Archangel's Monthly Health Newsletter for October 1998

Health Newsletter
Special Edition, October 1998
( to: Health Newsletter Archive )

To our valued associates, customers, and health newsletter subscribers:

This VERY IMPORTANT, special edition of our health newsletter, contains information about a highly effective nutritional supplement called "Coenzyme Q10." Although you may not be familiar with this substance, there is compelling evidence to suggest that it is effective for variety of health conditions, primarily regarding the cardiovascular and circulatory systems.

If you, or someone you know, has circulatory problems or heart disease, immune system disorders, periodontal disease, cancer, or other degenerative diseases, etc., then you owe it to yourself and them to review the following information.

WHAT IS COENZYME Q10?

Coenzyme Q10, otherwise known as Co-Q-10 or ubiquinone, is an important, naturally-occurring, vitamin-like nutrient. It is a fat-soluble, super-antioxidant supplement whose actions in the body and chemical structure resemble those of Vitamin E and Vitamin K.

Coenzyme Q10 is found in all mitochondria. It participates in the manufacture of ATP, a factor in the energy-production process of cells. "Co-Q-10 is an essential nutrient that supplies the biochemical 'spark' that creates cellular energy," says Doctor Emile G. Bliznak, president of the Lupus Research Institute and author of a book on Co-Q-10. He reports, "Without it, various mechanisms in the body begin to fail, exposing us to a host of major medical problems."

Co-Q-10 promotes good health by supporting intrinsic body systems responsible for producing energy. Co-Q-10 acts as a "shuttle" for electrons involved in the creation of energy-producing enzymes. Our bodies could not survive without it. If body levels start dropping, so does our general health. Scientists estimate that once levels drop below the 25% deficient levels, many disease states begin to flourish.

This amazing nutrient was first discovered by Dr. Karl Folkers, three decades ago. It was first tested on humans in Japan, where it is now one of the top-selling dietary supplements. Co-Q-10 is considered a safe, non-toxic, and effective dietary weapon against a variety of health concerns.

"CO-ENZYMES?"

Coenzymes should not be confused with enzymes. Coenzymes are relatively small molecules compared to enzymes, and thus, are not inactivated by stomach acids and are readily absorbed intact and totally functional. Vitamins often form the major part of coenzymes in the body. Co-Q-10 is assimilated as readily as Vitamin E and K, as one would expect by their chemical structures.

Many enzymes work only in the presence of a smaller organic molecule called a coenzyme. Enzymes are catalysts that speed reactions that might take place very slowly or not take place at all, if it were not for the presence of the coenzymes. The enzyme and coenzyme are bound together to form a "halo-enzyme," the catalytic entity.

All live foods contain one form or another of Coenzyme Q1 through Coenzyme Q10. This compound is so ubiquitous that it was first named ubiquinone. Humans require Coenzyme Q10. Our bodies can make Co-Q-10 or we can absorb it from our food. As we age, many of us lose our ability to efficiently make Co-Q-10. To make matters worse, foods lose Co-Q-10 with processing and storage. The majority of individuals depend on their food for all of their Co-Q-10.

THE FATHER OF CO-Q-10

Dr. Karl Folkers, of the University of Texas at Austin, is considered to be the "father" of Coenzyme Q10 in the United States. Dr. Folkers also led the research team that discovered Vitamin B-12 in 1948, and was the first to synthesize Vitamin B-6. One of the earliest reports to the public about Dr. Folkers and Co-Q-10 was in "Supernutrition" (Passwater, R.) in 1975. Japanese and European physicians are quite aware of the role of this nutrient as an adjunct in treating heart disease. In 1973, Dr. Folkers was awarded the Welch Award by the American Chemical Society, and in 1986, he was given its highest award, the Priestley Medal. He has published a four volume set of books on Coenzyme Q-10.

WHAT CO-Q-10 IS GOOD FOR

Co-Q-10 plays a crucial role in the generation of cellular energy, is a significant immunologic stimulant, increases circulation, has anti-aging effects, and is beneficial for the cardiovascular system. It is of great interest to researchers studying heart disease, aging, cancer, obesity, athletic performance, and other problems associated with the deficiency of this coenzyme in the body.

Some key scientific research findings have documented the role of Co-Q-10 in:

Protecting Cells Against Oxidative Damage Through a Powerful Antioxidant Action
Generating Energy and Endurance by Rejuvenating Cellular Mitochondria
Stimulating Production of Healthy Gum Tissue to Combat Periodontal Disease
Controlling Hypertension and Blood Pressure Disorders
Reducing Damage Due to Hypoxic Injury (Tissue Damage By a Lack of Oxygen)
Fortifying the Body Against Effects of Some Cancer Treatments
Nutritional Support for Improved Immune Response
Balancing Metabolic System Involved in Weight Management

As we age, our bodies lose their ability to synthesize sufficient amounts of Co-Q-10 from our daily dietary intake. Thousands of scientific studies have proven that Co-Q-10 is essential for ensuring a healthy immune system, cardiovascular health and many other vital body functions. While the medical experts have understood the importance of this exciting nutrient for years, commercial production of Co-Q-10 was not available until 1977. The ability for Co-Q-10 to preserve and repair cellular integrity, while supporting energy production within the human body, makes it one of the most important nutrients ever discovered!

Besides working miracles for heart patients, Co-Q-10 has been used successfully to treat gum disease, revitalize muscles of muscular dystrophy victims, lowers blood pressure and bolsters the immune system, possibly even preventing cancer. Dr. Peter Langsjoen of Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Texas, reports: "patients, steadily worsening and expected to die within two years under conventional therapy, generally showed an extraordinary clinical improvement, indicating that Co-Q-10 therapy might extend the lives of such patients."

"Co-Q-10 is involved in energy conversion in the body," explains Dr. Frederick Crane, a biochemist from Purdue University. "With low levels of the substance, muscles won't function properly, nerve impulses from the brain slow down, the activity of all body organs slow down."

A six year study of severely ill heart patients showed that 75% of Co-Q-10 recipients survived for three years or more with major problems of congestive heart failure while only 25% of similar patients survived without it. "This is really a very important enzyme to the body," Dr. Crane said, "It's very useful, very exciting, and we still don't know all the possible uses."

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Angina Pectoris
Congestive Heart Failure
Mitral Valve Prolapse

Coenzyme Q10 is an essential component of the metabolic processes involved in energy production. Individuals with a form of cardiovascular disease often are deficient in Co-Q-10 and require increased tissue levels of Co-Q-10. Clinical studies have indicated that Co-Q-10 is of considerable benefit in the treatment of hypertension and other problems associated with the cardiovascular system.

Co-Q-10 deficiency is common in individuals with heart disease. Heart tissue biopsies in patients with various heart diseases showed a Coenzyme Q10 deficiency in 50 to 75 percent of the cases. Being one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body, the heart may be unusually susceptible to the effects of Co-Q-10 deficiency.

In one study, twelve patients with stable angina pectoris were treated with Co-Q-10 (150 mg per day for four weeks) in a double-blind. crossover trial. Compared to the placebo, Co-Q-10 reduced the frequency of anginal attacks by 53%! In addition, there was a significant increase in treadmill exercise tolerance (time to onset of chest pain and time to development of electrocardiogram abnormalities) during the Co-Q-10 treatment. The results of this study and many others suggest that Co-Q-10 is a safe and effective treatment for angina pectoris.

DEPRESSED IMMUNE SYSTEM

Cancer
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Periodontal Disease
Aging

Scientific evidence suggests that nutrition can play a role in cancer prevention. But no diet has been shown to reverse cancer - and no diet cures cancer. Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients may inhibit cancer by neutralizing carcinogens, ensuring proper immune system function, or preventing tissue and cell damage. Researchers are particularly interested in antioxidants which have been found effective in minimizing immune system depression and cell damage. The use and effectiveness of antioxidant supplements such as Co-Q-10, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Selenium, Folic Acid and others, are currently being studied.

Co-Q-10 and Vitamin B12 are nutritional supplements that may lessen the symptoms normally associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This is primarily due to their proven antioxidant and immune system supporting properties.

