When CoQ10 was first discovered to have heart, blood and energy improvement factors, it soon became apparent that it was going to be an important supplement. CoQ10 is now available from most health food stores, and is being consumed by millions of people on a regular basis.
Now, there is a new special synthetic version of CoQ10 available called Idebenone. It has all the qualities and benefits of CoQ10, but with an even greater range and depth of protection. Idebenone is the "ultimate" CoQ10, and qualifies as an important anti-aging supplement.
There are literally thousands of mitochondria in every cell of our body. Their role is to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) - which is the body's "raw form of energy," because ATP literally powers our every activity. ATP really is the energy behind life. In the process of producing ATP, the mitochondria utilize oxygen and CoQ10 in a process of energy production called the "electron transport chain" or ETC. Unfortunately oxygen is also a potent
generator of damaging free radicals. As a result of the amount of oxygen used inside the mitochondria, a lot of freeradical damage occurs. Free radicals are "mopped up" by anti-oxidants, but if left "unchecked," free radical damage inside the mitochondria will eventually lead to its malfunction and cessation. As cells cannot "borrow" energy from one another, in the end, the organ the mitochondria "provide" for becomes damaged, and ultimately this
will lead to organ failure and possibly even death.
Whilst under "normal" circumstances CoQ10 provides protection and free radical scavenging, but can change under the condition of poor blood flow.
Reduced blood flow can take place during a mild heart attack, stroke, trauma or shock; it can even be affected by general poor blood supply due to "aging" affecting the viscosity of the blood, the hardening of the arteries, as well as the heart's pumping capabilities. As a result of poor blood supply, oxygen levels drop and this causes CoQ10 to oxidize itself, meaning it effectively turns itself into another free radical! This is one keyarea where
Idebenone has been shown to be much more effective than CoQ10, because under the same low oxygen conditions that cause CoQ10 to become oxidized- Idebenone still prevents free radical damage and therefore continues to maintain relatively normal ATP production.
In Europe, Idebenone is considered the supplement of choice for those concerned about stroke, heart conditions, shock, trauma and mitochondrial failure conditions.
Slowing aging
The mitochondria most at risk from aging free radical damage are those in the heart, brain and skeletal muscles. Therefore a key aspect of current anti-aging thinking is to slow down and prevent damage from occurring to mitochondrial function. According to research, Idebenone is currently one of the most effective drugs capable of performing this task.
Idebenone is proven to be a superb anti-oxidant for protecting the all important mitochondria, by "mopping up" free radical activity. In fact, Idebenone is such an efficient and potent antioxidant that when organs are "harvested" for transplant to another patient, very often it is Idebenone that is used to protect them from damage! That is the level of free radical protection offered by Idebenone.
Side-effects and contraindications
Side effects have been rare and usually of mild intensity when they do occur. Those noted have been insomnia, stomach upset, nausea and anxiety. There are no known contraindications, except that concurrent use of anticonvulsants will affect its effectiveness. Normal antiaging doses may be considered at 30 mg two or three times daily. Some also like to take 30 mg of Idebenone prior to a workout, for added free radical protection. For specific treatment
purposes dosages of 60-90 mg two or three times a day may be required. It is suggested that late evening use be avoided in order to help prevent insomnia.
CoQ10 was one of the " e a r t h - s h a t t e r i n g " discoveries of recent years and as such has become a well-known and demanded supplement.
Now we have Idebenone, with its even greater and broader range of uses, it is also likely to impact the public's attention in a similar way. In other words, we are going to hear a lot more about Idebenone! |
