Orthomolecular Flashcards
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is present in each cell’s mitochondria and plays akey role in ATP production.
* CoQ10 is also known as ubiquinone.
* It exists in the body in an oxidised form (ubiquinone) and a reduced form
ubiquinol) and the two forms interconvert.
* It is usually synthesised in the body in sufficient amounts to meet physiological requirements.
* CoQ10 is reduced by: Ageing, drugs
(e.g. statins), smoking and certain diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease).
CoQ10: Food Sources
- Plant sources: Nuts (e.g. peanuts,
pistachios ), sesame seeds, olive oil, fruit and vegetables including oranges, strawberries, avocado, broccoli, cauliflower - Animal sources: Meat, poultry, fish (e.g. herring, sardines, mackerel, trout) and eggs .
CoQ10: Functions
Energy Production
Antioxidant
Periodontal health
Male and female fertility
Cardivascular health
The Mevalonate Pathway
- This metabolic pathway is required for the production of cholesterol and CoQ10 two crucial molecules for health.
- Statins act on this pathway as seen on the image.
CoQ10 Safety
CoQ10 has a remarkable safety profile. There have been no reports of significant adverse side effects of oral CoQ10 supplementation at doses as high as 1200 mg / day for up to 16 months. There have been no safety studies in pregnant and lactating women.
CoQ10 Mild adverse effects
GIT symptoms such as nausea,
diarrhoea, appetite suppression, heartburn, and abdominal discomfort have been reported. These may be minimised if daily doses higher than 100 mg are divided into two or three doses.
CoQ10 Interactions
CoQ10 may decrease the effects of warfarin.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an organosulphur compound that is synthesised by plants and animals, including humans. ALA is a naturally occurring, short chain fatty acid.
* ALA is also known as ‘α lipoic acid ’ or ‘lipoic acid’ (LA)
* There are two forms of ALA: R-form (natural) and S-form (synthetic). The R-ALA variant is nearly 10 x more potent.
* It is thought that humans generally
synthesise enough to meet basic needs.
* However, additional ALA in the form of supplementation has clear therapeutic benefits in certain health conditions .
ALA: Food Sources
- Found in a wide variety of foods.
- Plant sources: Brassicas (e.g. broccoli, Brussel sprouts, spinach, potato, carrots, beets, tomatoes, peas, brewer’s yeast.
- Animal sources: Red meat (lamb, beef) and organ meats.
ALA: Functions
Energy Production
Antioxidant
Insulin Sensitising
Metal-chelating
Peripheral Neuropathy
Weight loss
ALA: Rare adverse effects
Allergic reactions affecting the skin
(rashes, hives) and GI symptoms (abdominal pain,
ALA: Interactions
- Biotin and ALA may compete for transport across cell membranes due to similar chemical structures.
Be mindful of biotin deficiency when using high doses of ALA. - Increased risk of hypoglycaemia in medicated diabetic patients due to additive effect. Monitor blood glucose closely.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an aminosugar naturally present in most body tissues, with high concentrations in joints and cartilage.
* Glucosamine is required for the synthesis of glycoproteins, glycolipids, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), also known as mucopolysaccharides.
* These compounds are an important
structural component of tendons,
ligaments, cartilage, synovial fluid,
mucous membranes and structures in the eye, blood vessels and heart
valves.
Glucosamine: Therarpeutic Uses
Osteoarthritis
IDB and intestinal permeability
Glucosamine: Interactions
Potential increase in the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, leading to increased risk of bleeding and bruising.
Chondroitin Sulphate: Osteoarthritis
- Protects cartilage from degradation by:
- Reducing degradative enzymes.
- Decreasing inflammation reduces inflammatory intermediates such as COX-2. This is also seen by reductions in the inflammatory marker ‘CRP’.
- Increasing hyaluronic acid synthesis enhancing joint lubrication.
- Dosage: 200-400 mg two to three
times a day or 1000 1200 mg daily as a single dose.
Chondroitin Sulphate: Safety
There is some concern that chondroitin might exacerbate asthma. Patients with asthma tend to have higher concentrations of chondroitin
antibodies in the airway compared to people without asthma.
Chondroitin Sulphate: Interactions
Potential increase in the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, leading to increased risk of bleeding and bruising.
Methyl Sulfonylmethane (MSM)
Methyl sulfonylmethane (MSM) is
a source of sulphur used by plants
to create the amino acids, cysteine
and methionine. These amino acids
are a dietary source of sulphur.
MSM: Food sources
- Plant food sources: Green leafy
vegetables, alfalfa sprouts, algae,
fruits, vegetables, and grains - Animal sources: Milk (cows).
MSM: Therapeutic Uses
Osteoarthritis
Cardiovascular health
Tissue Repair
Immune modulator
Betain/TMG
The chemical form of betaine is trimethyl glycine (TMG) and it occurs naturally in the body. TMG can be formed from choline (tetramethyl glycine).
* TMG serves as a methyl donor, facilitating the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.
* Elevated homocysteine is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease , so betaine can be used therapeutically to support vascular endothelial health and prevent atherosclerosis.
Homocysteine:
- A biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk, and an indicator of how well an individual is methylating.
- Optimal blood levels are below 9 µmol / L, excess of 14 µmol / L is linked to a high risk of health concerns.
Betain: Food Sources
- Plant sources: Beets 1 2 cups per day i.e. 250-500 ml per day) day), wheat bran, quinoa, spinach, sweet potato.
- Animal sources: Seafood, turkey.
