CoQ10 May Aid Age-Related Macular Degeneration – AMD

ageing adultCoQ10 is a nutrient essential to energy production in the heart. It also has the ability to improve mitochondria metabolism. Issues with mitochondria function may play a role in AMD onset. A study on this was published in Ophthalmologica in 2005.

The researchers of the study designed a trial with compounds shown to improve mitochondria function. This included CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, and Continue reading “CoQ10 May Aid Age-Related Macular Degeneration – AMD”

CoQ10 Deficiency and Supplementation of this Antioxidant

Example of CoQ10 SupplementCoQ10 deficiency and supplementation were explained in an article by Michael S. Pepper and his colleagues at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. The article in the March, 2013 issue of Nutrition Reviews covered both primary and secondary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency.

In primary CoQ10 deficiency, the body cannot properly synthesize CoQ10 because of genetic mutations. The gene sequences needed to produce the enzymes are incorrect.

Continue reading “CoQ10 Deficiency and Supplementation of this Antioxidant”

Targeted Nutrients May Help Migraine Headaches

occular migraines is a type of migraine headacheEveryone who suffers from migraine headaches wants to know how to prevent their next migraine. Recent strong research has resulted in guidelines for doctors to help prevent their patients’ future migraines, including the use of herbs, vitamins and minerals. The guidelines make recommendations for specific types of patients, such as patients with certain other conditions, obese patients, new migraine patients, and pregnant/lactating women.

This research, conducted by the Canadian Headache Society, reviewed a large body of double-blind studies according to standardized criteria. They also did a general literature review and got expert consensus for aspects of prophylactic (preventative) migraine therapies that did not have randomized clinical trials.

Continue reading “Targeted Nutrients May Help Migraine Headaches”

Statin Drugs and Muscle Injuries

blood test for high cholesterol statin drugsPatients taking statin drugs to lower cholesterol might be more likely to get muscle injuries, especially elderly patients.(1) Side effects and adverse reactions, according to other research, may include increased stroke risk, higher risk of Type II Diabetes, low iron, pancreatic dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, suppressed immune system, muscle pain, and more.

Be aware that increased incidence of cataracts may also be linked with statin drugs.  A study(2) suggests that statin drugs are associated with an increased risk of cataracts in both men and women. In the study, cataracts risk went up within 12 months of starting statin drugs, continued while taking the drug, and dropped back to normal Continue reading “Statin Drugs and Muscle Injuries”