Coenzyme Q 10 Benefits, Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ₁₀) is naturally produced in the human body. It is powerful antioxidant and is known to aid in conditions related to heart and cancer.

For most people, CoQ10 is produced in the body through balanced diet. However, CoQ10 supplements are available to boost its function in people with certain medical conditions.  Always talk to your doctor or health care provider before you take the CoQ10 supplement.

What is Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is a natural fat-soluble compound. It is synthesized in every living cell of the human body. Coenzyme Q10 is known by other names such as Q10, Vitamin Q10, Ubiquinone and Ubidecarenone.

Coenzyme Q10 plays a major role in cellular energy production by breaking down carbohydrates and fats into cellular energy known as Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).  It also improves immune function.

These enzymes are found in bacteria, plants, animals and in humans. While low amounts of CoQ10 is found in lungs, larger quantities are found in heart, liver, pancreas and kidneys.  However, amounts of the coenzyme in the body decreases with age.

Health Benefits & Medical Uses of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10 plays two major roles in our body. A coenzyme aids in the functions of enzyme. While enzyme works on the natural chemical reactions that occurs in the body.  Coenzyme Q10 helps synthesize food into much needed energy for the cells to grow and remain healthy.

CoQ10 also works as a powerful antioxidant that is responsible for removing harmful free radicals. Free radicals cause damages to cell membrane and cellular DNA structuring in the body. Free radicals are also responsible for cell death.  These beneficial effects of the coenzyme have shown health improvement in conditions like:

1. Heart and related conditions
2. Cancer
3. High blood pressure
4. High cholesterol
5. Diabetes
6. Gum or periodontal disease

Various clinical studies have shown health benefits with the use of CoQ10 supplements. While studies have revealed the potential benefits of the coenzyme, no studies have shown any absolute results. CoQ10 is sold as a dietary supplement.

It is always best to talk to your doctor or health care provider before taking these supplements for any related conditions.  While, CoQ10 supplements are relatively safe for consumption, but it may interact or reduce the potential of certain medicinal drugs.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Related Problems

Certain studies have shown the use of CoQ10 supplements help improve production of energy in cells and prevent clot formation of the blood. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant thereby aiding in heart-related conditions.

Some studies suggest that the intake of these coenzyme supplements separately or with combination of other drug therapies may help preclude or manage the following conditions:

After Heart Attack

One clinical study has found that daily intake of CoQ10 supplements in 3 days of a heart attack is followed with fewer subsequent heart attacks and chest pain. Pre-treatment of CoQ10 also reduces the damage due to oxygen starvation during heart attack.

Heart failure

Few studies show that the consumption of CoQ10 in combination with conventional medicines may help treat heart failure. In conditions such as Congestive Heart Failure levels of CoQ10 fall. Heart fails to pump enough blood for the rest of the body. It will result in pooling of blood in lungs and legs and shortness of breath.  Patients with severe heart failure were found with lower myocardial CoQ10 as compared to patients with milder heart failure.

Several clinical studies have shown that these coenzyme supplements can help reduce fluid retention in the lungs, thereby making breathing easier. This results in increased exercise capacity in such patients. It also decreases the swelling in the lungs.

A clinical study done for one to three months on patients with congestive heart failure had shown improvements in some cardiac function measures.  Subjects were given a number of intervention trials of 100-300 mg/day of coenzyme Q10 in addition with conventional medical drugs.  However, few researches did not find any significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction or exercise performance in such patients.

However, the results are not conclusive, as few studies have shown nil effect.

Heart Damage

CoQ10 studies have shown reduced damage to the heart caused as a result of certain chemotherapy drugs and other medications. However, conclusive results are yet to be produced.

Few clinical researches have indicated that CoQ10 supplements taken before heart surgery can bring down damage caused by free radicals. It is also said to lower the occurrence of irregular heartbeat during recovery phase.

CoQ10 supplements are also suggested to reduce heart related side effects due to BETAXOLOL drops used for glaucoma.

High blood pressure

Studies have suggested that regular intake of CoQ10 supplements may decrease blood pressure. Clinical studies have shown CoQ10 in conjunct with blood pressure medications may help reduce the doses of these medications. The changes may take 4 to 12 weeks to be seen.

CoQ10 seems to lower the systolic blood pressure. Therefore, CoQ10 supplementation is effective for people with high systolic blood pressure, but normal diastolic blood pressure.  However, more research is warranted.

High cholesterol

People with high levels of cholesterol tend to have lower levels of CoQ10. Conventional medicines, such as Statins used for lowering cholesterol level can also lowers natural levels of coenzyme Q10.

CoQ10 have been suggested for treatment of high cholesterol. Intake of CoQ10 supplements can boost the levels in the body and may reduce muscle pain associated with conventional treatments. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence.

Cancer

Earlier observational studies had shown that coenzyme Q10 was lower in patients with lung, pancreas and breast cancer. This had created an interest in its potential benefits of being a therapeutic agent.

