Coenzyme Q10

Common Name(s)

coenzyme Q10, ubiquinone-10, CoQ10, ubidecarenone

Scientific Name(s)

coenzyme Q10, ubidecarenone, ubiquinone

General Information

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant, meaning that it protects the cells in our bodies from damaging effects of activated oxygen. It is found throughout the body, particularly in the heart, liver, kidney, and muscle, and is necessary for the proper functioning of our cells. Our bodies make this antioxidant, and small quantities can also come from our diet (e.g., meats, seafood).

How is this product usually used?

Coenzyme Q10 as a supplement is usually taken by mouth and is available in different forms including tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids. It is often used with the dose ranging from 30 mg to 100 mg, 1 to 3 times daily.

Most coenzyme Q10 products that are commercially available come from yeast.

Your health care provider may have recommended using this product in other ways. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What is this product used for?

Coenzyme Q10 is used to:

• help maintain and support cardiovascular health (e.g., reducing the risk of heart failure, blood pressure, heart attack)
• prevent migraines and any nausea or vomiting associated with them
• maintain good health through its antioxidant properties

Early evidence suggests that coenzyme Q10 supplements may help people with a long-standing history of heart failure. But this antioxidant should never be used alone for heart failure, but it may be helpful when taken with other heart failure medications. When used soon after a heart attack, coenzyme Q10 may decrease the risk of a further heart attack, but more research is needed.

Coenzyme Q10 can lower the frequency of migraine attacks and the average number of days with headache-related nausea. You may need to take coenzyme Q10 supplementation for 3 months before you start noticing any improvement. If you don't notice an improvement or your migraine symptoms worsen, consult your doctor.

Coenzyme Q10 has also been studied for other conditions, including:

• age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• diabetic neuropathy
• gum disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Huntington's disease
• preventing side effects caused by certain cancer medications
• certain cancers
• Alzheimer's disease

Research has produced mixed results in people with diabetes – it is unknown if coenzyme Q10 will help to control blood sugar for everyone. However, there are some clinical studies that show taking coenzyme Q10 improves symptoms of pain associate with diabetic neuropathy.

It remains unclear whether coenzyme Q10 is effective for any of the other mentioned uses.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

Coenzyme Q10 is safe for most adults. Side effects that have been reported include mild stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, lower blood pressure, and diarrhea. These side effects may be reduced by spreading out your doses of coenzyme Q10 throughout the day.

Because coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant, there is concern that it may decrease the effectiveness of certain cancer medications (chemotherapy) when used together with them, so consult your health care professional first. It may also interact with warfarin and blood pressure medications. Consult your doctor if you are taking any of these medications.

Cozenzyme Q10 may affect serum levels of beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K and vitamin E.

You should consult a health care provider before starting coenzyme Q10 if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or have liver disease.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.

Source(s)

1. Health Canada. Licensed Natural Health Products database. Coenzyme Q10. http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=70&lang=eng.
2. Coenzyme Q10 monograph. Natural Standard database.