A new study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science suggests higher blood levels of CoQ10 may improve the outcomes for patients being treated for severe trauma.
40 patients participated in this study in 2018 and 2019. Patient groups were divided into 2 groups, the treatment group and the placebo group. The treatment group was given 400 mg of CoQ10 daily for at least 1 week. Researchers than measured blood parameters like: IL-6(Interleukin 6), and MDA (Malondialdehyde) concentrations. Differences in the length of time participants had to spend on ventilators and changes in both fat free mass (FFM) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) were also noted.
Researchers found the CoQ10 group spent less time on a ventilator than the control group on the average. Additionally participants in the CoQ10 group tended to preserve SMM better and to maintain a healthier FMM ratio while hospitalized in ICU. Usually, ICU patients experience some amount of body wasting. Both MDA and IL-6, measurements showed the CoQ10 group had less oxidative stress than the placebo group.
CoQ10 is found in all tissues in the body and is an essential part of the electron transfer in the mitochondria of the cells. CoQ10 is known for its antioxidant abilities. Low levels of CoQ10 interfere with mitochondrial function which leads to a worsening of both cellular damage and oxidative stress. A 2013 study found lower serum CoQ10 levels in critically ill patients.
Researchers noted that this study was suggestive in nature, rather than drawing a firm conclusion. Additionally the differences in the situation each patient was experiencing and the small number of participants raised the need for further studies.
Here is a little bit more information about CoQ10:
Although structurally related to Vitamin K, Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is not a vitamin. Rather, it is a Coenzyme that helps to utilize oxygen as part of its important role in cellular energy metabolism. In addition, research has shown that CoQ10 functions in a number of other beneficial ways in the body. Here is a brief overview of those benefits:
Antioxidant Protection:
CoQ10 is able to quench free radicals without itself becoming a free radical. This unique property is only shared by one other antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid.
Cardiovascular Support:
Research has shown that CoQ10 promotes a healthy cardiovascular system, including specific support for the heart and healthy blood pressure levels.
Diabetes Support:
Research has shown that some diabetic patients who use diet to control their blood sugar may have a deficiency of CoQ10, which may be further exacerbated by certain commonly used anti diabetic diabetic drugs. Such a deficiency of CoQ10 in the pancreas could impair aspects of energy metabolism, and the biosynthesis of insulin.
Healthy Gums:
Research indicates that CoQ10 helps to promote healthy gums. In Japan, over half the detists recommend supplements of CoQ10.
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