Nutrition Bytes

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a component of the respiratory chain with antioxidant properties that has in recent years been advocated as a therapy for heart disease. In the cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure, the evidence supporting CoQ10 use is diminished by experimental design flaws, while that opposing its use is based on relatively solid planning. Although critical analysis of studies up to date suggests that CoQ10 does not have a significant effect on relieving aspects of heart disease, technical difficulties in delivering the supplement to human myocytes may have more to do with this observation than an inability of CoQ10 to alleviate symptoms. Further exploration of the subject is needed.