Nutraceuticals and nootropics for anti-aging

Coenzyme Q10 works synergistically with vitamin E to reduce inflammation — a key factor in cardiovascular disease.

Studies of vitamin E — in cell-free systems, in tissue cultures, in animals and humans, and in whole populations — have consistently shown this vitamin’s anti-inflammatory effects and benefits in preventing cardiovascular disease. These effects jive well with theoretical concepts involving oxidation damage and unnecessary activation of the immune system.

But, strangely, the benefits of vitamin E supplementation on cardiovascular disease have not been supported by randomized clinical trials and studies re-evaluating these clinical trials. The reason for the apparent discrepancy between such ‘observational studies’ and ‘interventional studies’ is not understood. Reasons that have been given include the possibility that vitamin E is ineffective without the additional presence of other substances found in foods but not in supplements, or the possibility that the design and interpretation of most such studies is biased by conflicts of interest in those who conduct the studies. (A ‘group conflict of interest’ exists when medical doctors conduct studies of substances that their patients can buy without paying physicians a fee to get a prescription.) The upshot is that, for now, we should consider the role of vitamin E supplementation for cardiovascular benefits an unresolved issue.

Nevertheless, studies continue to show that vitamin E does have anti-inflammatory effects, and inflammation continues to be considered a primary culprit in cardiovascular disease. A recent study has now shown that Coenzyme Q10 supplementation significantly enhances the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin E. The study was done in baboons being fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a substance found in all known cellular organisms. It plays roles in the generation of energy from sugars and fats and in squelching destructive free radicals that form in polyunsaturated fats.

Link to news story:

CoQ10 boosts vitamin E's anti-inflammatory action

Link to research report:

Cosupplementation with vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 reduces circulating markers of inflammation in baboons.

Link to report on inconsistent vitamin E research results:

Randomized trials of vitamin E in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

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LifeLink carries Coenzyme Q10 in 30 mg and 90 mg capsules.