FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q What is Kordel’s agewise® Heart Smart Daily and why do I need to take it?
A agewise® Heart Smart Daily is a comprehensive nutritional formula providing 100mg of Co-Enzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) to support healthy heart function, circulation, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also combines vitamins B6, folic acid and B12 with important antioxidants including vitamins C, E and betacarotene plus selenium to help maintain healthy homocysteine levels and protect against the damaging effects of free radicals.
Q What is homocysteine?
A Homocysteine is an amino acid formed in the blood from cysteine and studies have shown that high blood levels of homocysteine increase the risk of heart disease.
Q What is Co-Q10?
A Co-Q10 (Ubidecarenone/Ubiquinone) is a fat-soluble antioxidant enzyme, which is found in the energy-producing centres of the cell, called the mitochondria. It helps to maximise the body’s natural energy reserves by playing an important role in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source of the cell. All cells and tissues in the body are dependent on ATP for energy production and normal cellular activity.
Q What are the benefits of Co-Q10?
A Clinical studies support the use of Co-Q10 in promoting heart health and circulation, including maintaining healthy blood pressure1, cholesterol levels2 and also normal blood sugar levels. The heart muscle contains very high levels of Co-Q10 and low Co-Q10 levels can result in problems including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and low energy. Co-Q10 helps support normal oxygen flow in conditions such as angina3. Because Co-Q10 is needed for energy production, many athletes use Co-Q10 as part of their nutritional regime to aid performance, muscle energy function and enhance recovery4. Co-Q10 also helps to restore the antioxidant power of vitamin E.
Q How long before the benefits of Kordel’s Agewise Heart Smart Daily will be experienced?
A This depends on the individual’s health. In some cases 10-12 weeks may be required to see real benefits. However, improved results in energy levels may be seen sooner. Co-Q10 supplementation can be taken long-term, especially for those who are at risk of deficiency.
Q Who is at risk of Co-Q10 deficiency?
A Co-Q10 levels decline with age and researchers theorise that this nutritional deficiency may contribute to some of the common health conditions affecting the elderly, including some forms of heart problems. Several health conditions including chronic gum disease (gingivitis), muscle fatigue, heart disease (including high blood pressure, angina and congestive heart failure) and some migraines may be associated with Co-Q10 deficiency. Dietary and other issues and certain medications can lead to deficiency states. Studies show that intense exercise reduces levels of Co-Q10.
Q Why are antioxidants important for maintaining a healthy heart?
A Antioxidant nutrients are essential for optimal health. They help to reduce the damage caused by free radicals, which can harm healthy heart cells and contribute to atherosclerosis which involves the build up of cholesterol within arteries. Vitamins C and E, along with Co-Q10 and selenium, act as powerful antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and, through this action, help to protect the body against the destructive effects of free radicals.
Q What are free radicals and how do they affect the ageing process?
A Free radicals are molecules with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and are formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules and these highly reactive radicals can trigger a domino-like chain reaction. This can produce damage to important cellular components including DNA or the cell membrane. Cell function can be impaired and cells will die, leading to tissue damage. To prevent excessive free radical damage the body has an antioxidant enzyme defence system.
Antioxidants are molecules, which can safely interact with free radicals and help to inhibit the chain reaction before cellular damage occurs. The principal vitamin antioxidants are vitamin E, betacarotene and vitamin C. Additionally, Selenium and Co-Q10 are also required for proper function of the body’s antioxidant enzymes. Because the body cannot manufacture these essential nutrients, they must be supplied from the daily diet.