In 1978, Dr Peter Mitchell, a British scientist, was awarded the Nobel Prize for chemistry for his study of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

It is a vitamin-like substance vital to life, improving a cell's ability to use oxygen, thereby making the production of energy much more efficient.

CoQ10 is also a potent antioxidant, protecting us against free radical damage from the environment.

Unfortunately, we only produce tiny amounts of CoQ10 and require sufficient B vitamins, vitamin C and folate to be present at the same time. These are often lacking in our modern diet.

Levels also decline after the age of 40 and eating foods containing CoQ10, such as meat, fish, broccoli and spinach, cannot make up for the shortfall.

For decades, researchers have therefore been investigating the benefits of supplementing our diets with the nutrient.

As an energy booster, CoQ10 appears particularly beneficial and is taken by athletes to improve performance and recovery.

It has also been found useful in the treatment of gum disease, migraine, immune disorders and some forms of cancer and has no adverse effects other than being rather expensive.

Water-soluble formulations appear to be better absorbed than powder and oil-based formulations.

CoQ10 is important for the efficiency of all muscle cells, including the largest muscle in the body, the heart.

In Japan and Scandinavia, it is successfully used to treat angina, high blood pressure and heart failure.

In the UK, CoQ10 has largely been ignored, although heart disease is the leading cause of death.

The preferred option is to overprescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins.

The irony is that statins significantly deplete the heart and other tissues of CoQ10 by blocking the enzyme that makes the nutrient.

A recently-published study found that even brief exposure to a statin called Lipitor caused a marked decrease in the blood concentration of CoQ10.

Sadly, most doctors are not provided with the information that taking statins directly inhibits the body's ability to produce CoQ10, causing a deficiency which contributes to muscle pain and degeneration.

Instead, we keep hearing the tired old line that cholesterol is the main culprit in heart disease.

But cholesterol itself is an essential substance required to make cell membranes and hormones like oestrogen.

What we don't need is a rancid form of cholesterol subjected to free radical damage from smoking, eating fried food, pollution and radiation.

The evidence is that several culprits are involved in heart disease, including the toxic metabolite homocysteine and the inflammatory compound C-reactive protein.

It therefore makes little sense to eradicate all forms of cholesterol with drugs, especially if the end result is to weaken the heart muscle.

For a healthy heart, we require a steady stream of antioxidants to fend off free radicals, as well as sufficient B vitamins to control toxic by-products produced by the body when converting food into energy.

You can obtain these by eating a diet high in fibrous plant foods consisting of fruit, vegetables, beans, whole grains.

Eat oily fish, avoid sugar, fried and hydrogenated food and exercise consistently. If over the age of 40, it may be wise to take a multi-vitamin supplement and CoQ10 (particularly if on statins).

Remember to inform your doctor if you have a heart condition or are on medication in case of any drug/nutrient interactions.

For a water-soluble form of CoQ10, called QGel contact Lemonburst on 01273 558112 or 703461 or visit www.lemonburst.net Martina is a qualified nutritional therapist and works at the Crescent Clinic of Complementary Medicine and the Dolphin House Clinic, both in Brighton. Call 01273 324790 or visit www.thehealthbank.co.uk
If you have a question for Martina, write to her at Features Department, The Argus, Argus House, Crowhurst Road, Brighton BN1 8AR or email features@theargus.co.uk