As many of us have learned in science class, mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell because of their role in energy production. When mitochondria become dysfunctional, energy production comes to a grand halt. This dysfunction is often a result of a mitochondrial disease or disorder, including “autism, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, muscular dystrophy, Lou Gehrig’s disease, diabetes, and cancer,” (1). According to the Cleveland Clinic, one in 5,000 individuals has mitochondrial disease and approximately 1,000 to 4,000 US children are born with this disease every year.
Current treatments for mitochondrial diseases rely on alleviating the severity of the symptoms rather than eliminating them. A common intervention for symptom relief is exercise. However, symptom relief for more serious forms of mitochondrial disease requires a more intensive intervention (2).
A common strategy is the so-called “mitochondrial cocktail”, a mixture of vitamins and supplements, designed to counteract mitochondrial dysfunction. Common “ingredients” of a “mitochondrial cocktail” include L-carnitine, Coenzyme Q10, riboflavin, and thiamine (2).
Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like powerful antioxidant nutrient naturally found in every cell in our body. It is necessary for the production of cellular energy, which is essential for every single process of life. Ubiquinol is the active, antioxidant, form of Coenzyme Q10. It shuttles and delivers electrons to oxygen to assist in energy production.
Not only can Coenzyme Q10 be beneficial in those who with mitochondrial disease, but also can be beneficial in those who are chronically fatigued, over the age of 40, or in those who exercise often.
Coenzyme Q10, as an energy producer, has also been shown to promote cardiovascular health, due to the heart’s high energy demands.
Furthermore, numerous scientific studies have indicated the need for Coenzyme Q10-containing supplements for prevention and successful treatment of disorders associated with the gums—or other supporting structures of the teeth. A majority of patients with periodontal disease have a Coenzyme Q10 deficiency. Scientific evidence suggests the “extraordinary” healing power of Coenzyme Q10 supplements on periodontal disease. An adequate supply of Coenzyme Q10 ensures efficient energy production and tissue oxygenation for the healing and repair of periodontal tissue. Health experts believe that Coenzyme Q10 supplementation can be used for the treatment of periodontitis, by itself, or in combination with traditional non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Supplementation for Coenzyme Q10 can be found at epic4health in the form of H2Q—a Bioenhanced Coenzyme Q10 for enhanced dissolution and easier absorption. In fact, H2Q promotes absorption up to 8 times over standard Coenzyme Q10! Once Coenzyme Q10 is absorbed, it is released into the the bloodstream where cellular uptake occurs.
In addition to H2Q, Health Thru Nutrition recently debuted Cellurex—a unique formulation of red spinach extract leaves, pyrroloquinoline quinone, Coenzyme Q10, L-Arginine, and epicatechin. Together, these ingredients may have a beneficial effect on a variety diseases and conditions related to mitochondrial dysfunction.
For more information, visit epic4health.
References
(1) Mitochondrial Diseases. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/ diseases/ 15612-mitochondrial-diseases Accessed June 7, 2018.
(2) Slone J, Gui B, Huang T. The current landscape for the treatment of mitochondrial disorders. Journal of Genetics and Genomic 2018; 45(2): 71-77