Dietary Supplement Heart/Vessels Gluten Free A combination of coenzyme Q10, minerals, amino acids, and botanicals to benefit the heart. Q-10 Plus combines coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha), potassium, taurine, and magnesium to provide the heart muscle and blood vessels with nutrients for healthy functioning. The cells that make up the heart muscle have a very high metabolism and need CoQ10 as an energy-producing cofactor. Numerous studies on CoQ10 have shown its benefit in cardiovascular function. It also serves as an antioxidant. Thorne's Q-10 Plus combines CoQ10 with taurine, an amino acid that research indicates can support already normal levels of cholesterol, and which, by aiding in the regulation of intracellular calcium levels, helps protect the heart muscle and support cardiac rhythm. The flavonoid compounds in hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha) appear to strengthen blood vessels and support cardiac function. Hawthorn has also been shown to help maintain already normal blood pressure, heart rate, and exercise capacity. The minerals in Q-10 Plus – magnesium and potassium – are necessary for optimal cardiovascular function. Numerous studies on CoQ10 indicate its benefit in cardiovascular function. In a 73-subject study supplementing CoQ10 at 120 mg daily, improvements in cardiovascular function were observed after 28 days. The flavonoids in hawthorn also act as antioxidants and provide support for artery function. Taurine is an essential nutrient cofactor for cardiac function and rhythm, and is the most abundant amino acid in the heart. Taurine's support for already normal levels of cholesterol is probably due to its ability to facilitate the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids.