Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a super antioxidant that has shown to have great benefits for overall health. But can this fat-soluble compound also help with cancer, including breast cancer? Recent research says yes!
What is Coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is also called ubiquinol. It is a fat-soluble compound that is made inside you’re the body. CoQ10 helps convert food into energy. Because of this, it is found in almost every cell. You can also get it in smaller amounts through some whole foods.
As a powerful antioxidant, CoQ10 helps the mitochondria within cells stay healthy. It also helps prevent free radical damage. Too many free radicals in the body can lead to DNA damage and premature aging.
Deficiencies in CoQ10 may show up as fatigue, muscle weakness, high blood pressure and “brain fog.” On the other hand, studies have shown that CoQ10 can help with complications related to heart disease and diabetes. Some studies have also provided strong evidence showing that CoQ10 supplementation can shrink tumor growth.
CoQ10 and Cancer
COQ10’s benefits for those who want to prevent cancer and lead a healthy life are well known. More recent studies, however, have demonstrated exactly how CoQ10 can significantly slow tumor growth, especially in melanoma and breast cancer.
A 2007 study conducted at the University of Madras found that CoEnzymeQ10 supplementation helped shrink tumors through effecting cytokines, i.e. proteins which effect communication between cells. In particular, CoQ10 affects VEGF, or vascular endothelial growth factor, which facilitates tumor growth.
In their report published for International Anesthesiology Clinics journal, the researchers optimistically stated that the decrease “may suggest good prognosis and efficacy of [CoQ10] treatment, and might even offer protection from metastases and recurrence of cancer.”
In addition, a 2012 study published in the journal Integrative Cancer Therapies suggests that CoQ10 may have a protective effect against ROS, or Reactive Oxygen Species, within cell mitochondria. Excessive amounts of ROS can lead to oxidative stress and cell damage.
CoQ10 and Inflammation
Inflammation is at the root of most disease, including cancer. CoQ10 can protect against breast cancer metastasis through boosting the immune system and lowering inflammatory markers. A 2008 German study is just one of many which have discovered the positive effects CoQ10 on inflammation through its ability to downregulate C-Reactive protein. Clinical trials with individuals suffering from AIDS as well as cancer show that CoQ10 supplementation also significantly raises the level of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the blood. IgG is the first type of antibody to be released by the immune system during an infection. In a small trial, CoQ10 supplementation was said to increase the life expectance of cancer patients from between 5 to 15 years.
CoQ10 Declines with Age
Whether you have breast cancer or you want to prevent it, CoEnzymeQ10 is a solid substance to keep in your healing toolbox. This is especially true if you are over 40, as studies also show that endogenous-created CoQ10 levels tend to decline with age.
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