Newsletter : Featured Article
Natural Supplements Contribute to Increased Quality of Life as we Age
Today, the U.S. is on the brink of a longevity revolution. By 2030, the number of seniors in America will have more than doubled to 70 million, or one in every five Americans. The growing number of older adults often places increasing demands on the public health system as well as social services. But poor health is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Optimal health can be promoted and supported by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity and a healthy diet, as well as avoiding tobacco use and getting regular check-ups.
While maintaining cardiovascular and neurological health often top the list as we age, aging also leads to more immediate issues related to everyday quality of life, such as increased fatigue and lack of stamina and energy. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 20 percent of Americans report having fatigue intense enough to interfere with normal activities, and 10 percent to 25 percent of all patients who visit general practitioners complain of prolonged fatigue.
Though diet and exercise play a role in healthy aging, in recent years medical practitioners have placed increasing emphasis on preventative health measures, and are now looking at the benefits of powerful compounds known as antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals in the body and help prevent the cellular damage that can contribute to age-related diseases. While Vitamin C and Vitamin E are well-known and important antioxidants found in many multi-vitamins, a form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) called ubiquinol is the most powerful fat-soluble antioxidant. Ubiquinol (KanekaQH™) not only provides antioxidant protection and decreases cellular damage, but it also regenerates other antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Because of its strength as an antioxidant and higher absorption capabilities, ubiquinol is gaining popularity, especially among those 40 years of age and older, who aren't able to efficiently convert CoQ10 within their bodies.
Typically, until about age 40, the body readily produces all of the CoQ10 it needs and converts it to ubiquinol; however, age, disease, and a combination of other factors impair the body's ability to produce and metabolize CoQ10. Thus, taking a supplement containing ubiquinol becomes increasingly important to maintaining good health.
Since ubiquinol is only found in trace amounts in foods, such as broccoli, nuts, seafood, and organ meats, dietary intake typically is not a practical source of the nutrient for older individuals.
"Always consult a doctor about your specific needs, but the typical dose for a healthy person initially includes 200-300 mgs per day until CoQ10 plasma levels plateau usually within two weeks," said Dr. Robert J. Barry of Kaneka Nutrients. "Thereafter, 100 mg per day is a good maintenance dose."
KanekaQH™, manufactured by Kaneka Corporation, is the only supplemental ubiquinol available today. It is currently found in more than 40 consumer brands.
Today, the U.S. is on the brink of a longevity revolution. By 2030, the number of seniors in America will have more than doubled to 70 million, or one in every five Americans. The growing number of older adults often places increasing demands on the public health system as well as social services. But poor health is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Optimal health can be promoted and supported by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity and a healthy diet, as well as avoiding tobacco use and getting regular check-ups.
While maintaining cardiovascular and neurological health often top the list as we age, aging also leads to more immediate issues related to everyday quality of life, such as increased fatigue and lack of stamina and energy. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 20 percent of Americans report having fatigue intense enough to interfere with normal activities, and 10 percent to 25 percent of all patients who visit general practitioners complain of prolonged fatigue.
Though diet and exercise play a role in healthy aging, in recent years medical practitioners have placed increasing emphasis on preventative health measures, and are now looking at the benefits of powerful compounds known as antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals in the body and help prevent the cellular damage that can contribute to age-related diseases. While Vitamin C and Vitamin E are well-known and important antioxidants found in many multi-vitamins, a form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) called ubiquinol is the most powerful fat-soluble antioxidant. Ubiquinol (KanekaQH™) not only provides antioxidant protection and decreases cellular damage, but it also regenerates other antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Because of its strength as an antioxidant and higher absorption capabilities, ubiquinol is gaining popularity, especially among those 40 years of age and older, who aren't able to efficiently convert CoQ10 within their bodies.
Typically, until about age 40, the body readily produces all of the CoQ10 it needs and converts it to ubiquinol; however, age, disease, and a combination of other factors impair the body's ability to produce and metabolize CoQ10. Thus, taking a supplement containing ubiquinol becomes increasingly important to maintaining good health.
Since ubiquinol is only found in trace amounts in foods, such as broccoli, nuts, seafood, and organ meats, dietary intake typically is not a practical source of the nutrient for older individuals.
"Always consult a doctor about your specific needs, but the typical dose for a healthy person initially includes 200-300 mgs per day until CoQ10 plasma levels plateau usually within two weeks," said Dr. Robert J. Barry of Kaneka Nutrients. "Thereafter, 100 mg per day is a good maintenance dose."
KanekaQH™, manufactured by Kaneka Corporation, is the only supplemental ubiquinol available today. It is currently found in more than 40 consumer brands.
