Scientists believe that one of the biggest factors contributing to signs of aging is chronic production of free radicals. A group of researchers recently identified a protein whose activity increases at the age of 30, oxidizing circulating lipoproteins, a factor determining atherogenic risk. The researchers discovered that by treating human subjects with Co-Q10, the generation of free radicals is inhibited, which helps protect cells. In a preliminary pilot study, 25 female subjects between 45 and 55 years of age were recruited at Stanford University from the Palo Alto, CA area.
Ten of the subjects received Coenzyme Q10 supplementation of 180 (3 x 60 mg) per day for 28 days. Activity correlated with subject age up to a maximum between age 50 and 55 years of age and then declined. Response to Coenzyme Q10 also increased with age being least between ages 45 and 50 and greatest between ages 60 and 65. Protein and subsequent free radical activity was reduced between 25 and 30% by a 3 x 60 mg daily dose of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation. Inhibition was the result of Coenzyme Q10 presence.
