Emma McGowan NatureCity author & contributor

Previous research has shown that infertility in men, specifically poor sperm morphology, can be linked to oxidative stress. Recent research has found that supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may reduce oxidative stress and improve male fertility.

Sperm morphology refers to the size and shape of the sperm. Abnormally shaped sperm may be unable to penetrate the egg.

The study included 60 infertile men, 47 of whom completed the trial. For three months, half of the group took a placebo while half took a supplement of 200 mg CoQ10 daily.

After three months, participants in the supplement group had approximately a 50% increase in CoQ10 levels. The researchers noted a positive correlation between higher levels of CoQ10 and improved sperm morphology.

The supplement group also saw an increase in activity of the antioxidants catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and decreased oxidative stress.

This study was conducted by researchers at Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Iran. It was published online ahead of print on January 7, 2013, in the journal Andrologia.

CoQ10 is an enzyme present in the mitochondria of human cells. It helps produce chemical energy in these cell “power plants” and also has been shown to preserve blood levels of vitamin E and vitamin C. Previous studies have linked CoQ10 with improved cognitive health and reversing the effects of aging.

After the age of 20 our bodies become less capable of naturally producing CoQ10. If you want to increase your CoQ10 intake, try adding oily fish, organ meats such as liver and hearts, and whole grains to your diet. You might also consider a high quality, high potency supplement. Be sure to choose a supplement that is made with ubiquinol rather than ubiquinone.

Emma McGowan NatureCity author & contributor

Prostate cancer often hits quickly and attacks aggressively, making it a particularly difficult form of cancer to treat. A recent study suggests that taking supplements of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or omega-3s may lower levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels by 30% and 33%, respectively.

PSA is a marker used to screen for prostate cancer. It is also used to track the disease after it has been diagnosed.

Participants in the study included 504 men who, over the course of 12 weeks, participated in one of four daily interventions:

1. 400 mg of CoQ10;

2. 4.48 g of EPA and 2.88 g of DHA;

3. 2400 mg of GLA omega-6 fatty acids;

4. A placebo.

The researchers also found that supplementation with GLA omega-6 fatty acids was associated with a 15% increase in PSA levels.

The study was conducted by researchers at the Clinical Center for Urological Disease Diagnosis and Private Clinic Specialized in Urological and Andrological Genetics in Tehran, Iran. It was published online ahead of print on November 30, 2012, in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Omega-3s have been linked to a number of health benefits, including improved brain health, alleviating arthritis pain, better moods, improved joint mobility, helping with age related macular degeneration, and aiding your immune system.

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps produce energy in the mitochondria of human cells. It has been linked with improved cognitive health and reversing the effects of aging.

Emma McGowan NatureCity author & contributor

A recent study suggests that taking supplements of co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may result in a 3.7% improvement in blood flow from the heart in people with congestive heart failure (CHF). CHF is the leading cause of mortality in the US.

The researchers analyzed 13 clinical trials. In these trials, the CoQ10 supplementation periods lasted from 2 weeks to 24 weeks. Dosages ranged from 60 to 300 milligrams daily.

They found that CoQ10 supplementation resulted in improvements in the ability of the heart to pump blood. General heart health scores also showed improvement. The biggest improvements were seen in participants with less severe CHF.

The study was conducted at Tulane University and published in the January 2012 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps produce energy in the mitochondria of human cells. It has been linked with improved cognitive health and reversing the effects of aging.

After the age of 20 our bodies become less capable of naturally producing CoQ10. If you want to increase your CoQ10 intake, try adding oily fish, organ meats (such as liver and hearts.), and whole grains to your diet. You might also consider a high quality, high potency supplement. Be sure to choose a supplement that is made with ubiquinol rather than ubiquinone.

Sarah McGowan-Freije, NatureCity author & contributor

A recent study took a look at the relationship between coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and vitamin B6 blood levels and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). The researchers found that individuals with lower levels of these essential nutrients were at a higher risk of developing CAD.

The study included 45 participants who had been diagnosed with CAD and 87 who did not have the disease. After taking blood samples from all of the participants, the researchers determined that those with CAD had lower levels of both CoQ10 and B6. When they took into account other risk factors, vitamin B6 levels lost statistical significance, but the researchers still recommended that B6 be given to CAD patients because it may boost the performance of CoQ10.

The study was conducted by researchers from Chung Shan University in Taiwan. It was published online ahead of print in Nutrition Research on October 16, 2012.

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps produces energy in the mitochondria of human cells. It has been linked with improved cognitive health and reversing the effects of aging. If you want to increase your CoQ10 intake, try adding oily fish, organ meats (such as liver, hearts, etc.), and whole grains to your diet.

B vitamins play a very important role in many essential functions in the human body including nervous system function, red blood cell formation, and hormone function. Previous studies have also found a potential link between these important vitamins and reductions in the risk of stroke, hearing loss and birth defects.

Our bodies do not naturally synthesize B vitamins. However, it is easy to increase your intake of these essential vitamins by eating more vitamin B rich foods. Some foods rich in B vitamins include broccoli, asparagus, potatoes, tuna and salmon. Many milk and flour products are also fortified with B vitamins.

