CoQ10??
 

So....although I have stellar ratios, my cholesterol is genetically low (for most of my life, total cholesterol was sub-100, in my 30's it jumped up to total around 120, which is where it is currently).

In the past, it was thought that low cholesterol wasn't a risk factor for much (other than some psychiatric issues--notably depression with a higher rate of suicidal ideation). Lately, though, we're seeing a lot more low cholesterol risk factors emerging (like Alzheimer's).

Although I don't know any good way to actually raise my cholesterol numbers, my guess is that one of the contibutory issues that could potentially be modified is that I likely also have a CoQ10 deficit. In that context, does anyone know of any good links/information (RCT's would be nice, but I don't know if they exist :)) on the efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation?

I'm also open to thoughts/advice on how to get those cholesterol numbers up.... :)

I won't say I know how to increase cholesterol, but here is a list of cholesterol high foods.

Egg Yolk
Caviar aka Fish Roe
Foie Gras and liver pates
Butter
Shrimps/prawns
Oil packed fish e.g. canned sardines, mackerel
Cheese
Shellfish
Crab cakes
Heavy whipping cream
Crayfish
Veal liver
Octopus and squid
Pork ribs

Thanks Mrs Plaia--the main issue with eating cholesterol-rich foods (and I do eat a lot of them) as a way to increase cholesterol is that dietary intake of cholesterol only accounts for a small fraction of your overall cholesterol level--it's mostly genetic. In addition, my cholesterol numbers historically have remained the same (with an improvement in ratios from good to great) when low carbing.

With CoQ10 supplementation, there are a variety of things you could try:

-- generally if you are about 45 or older, you will see better absorption rates from a ubiquinol product vs. the standard (and yes, cheaper) ubiquinone. Ubiquinol is the "active" form of CoQ10; your body will not have to convert it prior to usage. With the standard ubiquinone supplement it does need to be converted into ubiquinol prior to being used - as we get older this conversion process kind of breaks down, which is why ubiquinol can be more readily absorbed and used at times.
-- there are other supplements that optimize the usage of CoQ10; Jarrow Formulas makes a product called "Cell Reset MB" (it's been discontinued, but some online sellers have some left - we have some left at work in our "discontinued" section too) that is good for this but once again expensive.

Cell Reset MB
Ubiquinol

Thanks LosingMe16! I'm 38, do you think I'd still be better off with the ubiquinol form? The cost isn't really an issue--I just want what will be more beneficial.