New study links deficiency of CoQ10 to an increased risk of melanoma metastasis

Melanoma is regarded as one of the most dangerous types of skin cancers. When caught early on, treatment is fairly straightforward — but once this particular cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it becomes hard to treat, and possibly fatal. Experts estimate that over 9,000 lives are lost to melanoma annually, but new research has shown that a key nutrient may help stop this deadly skin cancer in its tracks.

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a compound that supports the production of energy within cells. The body generates its own CoQ10 naturally, but as you get older, the production of CoQ10 does tend to slow down. A nutrient with many health benefits, CoQ10 has garnered a substantial amount of fame for its “anti-aging” properties. Low levels of CoQ10 have been linked to an assortment of health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Now, new research has shown that CoQ10 can help prevent melanoma skin cancer from metastasizing and spreading to other parts of the body, where it becomes substantially more lethal.

CoQ10 stops melanoma in its tracks

A new prospective study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has put the spotlight on CoQ10’s cancer-fighting properties. In an analysis of 117 study participants with melanoma that had not metastasized, scientists sought to observe patient outcomes and then relate their findings to CoQ10 levels.

As Natural Health 365 reports:

The researchers found that lower blood levels of CoQ10 – defined as amounts under 0.6 mg/L – were associated with poorer outcomes for melanoma patients.  So close was the association, in fact, that the team found that CoQ10 levels could actually be used to predict melanoma progression.

When compared to a control group, the patients with melanoma also displayed lower CoQ10 levels overall. Patients with cancer that metastasized also had lower levels of CoQ1o compared to cancer patients with no metastasis. In fact, patients with low levels of CoQ10 were eight times more likely to develop metastases than patients with adequate levels of the nutrient.

CoQ10 levels were found to be strongly associated with patient outcomes regarding metastasis. The research reportedly showed that “cancer progression occurred sooner in the low CoQ10 group (appearing at an average of 47 months) than in the group with higher levels, which averaged 82 months before cancer progression.”

Though more research is needed, past studies have also shown that CoQ10 could be immensely beneficial in the war against cancer.

Other benefits of CoQ10

CoQ10 has been linked to an array of health benefits. Given that the compound is found in every cell across the human body, it is undeniably essential to health and well-being. Studies have shown that CoQ10 can even help treat heart failure. As Healthline reports, a study of 420 people with heart failure found that treatment with CoQ10 for two years helped reduce the risk of death from heart problems, and also helped improve symptoms related to the condition.

It’s believed that CoQ10 helps your heart by increasing energy production, reducing damage from oxidative stress and restoring heart function. The protective benefits of CoQ10 don’t end with your heart: Research has shown that the compound is beneficial to the health of your brain and lungs, as well.

Some studies have also shown that CoQ10 can help boost athletic performance and stop migraines. But what CoQ10 is most known for may be its anti-aging benefits. In addition to preventing skin cancer, CoQ10 has been shown to reduce oxidative damage and even decrease the depth of wrinkles.

You can learn more about CoQ10 and other valuable vitamins, minerals and other supplements at Nutrients.news.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalHealth365.com

SkinCancer.org

Healthline.com