Does Coenzyme Q10 Really Help with Impotence?

When dealing with the ramifications of erectile dysfunction (ED), looking for treatments – natural or otherwise – can become a way of life. Truth be told, there are plenty of ways to overcome the challenges of ED without the need for prescription drugs. One of the latest natural remedies showing promise is Coenzyme Q10.

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant naturally produced by the body, and its main function is helping to produce energy within the cells. It can be found in two forms: ubiquinol (the antioxidant), and ubiquinone (the oxidized variation). Found directly inside the body’s cells, it keeps those cells functioning properly. When looking close, however, concentration levels are higher in organs that require a higher energy output, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Unfortunately, as we age, coenzyme Q10 production decreases, which in turn, can mean turning to supplementation for maintaining efficient levels. Generally, CoQ10 is used to treat heart and blood vessel conditions such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and angina. Though patients with Parkinson’s Disease, cancer, diabetes, and even muscular dystrophy typically have low CoQ10 levels.

How Do You Know if You’re Deficient in CoQ10?

Decreased CoQ10 levels have been associated with a variety of diseases—most cardiovascular related. It won’t be surprising to see many symptoms can be heart related. Here are some signs to pay attention to:

• Blood sugar regulation issues;

• Angina;

• Arrhythmia;

• Gingivitis;

• Stomach ulcers;

• Heart failure; and

• High blood pressure;

• Erectile dysfunction

Can CoQ10 Help with Erectile Dysfunction?

For men suffering with impotence, CoQ10 offers some surprising benefits.

1. CoQ10 Increases Blood Flow. It starts by providing increased blood flow to the body by dilating blood vessels, which is a root cause of erectile dysfunction. When there isn’t a strong enough flow of blood, the body struggles to form an erection.

2. CoQ10 Lowers Blood Pressure. Secondly, CoQ10 helps in lowering blood pressure overall, which can also be a cause of impotence.

3. CoQ10 Protects Nitric Oxide Levels. Nitric oxide is considered to be super important in both achieving an erection, and maintaining it. This is because rising nitric oxide levels occur naturally during arousal to help promote sexual potency. In fact, nitric oxide is so important, most ED medications work by increasing the body’s sensitivity to rising nitric oxide.

• As a side note, another supplement known as L-arginine can also be beneficial to treat lower than normal nitric oxide levels. Though keep in mind, studies show it’s most effective as a short-term treatment.

Are There Side Effects?

Both Coenzyme Q10 and L-arginine are known to be extremely safe for most people when taken in supplement form.

Taking more than 100 mg of CoQ10 can increase the chances of mild insomnia. More than 300 mg can produce elevated liver enzymes, which may indicate inflammation or damage to the liver cells.

Most notable side effects include:

• Headache;

• Heartburn;

• Irritability;

• Fatigue;

• Sensitivity to light;

• Upper abdominal pain;

• Nausea;

• Rashes

It’s also important to note that CoQ10 can interact with other medications, however. Talk to your doctor about any medications you’re currently taking, or medical conditions you have. Some people may experience side effects when combining these supplements with other medications, so be sure to tell your doctor your intentions. They can help you determine whether or not CoQ10 is right for you.

What Food Sources Contain CoQ10?

Supplementation isn’t the only way to increase your CoQ10 levels. There are many naturally occurring sources which can be intentionally added to your diet, if you know where to look. Here is a list of various foods which have moderate to high CoQ10 levels:

1. Meats: pork, beef, liver, and ham

2. Poultry: both chicken and eggs

3. Fish: sardines, mackerel, cuttlefish, yellow tail, tuna, herring, and pollock

4. Oils: soybean, rapeseed, sesame, cottonseed, and corn

5. Nuts, beans, & seeds: soybeans, peanuts, sesame seeds, pistachios, walnuts, azuki beans, and hazelnuts

6. Vegetables: spinach, broccoli, sweet potato, sweet pepper, garlic, peas, cauliflower, and carrots

What Else Can CoQ10 Help With?

Interestingly enough, erectile dysfunction is only one of the promising areas where Coenzyme Q10 has shown results. Below is a list of several other uses with evidence to support increasing CoQ10 levels:

• Migraines;

• Parkinson’s Disease;

• Muscular dystrophy;

• Slow dementia;

• Increasing sperm motility;

• Eye disease;

• Chest pain caused by exercise;

• Asthma;

• Chronic fatigue;

• High cholesterol;

• Treatment of chemotherapy side effects in children

Recommended Adult Doses

What dosage of CoQ10 should a relatively healthy man be taking? As a general rule, always talk to your doctor before supplementation of any kind, particularly if you take other medications. However, a suggested optimal dosage is between 90 to 120 mg. Be sure to take the supplement with a meal containing fat, as CoQ10 is fat-soluble.

When it comes to providing the best options for your sexual health, it’s important to always discuss what you’ve learned with your doctor. Not all natural, or supplemental methods will work for everyone with ED. That being said, Coenzyme Q10 is a relatively safe supplement when taken at proper dosages we just discussed. We hope you find the details provided here to be both helpful and informative.

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