Dear Dr. Cutler,

My wife will be 80 years old soon and is in quite good health although she has a weakened heart. She exercises three or four times each week and takes a nattokinase supplement to keep her blood thin and help with her circulation. I’ve been reading a great deal about coenzyme Q10 and wondered if you think she might benefit from it, as well.

—Wilson R.

Dear Wilson,

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant that’s naturally produced in the liver and is required by all cells for energy production. CoQ10 is the “energy switch” that sparks life to all your body’s cells. This nutrient has been scientifically shown to help repair damaged skin, lung, liver, brain and heart cells. And the heart muscle itself requires 10 times more CoQ10 than any other organ in your body. But as we age, our natural CoQ10 levels diminish.

For these reasons, I believe that CoQ10 is an effective supplement across the board for aging folks. But you should consult with your wife’s doctor about the specific health advantages of CoQ10 for her. Keep the following points in mind when speaking with the doctor…

• Isn’t CoQ10 worth trying since it could help improve your wife’s circulation and strengthen and protect her heart as she ages?
• Wouldn’t it be worthwhile for her to take CoQ10 for three months or so and then reassess her strength and health condition at that point?

All the best!
Michael Cutler, M.D.