Unlocking the Connection: How CoQ10 Can Save Your Gums and Your Heart
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by SANUSq Research team
Unlocking the Connection: How CoQ10 Can Save Your Gums and Your Heart
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin like substance naturally produced by the body. One of the most important functions of CoQ10 is to facilitate cellular energy production. It is an indispensable part of the process through which the mitochondria – the powerhouse of the cells – produce energy. Organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas require large amounts of energy to meet and support their intense metabolic functions. These energy-demanding organs naturally have higher concentrations of CoQ10. It can even improve your heart and gum health.
COQ10 also works as a very powerful anti-oxidant that reduces inflammation and protects cells from oxidative damage. Studies show that CoQ10 supplementation can be used to prevent and manage a wide range of health conditions, including heart failure, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, infertility, rheumatic diseases, and chronic fatigue. In this blog, we are going to explore the benefits of CoQ10 in heart and gum (periodontal) health.
Benefits of CoQ10 in Heart and Gum Health
CoQ10 and Heart Health
CoQ10 is considered as one of the best supplements for your heart health [1-2], especially in managing conditions such as heart failure, high blood pressure, and angina (squeezing pain in the chest due to poor flow of the blood to the heart).
Numerous clinical studies have explored the link between low CoQ10 levels and congestive heart failure and it has been suggested that poor CoQ10 levels in the heart tissue may be a predominant factor in the development and progression of heart failure. Use of certain medications such as β-blockers and statins (drugs that help lower cholesterol levels) depletes CoQ10 in the tissues. These drugs interfere with the natural production of CoQ10 in the body. Coq10 supplementation can dramatically improve the outcome of the treatment and quality of life in people with heart failure. [3-4]
Role of CoQ10 in Heart Health
CoQ10, with its critical role in energy production, infuses the heart muscle with the energy it needs to function properly. Healthy levels of CoQ10 help maintain the cardiac metabolism and fuel the heart function. Since CoQ10 also acts as a powerful antioxidant, it protects blood vessels, endothelium (layer of cells that line the blood vessels) and LDL cholesterol from the oxidative damage that is linked to cardiovascular diseases.
Studies show that CoQ10 supplements help manage type 2 diabetes and vascular complications associated with the condition. [5-6] High blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels and promotes inflammation in both small and large blood vessels, causing complications such as cardiovascular diseases, vision impairment, kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy) and damage to peripheral nerves (diabetic neuropathy).
CoQ10 and Gum Health
CoQ10 supplements are often prescribed by dentists in the management of gum disease or periodontitis, an inflammatory disease that damages and weakens the supportive tissues surrounding the tooth. It occurs because bacteria feed on the food particles left in the mouth and form a soft but sticky film, called plaque, on the teeth. Poor oral hygiene allows this plaque to sit there, accumulate and harden to create a hard coating called tartar that causes the gums to swell and bleed. This is called gingivitis, the mild form of gum disease. If not removed in time, tartar causes inflammation in the gum that damages the gum tissue and surrounding structures, resulting in symptoms such as puffy gums, dark purple gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth and bleeding. Studies show that CoQ10 supplements improve CoQ10 levels, and reduce inflammation and symptoms in the affected gums.
Role of CoQ10 in Gum Health
CoQ10, by reducing inflammation in the gum, improves immunity, and support the body's ability to fight bacteria. The antioxidant properties of CoQ10 protect gum and the surrounding areas from oxidative damage caused by the bacteria, lowering inflammation, decreasing the severity of disease and reducing symptoms such as redness, swelling and clinical attachment loss. [7] Due to its role in energy production within the cells, CoQ10 actively promotes healing and allows the diseased gum to repair and regenerate faster. CoQ10 also improves blood circulation which enables a healthier supply of nutrients and oxygen to the diseased gum. This further aids in proper healing of the gums.
The Dual Role of CoQ10: Bridging Heart and Gum Health
Could there be a link between poor gum health and cardiovascular disease? While the connection between poor oral health and heart disease may be complex, researchers have proposed some theories. For example, chronic infections contribute to prolonged activation of an immune response, resulting in chronic inflammation. Persistent inflammation in the body increases your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. In addition, gum disease has also been linked to poor endothelial function, which contributes to poor heart health. In addition, the bacteria that causes the gum disease travels to the blood vessels and triggers inflammation. Smoking is another common factor that increases the risk of both gum and cardiovascular disease.
Maintaining good oral health and hygiene helps to prevent gum disease, tooth loss and tooth decay. It also reduces the overall load of inflammation in the body, reducing the risk of other health problems that stem from systemic inflammation, such as heart disease. CoQ10 supplements support both your gum and heart health because of its tremendous anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to incorporate CoQ10 in your diet?
While organ meats, fatty fish, peanuts, vegetables (spinach, broccoli, cauliflower) and legumes are rich sources of CoQ10, it is not always possible to maintain healthy levels of CoQ10 through diet alone. While your body can naturally produce CoQ10, the levels decline as you age. In addition, smoking, chronic stress, chronic health conditions and use of certain medications such as statins will deplete CoQ10 in the body, causing deficiency. Vitamin B6 deficiency also lowers CoQ10 levels as B6 acts as a cofactor in the production of CoQ10.
Conclusion: Embracing CoQ10 for Overall Health
CoQ10 is probably the most important supplements that you can take for your heart health. It also reduces symptoms and inflammation in gum disease. CoQ10 supports your overall health by protecting cells and tissues from oxidative damage associated with chronic inflammation, premature ageing and disease. It also boosts energy levels, relieves fatigue and improves exercise performance. Taking CoQ10 supplements is especially recommended if you are on statins.
FAQs
What are the natural food sources of CoQ10?-h3 Organ meats (such as liver), fatty fish (tuna and salmon), peanuts, vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower), soybeans, and nuts and seeds are some natural food sources of CoQ10.
Can CoQ10 supplementation improve energy levels in individuals?
CoQ10 supplements can improve energy levels, reduce fatigue and enhance exercise performance. It is effective in conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
What is the difference between Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol forms of CoQ10?
There are two forms of CoQ10; ubiquinone (oxidized form) and ubiquinol (reduced form). Ubiquinone is in great demand in the inner membrane of the mitochondria, where it helps in ATP synthesis. Ubiquinol acts as an anti-oxidant throughout the body. Our body is very much capable of converting one form to another as needed.
Information on our websites, in our blogs and our emails are provided for informational purposes only, and have not been evaluated by the EMA, EFSA or FDA. It is not meant to substitute medical advice provided by your healthcare professional and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Our products are intended for adults, 18 years of age and older. While the vitamins and supplements mentioned here have been shown to have various health benefits, it is important to remember that supplements and dietary changes should be considered as part of an overall health plan and not as a substitute for professional medical treatment. Only a qualified healthcare practitioner can provide personalized advice and treatment plans based on your individual health needs and medical history, and you should seek advice from your healthcare professional before taking product(s) if you are pregnant or nursing.
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