Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble quinine with a structure similar to that of Vitamin K. It is a powerful antioxidant both on its own and in combination with Vitamin E.

CoQ10 is essential for the conversion of fatty acids (fats) and glucose (sugars) into energy that the body can utilize.

Free radicals are thought to contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems such as heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants such as CoQ10 can actually neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage free radicals cause. Heart attacks and strokes produce a burst of free radicals (ischemia-reperfusion) that can result in extensive tissue damage.

It has been found that as we get older, we have 50% less CoQ10 on average than that of young adults. Our bodies only make a very small amount of CoQ10 but we can also find it in organ meats and sardines. 

The widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering statin drugs inhibit the production of CoQ10 in the liver by the same mechanism they have to lower cholesterol. Statins cause depletion of CoQ10 levels in the heart, skeletal muscle and liver tissue.

CoQ10 can also be an extremely useful adjunct to primary treatment for high blood pressure, mitral valve prolapse, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome or just plain tiredness.

CoQ10 has also been seen to dramatically prevent or reduce migraine headaches.

It has been used successfully in treating Parkinson’s disease, likely due to its affect on the excitatory neurotransmitter, Dopamine. 

CoQ10 taken alone or in conjunction with Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) boosts the immune system and may be useful in treatment of AIDS and other infectious diseases. An adequate level in the body is essential to proper muscle function.

It may also be effective in the fight against certain cancers, helps fight periodontal disease, gingivitis. CoQ10 is important to take for those undergoing chemotherapy treatments with drugs such as Adriamycin, athralines and doxorubicin as these drugs in particular are very hard on the heart, producing toxic effects on the heart.

It may be helpful for weight loss since CoQ10 speeds up the metabolism of fats.

It may also be helpful to increase sperm motility and improve exercise tolerance in people suffering from muscular dystrophy.

The following doses should be used only under the supervision and consultation with your Dr. :

1. A common preventive dose ranges from 10-30mg daily.
2. 100-200mg per day – for arrhythmias, mitral valve prolapse preventative maintenance for healthy hearts. Dr Stephen Sinatra who is a well known cardiologist stated that if there is one thing you do to help maintain your heart’s health, make sure you’re taking CoQ10 daily. 
3. 120-200mg per day – for angina, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, chronic fatigue.
4. 300mg or more per day – for cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure. 

In all doses, start out with the lower amount and gradually increase the dose until the desired response is satisfactory.  Never take CoQ10 in the evening – always take in the morning with a meal and may be of further benefit if taken with a fatty substance such as peanut butter, olive oil if possible. can also be taken at lunch as well.   

Every Doberman should be started on at least 30mg of CoQ10 per day starting at 1 yr old. At 3-4 yrs old, increase to at least 60mg per day and at 6 – 7 yrs old, increase to 100mg or more daily for the remainder of the dogs life unless at some point there’s any indication of occult or symptomatic cardiomyopathy.  At that time, the dose should be considerable higher and in conjunction with other cardiovascular-supporting nutrients.

The best product would be one that does not contain other ingredients added to it..

Drugs that deplete CoQ10 are :

1. Antidepressants such as TCA’s (triclyclics), amitripyline, amoxapine, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, protriptyline, trimipramine
2. Antidiabetics such as sulfonylureas, acetohexamide, chlorpropamide, glipizide, glyberide, tolazamide, tolbutamide
3. Cardiovasculars such as Alpha2-Adrenergic Agonists, clonidine, Beta-blockers such as acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol, carteolol, celiprolol, esmolol, labetalol, levobetaxolol, metipranolol. Metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, sotalol, timolol,  Vasodilators such as hydralazine
4. Cholesterol-lowering meds such as gemfibrozil, atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin – these drugs deplete the natural levels of CoQ10 in the body.
5. Diuretics such as chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, methyclothiazide, metolazone
6. Psychotherapeutic meds such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, mesoridazine, mesoridazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promazine, thioridazine, trifluoperazine, thiothixene

Please note: this article is not meant as medical advise, not to be conscrued as such, nor is it meant to replace any existing medications already taking.  It is informational only. Always consult with your Doctor or Vet before supplementing for a specific disease or condition.