Recently, there has been some confusion regarding the health benefits and effectiveness of antioxidants. This uncertainty may be due, in part, to studies involving singular "weak" antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E (specifically alpha-tocopherol) which are rendered inactive after neutralizing dangerous free radicals, a process which helps protect the body's healthy cells.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), on the other hand, is a powerful antioxidant which can also convert oxidized, inactive vitamin C and vitamin E back to actively functioning antioxidants. This is the concept of an antioxidant network in which a key antioxidant (such as CoQ10) can be combined with other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, to help them function more effectively.

A recent double-blind, randomized study involved 70 adults with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. One group received a placebo, while the other was given a daily combination of vitamin C (1,000 mg), vitamin E (400 IU), CoQ10 (120 mg) and selenium (200 mcg) for six months¹.

After six months, those receiving the combination of antioxidants experienced a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (from 145 to 136) and diastolic blood pressure, as well as considerable improvement in arterial health. Blood glucose levels also showed marked improvement, along with levels of "good" HDL cholesterol.

In contrast, the placebo group had no significant change in any of these measurements. Thus, it was determined that the combination of multiple antioxidants made improvements which could have a major impact on cardiovascular wellness and overall health.

If you supplement with antioxidants, it is important to consume powerful antioxidants such as CoQ10 or alpha lipoic acid. Much like CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid can convert and restore function to other antioxidants that become inactive after neutralizing free radicals. Other powerful antioxidants that I recommend supplementing with include resveratrol, grape seed extract and pomegranate extract (standardized to 30-40 percent punicalagins).

As always, to your good health,
David N. Ilfeld, M.D.


1. Shargorodsky M, Debbi O, Matas Z, Zimlichman R. Effect of long-term treatment with antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium) on arterial compliance, humoral factors and inflammatory markers in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Nutrition & Metabolism 2010;7:55 (Epublication)