Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a substance similar to a vitamin. It is found in every cell of the body. Q10 benefits heart, muscles, immune system, and other organs and it is a powerful antioxidant.

Dietary Sources:
Primary dietary sources of CoQ10 include oily fish (such as salmon and tuna), organ meats (such as liver), and whole grains. Most people get enough CoQ10 through a balanced diet, but supplements may help people with particular health conditions, or those taking certain medications.

Adult Dosage:
For adults 19 years and older: The recommended dose for CoQ10 supplementation is 30 to 200 mg daily. Soft gels tend to be better absorbed than capsules or other preparations. Higher doses may be recommended for specific conditions.

CoQ10 is fat soluble, so it should be taken with a meal containing fat so your body can absorb it. Also, taking CoQ10 at night may help with the body's ability to use it.

References:

WebMD http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/tc/coenzyme-q10-topic-overview#1
University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/coenzyme-q10

Resources:

To view current product review/rankings, see https://labdoor.com/rankings/coq10

Fish Oil

Fish oil is FDA approved to lower triglycerides levels, but it is also used for many other conditions. It is most often used for conditions related to the heart and blood system.  Fish oil is also used to for many kidney-related problems. Fish may have earned its reputation as "brain food" because some people eat fish to help with depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer's disease, developmental coordination disorder, migraine headache, epilepsy, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and mental impairment.

Fish oil can be obtained from eating fish or by taking supplements. Fish that are especially rich in the beneficial oils known as omega-3 fatty acids include mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon, cod liver, whale blubber, and seal blubber. Two of the most important omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Make sure to see separate listings on EPA and DHA, as well as Cod Liver Oil, and Shark Liver Oil.

Be aware that one thousand or 1200 mg of fish oil doesn't equal 1000 or 1200 mg of omega-3s. A standard 1000 mg fish oil softgel provides around 300 mg of omega-3s (and even less of the important EPA and DHA), and so in order to meet the 500 mg EPA and DHA recommendation, a minimum of two softgels would be necessary.

References:

WebMD http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-993-fish%20oil.aspx?activeingredientid=993&
http://www.naturemade.com/resource-center/articles-and-videos/heart-health/how-much-fish-oil-consider-the-benefits-of-omega-3s#O82Iz8sqiCLwMS5q.97

Resource:

To view product review and rankings, see https://labdoor.com/rankings/fish-oil