An
interview with Eugene Wagner, Professor Emeritus and Assistant Director
of a leading Midwest medical school, has been teaching biochemistry
to medical students for the past 32 years. His research interests have
focused on good nutrition as a necessary component in the prevention
of disease in humans and animals. Dr. Wagner has used the following
question and answer format to inform health care providers, physicians,
veterinarians, small animal owners and breeders about the many scientific
studies that have shown the beneficial role Coenzyme Q-10 plays in human
and animal nutrition.
Q. Exactly what is Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10)?
"CoQ-10 is a necessary part of every cell in the body that uses
oxygen. It is involved in each cell's respiratory chain that supplies
energy to carry out bodily functions."
Q.How do the cells of the body get CoQ-10?
"Nature's food chain is the source of CoQ-10. Human dietary sources
include meat, cereals, vegetables, eggs, and dairy products. Alfalfa
is a good source of CoQ-10 in equine nutrition. The amount of usable
CoQ-10 in individual human food products may be significantly reduced
by length of storage, processing, and method of cooking. This is why
supplementing a diet with CoQ-10 is an important way to avoid a deficiency
of this important nutrient."
Q. Is CoQ-10 safe?
"CoQ-10 is quite safe. A report(1) on the toxicology of CoQ-10
found that it has not produced any toxic side effects in either animals
or humans. It is listed in the 42nd edition of the Physician's Desk
Reference as a replacement therapy for a nutrient, and no adverse
reactions are listed."
Q. How can CoQ-10 help prevent disease?
"Research studies(2,3) in mice have shown that CoQ-10 appears
to enhance the immune system by bolstering the effect of immune cells
already present. The immune systems of mice were bolstered significantly
in CoQ-10 treated mice and similar results were found with mice infected
with leukemia, malaria, cancerous tumors and E. Coli bacteria. The
results included longer survival rates, a restored ability to produce
antibodies and improved response to chemotherapeutic and malarial
drugs."
Q.Is there any relationship between
CoQ-10 and cardiovascular disease?
"A study(4) conducted in 1985 gave definitive proof that
approximately 75% of cardiac patients have significantly lower than
normal levels of CoQ-10 in their heart muscle. Many patients suffering
from congestive heart disease were nearly bedridden or confined to
wheelchairs, but following CoQ-10 supplementation programs were able
to resume many of their prior activities including walking, shopping,
and driving."
Q.Are there any other diseases for which CoQ-10
supplementation can prove beneficial?
"Yes. CoQ-10 appears to retard periodontal (gum) disease. A
landmark in-depth study(5) in 1975 by a US Air Force dentist using
CoQ-10 supplementation showed reversals in diseased gum tissue that
astonished researchers. In addition, a study(6) with dogs in 1983
supported this prior investigation. I believe most periodontal disease
problems can be a problem of the past with CoQ-10 supplementation."
Q.Are there any other known beneficial effects
of CoQ-10 supplementation?
"Yes. A recent study(7) at my university concluded that oral
dosing with CoQ-10 increases both the circulating blood levels of
CoQ-10 and the subjective perceived level of vigor in middle-aged
men."
Q.How did you become interested in investigating
the use of CoQ-10 in dogs and cats?
"Two years ago I became a consultant for an equine products
company and have since been evaluating the effectiveness of Coenzyme
Q-10 in animals in conjunction with veterinarians and animal breeders/trainers.
My studies have shown that the general effects of Coenzyme Q-10 in
animals parallel what has been seen in humans for the past decade.
The effect of Coenzyme Q-10 on cardiovascular functioning, periodontal
(gum) disease, and the general energy level in cats and dogs submitted
by several veterinarians participating in the survey verified this
conclusion.
Q.How might one obtain
more information about Coenzyme Q-10?
"I am presently a consultant for First Choice Naturals Inc.,
a company devoted to an all natural approach to animal and human diet
supplementation. Please feel free to call or contact me at the address
below."
Eugene Wagner, Ph.D.
First Choice Naturals, Inc.
1-765-287-8288
To purchase quality Co-Q-10 from Dr. Wagner's sources contact www.firstchoicenaturals.com