiency in CoQ10 is linked to increased pain. People deficient in CoQ10 often experience headaches, migraines, jaw pain, or muscle and joint aches. There is also an increased risk of developing fibromyalgia, a chronic condition marked by widespread pain and extreme sensitivity to touch. A weak immune system is also associated with low levels of CoQ10. People with the deficiency are prone to cold and flu viruses, and can suffer with chronic gum infections. Without sufficient energy, the body cannot produce sufficient protective antibodies and defenders like the T-cells and macrophages cannot carry out their germ-fighting functions properly.
Men and women that lack CoQ10 are also at a higher risk of heart disease. Low levels of CoQ10 cause inflammation that leads to high blood pressure and high cholesterol, raising the risk of heart disease. According to research published in the December 2009 issue of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, CoQ10 deficiency also reduces energy in cardiac cells, increasing the risk of heart failure. Some studies have found that CoQ10 levels are 52 percent lower in obese people, leading some researchers to believe that low levels are a factor in weight gain and difficulty shedding excess pounds.
Using topical anti-aging serums and creams that contain CoQ10 can fight the signs of aging. The CoQ10 in a skin care treatment will penetrate deeply to provide antioxidant protection and increase the creation of collagen and elastin. Making CoQ10 supplements a part of your diet will also help boost skin repair and reduce the possibility of free radical damage. Like topical treatments, supplements can increase CoQ10 levels in the skin that help maintain the already existing collagen and elastin in the dermal layers of the skin and improve production. Research has even shown that CoQ10 helps reduce crow's feet around the eyes.
Vitamin Q is an essential vitamin that is necessary for a healthy lifestyle. It will improve your immune system and energy levels, reduce risk of disease, and prevent and repair aging skin.

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