Your Health: Dietary Supplement May Stall Progression of Parkinson's Disease

An over-the-counter dietary supplement may help slow the progression of Parkinson's Disease, a degenerative neurological disorder marked by tremor, stiffness of the limbs and trunk, impaired balance and coordination, and slowing of movements. The supplement, called coenzyme Q10, is a vitamin-like compound with powerful antioxidant properties that is vital for the proper function of virtually every cell in the human body. Although it is produced naturally by the body, levels typically dwindle with age. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that low levels of coenzyme Q10 play an important role in many age-related diseases. The results of several recent studies show that individuals with Parkinson's have lower levels of coenzyme Q10 compared to those without the disorder. Supplementation with coenzyme Q10 can help boost levels in the body and protect the specific area of the brain damaged by the disease. In a 16-month clinical trial, researchers evaluated the effects of coenzyme Q10 in 80 individuals with early-stage Parkinson's disease. Reporting in the medical journal Archives of Neurology, the scientists noted the supplement was safe and well tolerated in daily doses ranging from 300 mg to 1,200 mg. At doses of 1,200 mg per day, individuals with Parkinson's experienced significantly less functional decline and were better able to carry out activities of daily life, such as feeding and dressing themselves, compared to those treated with a placebo pill. These findings are particularly important, since few treatment options are available and, to date, no prescription drugs have been found effective in slowing the natural course of the disease. Coenzyme Q10 may benefit individuals with other neurological disorders. In preliminary trials, the dietary supplement was found to slow the progression of dementia in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In individuals with migraines, coenzyme Q10 has been shown to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of headaches, especially when taken daily for a period of at least three months. In a study published in the medical journal Cephalgia, researchers found that daily doses of 150 mg coenzyme Q10 reduced migraine symptoms by half in more than 60 percent of individuals treated. Coenzyme Q10 appears to be just as beneficial for the cardiovascular system as it is for the brain. The supplement is often recommended for individuals who have suffered a heart attack and for those diagnosed with congestive heart failure. The results of several clinical trials have demonstrated that daily doses of 100 mg to 200 mg can improve cardiac function and reduce the risk of future heart attacks in these patients. For individuals who suffer from heart-related chest pain known as angina pectoris, supplementation appears to improve exercise tolerance and to protect the heart from further damage. Numerous studies have proven coenzyme Q10 beneficial in the treatment of hypertension. Daily doses of the supplement have been found to produce measurable reductions in blood pressure, similar to the reductions achieved with some prescription medications. Interest in coenzyme Q10 as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer arose after scientists discovered low blood levels of the substance in individuals suffering from cancers of the breast, lung and pancreas. Preliminary research indicates the supplement may be beneficial in the treatment of these cancers, especially when combined with other therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation. Use of the supplement also has been found beneficial in the treatment of gum disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, male infertility and age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly. While aging and poor nutrition are believed to be the most common cause of low blood levels of coenzyme Q10, there is evidence that certain cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as statins, interfere with the body's ability to produce the substance. More research is needed to determine whether coenzyme Q10 supplementation should be routinely recommended for individuals taking these cholesterol-lowering drugs. It is possible to modestly boost your intake -- and your blood levels -- of coenzyme Q10 without taking a handful of pills. Good food sources of the substance include meat, poultry and fish, as well as nuts and canola oil. To obtain a therapeutic dose of coenzyme Q10, you'll probably need a dietary supplement, which you can get without a prescription at pharmacies and health food stores. Although most adults can safely take the nutritional supplement, it's wise to consult your doctor first. Taking coenzyme Q10 won't keep you from aging, but it may help protect you from many age-related diseases.

Rallie McAllister is a board-certified family physician, speaker and the author of several books, including "Healthy Lunchbox: The Working Mom's Guide to Keeping You and Your Kids Trim." Her Website is www.rallieonhealth.com. She has also created www.MommyMDGuides.com, which features the advice of mommy MDs from top-notch hospitals, medical centers and universities around the country. To find out more about Rallie McAllister, M.D., and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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