Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Participants in the heart disease group had significantly lower concentrations of coenzyme Q10 and significantly lower levels of vitamin B-6 compared to the control group.
The most common form of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide, in both men and women (1,2). Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply the heart with blood become blocked or hardened. This results in reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, which eventually can lead to a heart attack (2).
Recent research found a correlation between low blood levels of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B6 and an increased risk of coronary artery disease (1). Coenzyme Q10 is a key building block in creating energy in the body (via adenosine triphosphate). Certain parts of the body require large amounts of energy, such as the heart and muscles, and therefore require more coenzyme Q10 (1). The body can produce small amounts of coenzyme Q10 on its own, but it requires vitamin B-6 in the production (1).
The research study was divided into two groups. The heart disease group included participants with at least 50% blockage of one major artery supplying the heart muscle (n=45). The control group included healthy participants with no history of heart disease and with normal blood lab values (n=89). Blood was drawn from each participant to determine levels of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B-6.
Participants in the heart disease group had significantly lower concentrations of coenzyme Q10 (263.5 +/- 125.9 vs 490.8 +/- 192.8 nmol/L; P<0.01) and significantly lower levels of vitamin B-6 (41.7 +/- 18.9 vs 55.3+/- 31.3 nmol/L; P=0.03) compared to the control group.
When calculating the risk of coronary artery disease, participants with higher coenzyme Q10 levels (>516.0 nmol/L) had a significantly lower risk of coronary artery disease (P<0.01). Participants with higher vitamin B-6 levels (> 59.7 nmol/L) also had a lower risk of coronary artery disease (P<0.03).
It is possible those suffering from coronary artery disease have a greater loss of coenzyme Q10, because they have higher oxidative stress due to their disease and aging (1,3). Therefore, the researchers recommend administering coenzyme Q10 to coronary artery disease patients to reduce oxidative stress (1).
In conclusion, study participants with coronary artery disease had lower levels of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B-6. The researchers suggest that increasing the levels of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B-6 may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease (1). Future research should include more participants and clarify the dosage of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B-6 needed (1).
Source: Lee, Bor-Jen, et al. “A significant correlation between the plasma levels of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B-6 and a reduced risk of coronary artery disease.” Nutrition Research 32.10 (2012): 751-756.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Posted November 14, 2012.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Lee B-J, et al. A significant correlation between the plasma levels of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B-6 and a reduced risk of coronary artery disease. Nutr Res (2012).
- Medline Plus. Coronary Artery Disease.
- Vassalle C, et al. Oxidative stress and its association with coronary artery disease and different atherogenic risk factors. J Intern Med 2004; 256:308-15.