Coenzyme Q10 exerts its protective and strengthening action in all tissues. Working from the cellular level, it strengthens the gums as well as the heart muscle. Many scientists believe that periodontal (gum) disease is a good indicator of low levels of Co-Q-10 in other tissues. The American Dental Association states that at least 87% of the American population has some sort of gum disease. This has been shown to be somewhat related to nutrition and particularly to levels of Co-Q-10, which has been shown to have a good protective effect for gum tissue.

In addition, the elderly in general may have increased Co-Q-10 requirements as the decline of Co-Q-10 levels that occurs with age may be partly responsible for age-related deterioration of the immune system.

ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME

One of the most remarkable findings has been that Co-Q-10 supplementation could extend the lifespan of patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome or AIDS. In 1986, Drs. Folkers and Langsjoen began treating seven patients with HIV or AIDS. Not all of the patients consistently took Co-Q-10, but the treatment was very encouraging and at times even striking. Folkers writes in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications:

"All seven patients (three AIDS, four ARC) felt better soon after starting on Co-Q-10," writes Folkers. "The three who continued taking Co-Q-10 remain alive and well in 1995." It's with the treatment of AIDS that the medical story of Co-Q-10 turns into one of economic intrigue. The University of Texas, where the AIDS / Co-Q-10 research was conducted, applied for a "use-patent" for the treatment of AIDS. The patent (#1,011,858), one of several for Co-Q-10 and immune function, was granted on April 30, 1991. The use-patent gives the owner full patent rights to the nutrient, when it's prescribed for the treatment of AIDS.

In 1993, the university sold the use patent to James Ryan, an investment banker and one of the patients in Folkers' original cardiomyopathy study. Ryan, head of Ryan Pharmaceuticals (which has no employees and does no research) paid several hundred thousand dollars for the use-patent, then quickly sold it for an estimated $2 million to Receptagen, a U.S. / Canadian biotechnology firm. The company plans to market prescription versions of Co-Q-10 for the treatment of AIDS sometime in the future.

OBESITY

It has been shown at the University of Texas and the University of Antwerp, Belgium that obese people can lose weight by simply including significant amounts of Coenzyme Q10 to their diet. This research showed that obese people can have as much as a 50% deficiency of Co-Q-10 in their tissues.

People who eat a lot and yet stay slim have significantly higher levels of Co-Q-10 in their blood. This wonderful coenzyme can increase metabolic fuel efficiency within your cells thus stimulating natural weight loss.

SUGGESTED DOSAGES AND AVAILABILITY

The amount of Coenzyme Q10 present in the body declines with age, so it should be supplemented in the diet, especially by people who are over the age of 40. There is no definite dosage determined, but remember that more is needed as more energy is required. This is especially so if extra nutritional support is needed for the vital systems of the body that utilize Co-Q-10.

Therapeutic dosages of Co-Q-10 for serious diseases range from 200 mg to 400 mg daily, ideally under a physician's supervision. A common preventive dose ranges from 30 mg to 100 mg daily.

Although Co-Q-10 is found in many foods, only organ meats contain significant amounts. Unfortunately, most people do not eat these foods, hence the need for supplementation. Specific sources of Co-Q-10 include mackerel, salmon, beef, peanuts, and spinach.

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We believe that the best source for obtaining pure, high-quality Coenzyme Q10 is from Life Plus International. Please visit our web page at http://www.aomega.com/ahs/c1012a.htm for additional information on the Life Plus brand called "Co-Q-10 Plus" - this page also has links to even more details, the other Life Plus products, and ordering information and instructions.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information contained herein, please feel free to write to us. Thank you for reading this important special edition of our Health Newsletter and may God Bless You and Your HEALTH!

Sandi & Darrin Quiles
Archangel Health Store
AlphaOmega Marketing

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Please note: the information contained herein has been compiled from various sources. The above statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We make no claims, either expressed or implied, that any products mentioned in this newsletter will cure disease, replace prescription medication, or supersede sound medical advice.