Can CoQ10 benefits keep you sparkling through the stressful holiday season? The answer is a resounding yes, particularly if you're over 50.

A naturally occurring substance found in every cell in the human body, Coenzyme Q10 plays a dual role in maintaining health. Not only is it an essential component in the production of energy at the cellular level, it is also a powerful antioxidant capable of preventing, repairing, and even reversing cellular damage.

Though the body produces the coenzyme naturally, our capacity to manufacture it reaches at peak at about 20 years of age and declines rapidly thereafter.

A power producer that keeps your body going strong

In its energy producing capacity, CoQ10 is an essential part of maintaining the normal function of the body's most important systems. It is found in the mitochondria of every cell, where it helps transform fats and sugars into usable energy. The organs that use the most energy - the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain - have the highest concentrations of the coenzyme.

A growing bank of international research confirms that maintaining adequate levels of coenzyme Q10 can increase energy, stamina, and endurance and even help prevent a host of common yet serious illnesses and conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

During the holiday season, when busy schedules wear us down and lavish meals and party snacks can wreak havoc on our healthy diet programs, maintaining sufficient blood levels of the coenzyme is particularly important. When blood levels drop into the area of deficiency, the cells can't generate as much energy and exertion leaves us feeling more tired for a longer time. In addition, CoQ10 deficiency makes the metabolic process less efficient and as a result our bodies don't get maximum benefit from food.

Reducing the effect of party food and holiday toasts

In its role as an antioxidant, CoQ10 can help us get through the hectic and stressful holiday season without sustaining significant damage from the free radicals that may be produced by drinking, smoking, and eating a less-than-healthy diet. Chemically imbalanced molecules that are produced by cellular oxidation, free radicals scavenge and damage the cells with which they interact. Free radical damage is implicated in a host of illnesses and health problems, including most age-related conditions.

Whenever the body and its systems are stressed by external factors, including alcohol and smoking, free radical damage is a risk. In addition, studies have shown that excess sugar in the system can actually boost the production of these damaging molecules.

Coenzyme Q10 can effectively neutralize free radicals, preventing them from damaging other cells.

How much is enough?

At this time no Recommended Dietary Allowance for CoQ10 has been set, but average intake is generally considered to include the range from 30 to 90 IU per day. Experts disagree on exactly how much of the coenzyme we need to realize maximum benefits, but clinical trials have shown that dosages of as much as 1000 to 2000 IU per day can be both safe and effective.

There are no contraindications for CoQ10, but individuals are advised to consult with a physician before starting and supplementation program.