Showing posts with label Coenzyme Q10. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coenzyme Q10. Show all posts

What USANA Products for Pregnant or Breast-feeding Women?

The Essentials can serve as an excellent prenatal multivitamin. Proper amounts of folic acid, zinc, and other important vitamins and minerals are all present in this product.

It is important for women who are planning to become pregnant (and those who are currently pregnant) to consume at least 400 mcg of folic acid per day. A full daily dosage of the Essentials provides 1,000 mcg of folic acid. If a mother does not have adequate intake of folic acid within the first few months of pregnancy, the fetus may develop neural tube defects (such as spina bifida). Studies show that taking at least 400 mcg of folic acid can reduce the risk of these birth defects by as much as 70%.

It is important for every expectant mother to ask a doctor about taking an iron supplement, as iron is not included in the Essentials. During pregnancy, women should generally supplement with somewhere between 28 and 90 mg of elemental iron per day, depending on their needs.

Research has also shown that essential fatty acids are critical for developing babies. It may be a good idea to supplement with BiOmega during pregnancy. Before taking any additional or different supplements, discuss them fully with your doctor, as it is important to protect the growing baby and mother.

READ VERY CAREFULLY - The following products, taken as directed, are strongly recommended for women who are pregnant or lactating:

* Essentials
* Active Calcium
* BiOmega

The following products, taken as directed, are generally recommended for women who are pregnant or lactating, based on individual needs:

* USANA Foods (Nutrimeal, Nutrition Bar, Fibergy)

The following products, taken as directed, are recommended for women who are pregnant or lactating ONLY on the advice of a physician:

* HealthPak
* Proflavanol & Proflavanol 90
* E-Prime
* Poly C
* Ginkgo-PS
* Visionex

The following products are NOT generally for use by pregnant or lactating women:

* CoQuinone 30
* Hepasil DTX
* Procosa II
* PhytoEstrin
* Palmetto Plus

What is Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10, or ubiquinone, is a compound with an essential role in mitochondrial electron transport, making it a fundamental part of cellular energy production.

Coenzyme Q10 is also an antioxidant. Its ability to quench free radicals helps maintain the structural integrity and stability of cell membranes (including intracellular membranes). It is also capable of improving oxidation resistance of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Additional evidence suggests that Coenzyme Q10 uses its antioxidant capabilities to regenerate vitamin E.

CoQ10's other name, ubiquinone, signifies its ubiquitous (widespread) distribution in the human body. Highest levels of Coenzyme Q10 are found in the heart, liver, kidney, and pancreas.

CoQ10 supplementation has therapeutic benefits for several diseases. Some of the best-documented effects involve cases of heart failure, ischemic heart disease, certain muscular dystrophies, hypertension, and periodontal disease.

CoQ10 is synthesized in all cells of the body. It is also absorbed from food. Major sources of dietary CoQ10 include meats, fish, and vegetable oils (particularly soybean, sesame, and rapeseed oils). Vegetables are generally low in CoQ10, with the exception of spinach and broccoli.

As aging occurs, the body's ability to synthesize CoQ10 diminishes significantly. Deficiencies may also result from reduced assimilation from dietary sources.

Coenzyme Q10 supplements are generally considered safe and are best absorbed by the body when taken with foods. The usual maintenance dose is 10-30 mg per day, although higher doses are used therapeutically for the treatment of heart and blood vessel disease.