14) Cancer Fighting Supplements - CoQ10

CoQ10 has shown interesting promise in the process to release Prostate Cancer. As an integral part of cells throughout the body, its’ purpose is to transform food into the energy our cells use to grow and stay healthy. First identified in 1957, it is known under many names including CoQ10, Q10, Vitamin Q10, Ubiquinone and Ubidecarenone. CoQ10 is also used as an antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals and helps the immune system work well by stimulating the production of antibody, macrophage and T cell levels. Of special note, without supplementation the older we get the less CoQ10 we have.

Though preliminary studies using CoQ10 have successfully treated Prostate Cancer, there have been no long-term extensive studies to date. In 1993, during its’ first clinical trial, Dr. Folkers found treating breast cancer with a dosage of 390mg per day that the cancer tumor disappeared. Another woman in the same study increased her dosage to 300mg per day and her tumor also disappeared with no evidence of metastases. Follow-up studies to this work were done by Dr. William Judy in Florida on patients with Prostate Cancer. Of the thirty (30) patients who were treated with 500mg CoQ10 daily, all fifteen (15) with no metastases had their PSA level return to normal, and eight (8) of fifteen (15) with metastases saw their PSA scores return to normal. In another CoQ10 study six (6) patients were treated with 500mg CoQ10 for 120 days and all six had their PSA scores return to normal. Dr Judy’s results from these and other studies indicated to her that within four (4) months of treatment with CoQ10, Prostate Cancer PSA’s began to lower and that in a year of treatment PSA scores generally dropped 75% while prostate mass was decrease by around 64%.

These results have since found additional support. A preliminary study at the University of Granada confirmed that CoQ10 significantly lowered prostate cancer cell growth without harming non-cancerous cells. In 2006 Researchers from the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine found that CoQ10 was inducing cancer cell death. They discovered that CoQ10 was counteracting the Bcl-2 in cells, which acted to take away the natural ability of a cancer cell to kill itself. They determined that supplementing with CoQ10 reversed the effects of the Bcl-2 thereby making cancer cells more susceptible to chemo and radiation treatments, and the body’s own natural cell death process. A further study showed that CoQ10 significantly reduced cancer cell growth without affecting normal cells.

I know of no serious side effects reported with taking CoQ10, though those at risk for cardiovascular disease should consult their doctor before using. Minor side effects include: insomnia, rashes, headache, feeling irritable or tired, higher than normal levels of liver enzymes, or general allergic reactions. Should these occur stop using CoQ10 and seek professional help.

Suggested dosage for supplemental treatment of Prostate Cancer should be a minimum of 300mg up to 500mg per day taken with a teaspoon of oil for better absorption as it dissolves in fat. I often take mine with hot green tea with some coconut oil melted in the tea. You may also take CoQ10 with food. Lower dosages of CoQ10 have shown poor or sporadic results, and you must work up to the effective dosage gradually. Finally this is not a quick fix as it generally takes CoQ10 at least four (4) months to start showing results. So if you have a more aggressive Prostate Cancer be sure to take the time frame into consideration and consider using CoQ10 only as part of a much larger healing process. CoQ10 is readily available through most health supplement stores, and there are some sources where the price is more attractive.

Next Installment: Cancer Fighting Supplements – Maitake MD-fraction, Maitake Gold 404