Hundreds of studies document the multiple life-extension benefits of this versatile nutrient, not only as a powerful antioxidant, but also in augmenting the action of other antioxidants such as vitamin C , and in preventing such diseases as heart disease, neurological decline with age, and even periodontal disease. By Marilyn Bitomsky H eart attacks and other types of heart disease affect older people to a much greater extent than the young.
Young hearts bounce back much better from stress and damage, even the stress of treatment itself.
However, treatment with coenzyme Q10 is demonstrating its ability to radically improve the heart's ability to recover from disease and stress . Scientists in Melbourne, Australia, are giving coenzyme Q10 to elderly people about to undergo cardiac surgery in a bid to make their old hearts young again. Rosenfeldt believes CoQ10 will improve heart function in two ways. It also improves the way cells convert oxygen and food to energy, strengthening the heart and making it beat more strongly. People in their 70's and 80's are likely to be those who benefit most, and hence these are the first subjects of a current clinical trial.