Scott Greenberg, NatureCity author & contributor

Atherosclerosis can lead to heart attack, stroke and coronary heart disease. It occurs when plaque builds up inside the arteries. A recent study suggests that taking a supplement of aged garlic and CoQ10 may lower your risk of atherosclerosis by improving the health of your blood vessels.

The study focused on 65 firefighters in Los Angeles because the high-stress nature of their jobs puts them at higher risk for CVD. For one year, half of the group took supplements of aged garlic extract and CoQ10 while the other half took a placebo.

At the conclusion of the study, the researchers noted improved endothelial function (functioning of the cells in blood vessels) and improved vascular stiffness. Endothelial dysfunction is believed to be a predictor of future adverse cardiovascular events.

The researchers believe these benefits were the result of the high antioxidant properties of garlic and CoQ10. Additionally, garlic may provide anti-inflammatory activity.

The study was published online ahead of print in on August 1, 2012, in the journal Nutrition.

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps produces energy in the mitochondria of human cells. It has been linked with improved cognitive health and reversing the effects of aging.

If you want to increase your CoQ10 intake, try adding oily fish, organ meats (such as liver, hearts, etc.), and whole grains to your diet. You might also consider a high quality, high potency supplement. Be sure to choose a supplement that is made with ubiquinol rather than ubiquinone.

Garlic is one of the main ingredients in the increasingly popular Mediterranean diet. It is high in magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and selenium, and has been linked to many things including boosting the immune system and keeping your mind sharp as you age.

Garlic can be added to almost any meal, from omelets to salads to meat. If you’re worried about “garlic breath,” here’s a little tip: studies show that drinking some milk with meals that include garlic may leave your breath smelling better.

Scott Greenberg, NatureCity author & contributor

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. A new study-the first of its kind-suggests that daily supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and selenium could reduce the risk of death by heart disease.

The research was conducted at Karolinska Institutet and Linkoping University in Sweden. The findings were published on May 25, 2012, in the International Journal of Cardiology.

Initially, 443 mature adults between the ages of 70 and 88 were recruited to participate in the study. However, only 228 individuals completed the study.

For a period of 4 years, half of the group consumed 200 mg of CoQ10 and 200 mg of organic selenium or a placebo daily. At the conclusion of the study, 12.6% of the participants in the placebo group had died from cardiovascular disease. In comparison, only 5.9% of the people in the supplement group had died from cardiovascular disease.

This equates to a 6.7% reduced absolute risk of dying from cardiovascular disease for the supplement group.

Selenium is an essential nutrient with antioxidant properties. It is a building block for up to 100 different proteins in the human body. It can be found in Brazil nuts, mushrooms, pork and tuna.

Selenium is the only mineral that the FDA has approved for a qualified health claim for general cancer reduction incidence. In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer, selenium has been linked with regulating blood sugar and reducing the effects of aging.

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps produces energy in the mitochondria of human cells. It has been linked with improved cognitive health and reversing the effects of aging.

After the age of 20 our bodies become less and less capable of naturally CoQ10. If you want to increase your CoQ10 intake, try adding oily fish, organ meats (such as liver, hearts, etc.), and whole grains to your diet. You might also consider a high quality, high potency supplement. Be sure to choose a supplement that is made with ubiquinol rather than ubiquinone.

Scott Greenberg, NatureCity author & contributor

According to the American Heart Association, approximately 13 million people have a history of coronary artery disease (CAD). New research shows, however, that supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) could lower markers of inflammation in individuals with CAD.

CoQ10 is a coenzyme with powerful antioxidant properties that protects cells from being damaged and destroyed. Cells also use it to produce energy needed for cell growth and maintenance.

The study was conducted by researchers at the School of Nutrition at Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan and was published online ahead of print on February 16, 2012, in the journal Nutrition.

Study participants included 40 individuals with diagnoses of CAD. The subjects received one of three daily interventions: 60 mg coQ10, 150 mg coQ10, or a placebo. After a period of 12 weeks, both CoQ10 groups showed higher plasma levels of the nutrient.

Additionally, the 150 mg group showed significantly reduced levels of the inflammatory markers interleukin-6 and malondialdehyde. Both the 60 mg and the 150 mg group also showed greater levels of superoxide dismustase activity. Superoxide dismustase is an enzyme that repairs cells and reduces damage done to them by superoxide, the most common free radical in the body.

The researchers concluded that the antioxidant properties of CoQ10 reduce inflammation in individuals with CAD, especially at a daily dose of 150 mg.

CoQ10 has been linked with numerous health benefits, including but not limited to improving blood vessel function and reducing the risk of death from heart disease, protecting muscles, reducing the risk of gum disease and lowering cholesterol.

After the age of 20 our bodies become less and less capable of naturally synthesizing this essential antioxidant. If you want to increase your CoQ10 intake, try adding oily fish, organ meats (such as liver, hearts, etc.), and whole grains. If these foods aren’t a part of your current diet, consider a high quality, high potency supplement. Be sure to choose a supplement that is made with ubiquinol rather than ubiquinone.

