Just when you thought you were safely out of the alphabet soup, here comes coenzyme Q-10, or CoQ-10.

As its name suggests, CoQ-10 has to do with an enzyme.
An enzyme is a substance that serves as a catalyst in promoting a specific biochemical reaction. Enzymes consist of a protein component combined with a mineral or vitamin component. The vitamin component is called the coenzyme.

CoQ-10 is a particular coenzyme that is found throughout the body, but in especially high concentrations in the heart and liver. One of its principal functions is to facilitate the conversion of sugars into a compound called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. ATP is a key player in a complex series of biochemical reactions, whose end result is to supply the body with energy. Put most simply, CoQ-10 helps the body to burn sugar and obtain energy.

CoQ-10 is essential for good heart health. All cardiologists will agree that CoQ-10 will protect the heart from the toxicity of Adriamycin in children.

Studies discussed in "Coenzyme Q-10: Is it Our New Fountain of Youth?" by William H.Lee, have shown that CoQ-10 has been able to bring about strong improvement in treadmill performance in cardiac patients.

In another study, patients with congestive heart failure were treated with CoQ-10: four weeks later 53% of them were showing no symptoms at all. With its involvement in energy production, and its strong presence in the liver, CoQ-10 also promotes good liver health. This is important because the liver plays such a multi-faceted role in the body's well being.