| One of the most important nutrients, Coenzyme Q10 | | | | that also showed CoQ10 to be effective at |
| processes energy necessary for cells to run. Since it | | | | combating heart disease. However, this trial involved |
| is involved in energy production, it is found in heavy | | | | patients who were already taking regular treatments |
| concentrations in such hard working organs as the | | | | for congestive heart failure. This study concluded |
| heart and lungs. For this reason, CoQ10 may be | | | | that CoQ10 is actually less effective if used in |
| effective for the treatment of heart failure. Have | | | | conjunction with such treatments than when used by |
| there been any research trials into this possibility? | | | | itself. |
| And if so, what have they shown so far? In this | | | | An older paper published in Molecular Aspects of |
| article I will briefly touch on a few recent studies to | | | | Medicine in 1997 examined several other studies to |
| see if we can come to some conclusion. | | | | see if a conclusion could be reached as to the |
| There is definitely a connection between CoQ10 and | | | | effectiveness of CoQ10. Of fourteen previous |
| heart failure, according to several published studies. In | | | | research trials, eight were considered to have |
| Clinical Cardiology in 2004, a research trial was | | | | positive results. The others were discounted as not |
| published that showed a significant improvement in | | | | having examined the data properly for purposes of |
| end-stage heart failure patients who were awaiting a | | | | the study. |
| heart transplant. The study went on to call for | | | | It is clear then that CoQ10 does have benefits for |
| additional research into this phenomenon. | | | | heart failure patients. Of the trials published, almost all |
| A 2005 study published in BioFactors came to a | | | | showed improvement in the workings of the heart |
| similar conclusion. Twenty one patients with | | | | and in at least one improvement in the contraction of |
| congestive heart failure were given CoQ10 | | | | the left ventricle in congestive heart failure patients. |
| supplements and then a placebo. The patients were | | | | While the supplement has yet to be officially |
| found to have signficiantly improved left ventricular | | | | recommended for regular use in treating such |
| contraction in their hearts while taking the CoQ10 in | | | | patients, it may be worth it to people with heart |
| comparison with the placebo. In addition, no side | | | | failure to investigate such supplementation with their |
| effects were reported. | | | | doctor. |
| In the Journal of Cardiac Failure, a trial was published | | | | |