Scott Greenberg, NatureCity author & contributor

Research has shown that the people who live along the Mediterranean have a right to be proud of their food: the “Mediterranean” diet is considered to be one of the healthiest diet options. Consisting of whole grains, cereals, fruits and vegetables, and a lot of olive oil, the Mediterranean diet has been linked to a wide range of health benefits, including lower rates of obesity and even decreasing the overall risk of mortality.

Now researchers at the University of Cordoba in Spain have discovered a way to make this diet even more beneficial. They conducted a study that found that supplementing the Mediterranean diet with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may provide benefits ranging from reducing inflammation to improving heart and joint health.

Their findings were published in the January 2012 issue of The Journals of Gerontology.

Participants in the study included 20 people, all over the age of 65. They were assigned to receive each of the following three diet interventions:

• “Western,” which was rich in saturated fats

• “Mediterranean,” as described above

• “Mediterranean” supplemented with a 200mg per day dose of CoQ10

All of the participants followed all three diets for 4 weeks each, so they were able to act as their own controls.

The researchers noted that both the Mediterranean diet and the supplemented Mediterranean diet produced lower expression of genes associated with inflammation. However, the CoQ10 supplemented diet showed even lower expression of these genes. Chronic inflammation has been linked to heart disease, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, type-2 diabetes and arthritis.

CoQ10 has been linked with numerous health benefits, including but not limited to reducing inflammation, improving blood vessel function and reducing the risk of death from heart disease, protecting muscles, reducing the risk of gum disease and lowering cholesterol. This is largely due to its powerful antioxidant and cell protection properties but after the age of 20 our bodies become less and less capable of naturally synthesizing this essential antioxidant, making it more important to ensure that it’s included in your diet.

If you want to increase your CoQ10 intake, try adding oily fish, organ meats (such as liver, hearts, etc.), and whole grains. If these foods aren’t a part of your current diet, consider a high quality, high potency supplement.

Emma McGowan NatureCity author & contributor

Poor blood vessel functioning can lead to a variety of heart health problems such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and hypertension. A recent study from researchers at several institutions in China shows that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may improve endothelial function.

The findings were published in the journal Atherosclerosis in the October, 2011 edition.

Endothelial function measures how well the inner lining of your blood vessels (endothelium) is working. Endothelial function is essential for dilation and constriction of your blood vessels, helping your immune system, regulating blood clotting, and controlling how much fluid moves from your blood to your tissues.

This study examined five randomized, controlled trials that compared the endothelial effects of CoQ10 to a placebo. In total, the studies included 194 participants.

The researchers discovered that CoQ10 supplementation was associated with significantly improved endothelial function when measured by flow-mediated dilatation. The researchers recommended that this enzyme be used to help people suffering from endothelial dysfunction.

CoQ10 has been linked with numerous health benefits, including but not limited to reducing inflammation, reducing the risk of death from heart disease, protecting muscles, reducing the risk of gum disease and lowering cholesterol. This is largely due to its powerful antioxidant and cell protection properties. After the age of 20 our bodies become less and less capable of naturally synthesizing this essential antioxidant.

If you want to increase your CoQ10 intake, try adding oily fish, organ meats (such as liver, hearts, etc.), and whole grains. If these foods aren’t a part of your current diet, consider a high quality, high potency supplement.

Sarah McGowan-Freije, NatureCity author & contributor

Researchers from the University of Granada in Spain have released a study showing that taking CoQ10 supplements may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and prevent the muscle damage that can result from strenuous exercise.

CoQ10 is a coenzyme that produces chemical energy in the body’s cells.

The findings were published in the European Journal of Nutrition online ahead of print on October 12, 2011.

The study included 20 runners who were participating in a 50 kilometer race across the Sierra Nevada mountain range on the highest road in Europe. Two days before the run, ten of the runners consumed one 30 mg capsule of CoQ10. They took three more capsules the day before the run and one additional capsule one hour before starting. The other ten runners consumed the same number of placebo capsules at the same times.

At the conclusion of the race, the placebo group showed a 100% increase in 8-OHdG, which is a marker of oxidative stress and DNA damage. The oxidative stress markers in the CoQ10 group increased only 37.5% and showed fewer pro-inflammatory markers.

The CoQ10 group also had lower levels of creatinine in their urine. High levels of creatinine can be a sign of kidney damage or muscle breakdown

CoQ10 has been linked with numerous health benefits, including but not limited to reducing inflammation, improving blood vessel function and reducing the risk of death from heart disease, reducing the risk of gum disease and lowering cholesterol. This is largely due to its powerful antioxidant and cell protection properties.

If you want to increase your CoQ10 intake, try adding oily fish, organ meats (such as liver, hearts, etc.), and whole grains. If these foods aren’t a part of your current diet, consider a high quality, high potency supplement. This is especially important because after the age of 20 our bodies are less and less capable of naturally synthesizing this essential nutrient.