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Here are answers to four of Brightline's 5 excellent questions on CoQ10 from Jennifer Peters, Vitaline's Manager for Medical Communication and Education. I have submitted the questions to a number of people, not just Vitaline folks, and will post anything of value that I get back. Q1.VitaLine, the company that produces and donated the COEnzyme Q wafers used in the clinical trials.They state in their press release that only their product has been proven safe and effective. Other brands may even be harmful." What is the truth here? CoEQ10 must be the same protein, no matter by what methhod or who manufactures it. Otherwise it will not be called CoE Q10! A1. There are two methods used to prepare CoQ10. One uses an all natural fermentation method. The other utilizes fermentation as a starting method, but also incorporates chemical synthesis. The two forms (natural and synthetic) are similar, but not identical. The sythetic form contains compounds not found in the natural form, and some medical experts feel that this form may be less effective. However, the synthetic form is cheaper, so some companies choose to use it. Vitaline CoQ10 contains only the natural form of CoQ10. Also, different companies have different manufacturing methods and standards. If the manufacturer does not follow established GMP (good manufacturing procedures) they may not be producing a consistent product. GMPs are not required for dietary supplements at this time. As has been established by several independent testing groups (such as consumerlabs.com) there is great variation among similar products: they may not contain the amount of key ingredient claimed, they may be contaminated with impurities during the manufacturing process, or the key ingredient may not be correctly identified on the label. Vitaline CoQ10 is produced in an FDA-registered pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, affording highest quality raw materials, lab review of raw and finished goods, as well as manufacturing process consistency and safety. Q2. Given that product from other manufacturers have not been tested, does that really mean it won't be helpful or even be harmful? A2. This is unknown. As Richard points out - if you are a person with a serious neurodegenerative disease, why take a chance on an unproven product simply because it is cheap? Maybe the cheap product works, maybe it doesn't. But given the known quality issues in the dietary supplement industry, doesn't it make sense to stick with the product that has been proven to be safe and effective? Q4. Vitaline CoE Q10 crosses the blood barrier successfully. Does that mean other manufacturer's CoEQ10 would not? Or we do not know if they do? If not, why not? Biochemically all the CoE Q10s should behave identically. If not, what is the real active ingredient in Vitaline's product? A4.CoQ10 absorption is problematic. An analogy is that is it like trying to shove an elephant through a keyhole. Manufacturers take different approaches to ensuring absorption. One way is the use of harsh solvents such as propylene glycol. For most people, the amount used per dose is probably not harmful. However, people with serious neurodegenerative diseases are taking very high doses compared to the general population, thereby increasing their exposure to these potentially harmful compounds. It does not make sense to expose a vulnerable population to these undesirable ingredients. Vitaline's approach is different. The CoQ10 used is produced to exact specifications, and combined with vitamin E and a proprietary delivery system that does not use potentially harmful solvents like propylene glycol. Research has verified that Vitaline CoQ10 increases both serum and mitochondrial levels of CoQ10. Q5. CoE Q10 has been tested only in the early stage patients of PD. Does this necessarily mean it won't be effectve in late stage PDPs , A5. The answer is not known at this time. Research is a continuous process. Hopefully, future studies will look at this question. Cynthia A. Holmes, PhD University of Arizona Department of Neurology APDA Parkinson's Information & Referral Center 616 N. Country Club Road Suite C Tucson, AZ 85716 Phone: (520) 326-5400 Toll-free: (800) 541-4960 FAX: (520) 326-8591 email: holmes @ u.arizona.edu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn