Q: Three years back I had a stent fixed in my heart artery at a reputed hospital. I am regularly taking medication to control my blood pressure and also take an antioxidant tablet. I have read a lot about CoQ10 capsules and bought a bottle of capsules. What do you suggest about taking these capsules as a dietary supplement?

A:CoQ10 capsules are essentially antioxidant capsules which prevent, or so it is believed, the oxidation of low density lipoproteins to atherogenic lipoproteins. In other words they are supposed to prevent the deposition of cholesterol in the arteries of the heart. However, there is no fool proof evidence for this and though certain people take antioxidant capsules as a routine dietary supplement, it has not been scientifically validated till date. I would therefore not advise taking these capsules as a routine dietary supplement. In any case green leafy vegetables and fruits have antioxidants in them in sufficient amounts and the body does not need any further artificial supplements. I think if you look after your risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, stress management, taking regular exercises and so and so worth, then I am sure you would get good long term results from your stenting.