CoQ10 also boosts immune system and simulates the function of cancer treating drugs.  Therefore, it is said to prevent the growth of cancer cells.  Its powerful antioxidant property aids in removal of free radicals from the body. Few uncontrolled studies on breast cancer patients with the coenzyme in conjunct with cancer drugs indicated positive results.

Additionally, few studies have indicated that CoQ10 may help bring down the harmful effects on the heart as a result of continuous chemotherapy drug treatment.  Talk to your oncologists about the dietary supplements before taking them.

Diabetes

Initial studies have indicated that the consumption of coenzyme Q10 improves blood sugar control.  However, some studies have shown no such effects.

Meanwhile, few studies have indicated some improvement with nerve damage and nerve pain related to diabetes.

Gum (Periodontal) Disease

People with gum diseases are found to have decreased levels of CoQ10 in their gums.  Clinical studies with a small number of people have suggested CoQ10 supplements cause faster healing and tissue repair.

Gum disease is seen in most people. It results in swelling, bleeding, pain, and redness of the gums. Clinical studies show that people with gum disease tends to have low levels of CoQ10 in their gums. A few studies with small numbers of people found that CoQ10 supplements led to faster healing and tissue repair.

Ageing

Researches explain the cutaneous aging process is also caused by functional loss of mitochondria, where cellular energy is produced.  Coenzyme Q10 plays a major role in production of energy at cellular level. It also works as an antioxidant that works on free radicals.  Since tissue level CoQ10 reduces with age, there have been keen interests in its potential benefits to fight ageing.

Some studies of CoQ10 have shown positive results with age related cellular metabolism.  As a result, topical application of this coenzyme can benefit the skin by improving cell function. However, scientific evidence of CoQ10 to prolong life or fight the decline of age related functions of cells and organs.

CoQ10 is also used in various cosmetic products used for aging skin.

Other Medicinal Uses

Initial clinical researches have shown improvement with the intake of CoQ10.  More studies are required for any conclusive results of safe and effective uses related to these health problems.

1. Improves immune function in people with immune compromised disease like HIV or AIDS
2. Improves male fertility with increased motility of spermatozoa
3. Shows improvement in motor functions in conditions like Huntington’s disease, muscular dystrophy & Parkinson disease
4. Helps reduce occurrence of migraines

Dietary Sources of CoQ10

Deficiencies of coenzyme Q10 are rare. Most people get enough CoQ10 through a balanced diet. However, certain conditions and age can reduce the presence of the coenzyme in the body. Primary dietary sources that are rich in Coenzyme Q 10 are:

1. Oily fish, like salmon and tuna
2. Meat and organ meat such as liver
3. Nuts such peanuts
4. Oils

Low levels of these enzymes are also found in:

• Dairy products
• Vegetables like spinach, broccoli and cauliflower
• Fruits
• Cereals
• Legumes

CoQ10 are also available as supplements in the form of soft gel capsules, oral spray, hard shell capsules and tablets.  These supplements may aid in people with low coenzyme levels.

CoQ10 Supplement Dosage

Initial studies have shown that supplemental doses of up to 1,200 mg may be beneficial in certain health conditions.

In adults over 19 years, the recommended dose for CoQ10 supplementation is 30 to 200 mg daily.  Doses may be increased for specific conditions.

Safety Profile

Coenzyme Q-10 is LIKELY SAFE & TOLERATED in most individual within the dosage of CoQ10 described above.

Side Effects

CoQ10 is generally considered to be safe. So far, there were no serious side effects with the use of the CoQ10 supplements. In some people, Coenzyme Q-10 may cause following minor side effects.

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness, irritability and headaches
• Fatigue
• Heartburn
• Increased liver enzymes
• Insomnia
• Loss of Appetite
• Nausea
• Rashes, nausea
• Sensitivity to light
• Stomach Upset
• Upper abdominal pain
• Vomiting

Allergic Reactions (Allergy)

Coenzyme Q-10 may also cause skin rashes, as an allergic reaction.

Precaution

Coenzyme Q-10 affects your blood pressure. CoQ10 may decrease blood sugar level, so you require monitor it on daily basis and adjust the dosage of antihypertensive drugs accordingly. Secondly, it can be started by taking it in divided doses to avoid the side effects.

CoQ10 may interact with prescribed medications. It is advisable to take these dietary supplements as per your doctor’s advice.

Diabetic patients should consult their doctors on the coenzyme, to avoid the risk of low blood sugar.

Contra-Indications

1. CoQ10 is not advised for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
2. CoQ10 supplements should be given to children as per the advice of the pediatrician.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Oral intake of Coenzyme Q-10 may be possibly safe in pregnancy, but it should be used under medical supervision.

Drug Interactions

CoQ10 can render anticoagulant WARFARIN less effective.  It is not advised for patients on such medications.