Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that the body produces naturally. Your cells use CoQ10 for growth and maintenance.
The body's CoQ10 levels decline as you age. CoQ10 levels have also been found to be lower in people with certain conditions, such as heart disease, and in those taking cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins.
CoQ10 is found in meat, fish, and nuts. However, the amount of CoQ10 found in these dietary sources is not enough to significantly increase the body's CoQ10 levels.
CoQ10 dietary supplements are available as capsules, chewable tablets, liquid syrups, wafers, and intravenously. CoQ10 might help prevent or treat certain heart conditions and migraines.
General information
ThecoenzymeQ10 (also known as CoQ10, Q10, vitamin Q10, ubiquinone, and ubidecarenone) is a type of benzoquinone naturally synthesized by the human body. The "Q" and "10" in the name refer to the quinone chemical group and the 10 isoprenyl subunits that are part of the structure of this compound. The term "coenzyme" denotes that it is amoleculeorganic (contains carbon atoms) non-protein necessary for the proper functioning of your partnerprotein(aenzymeor an enzyme complex). Thecellsin the body use coenzyme Q10 in a known process in the following ways:
Through this process, mitochondria produce energy for cell multiplication and maintenance.[1-4] Coenzyme Q10 is also used by cells in the body as aantioxidantendogenous.[1,2,4-8] An antioxidant is a substance that protects cells againstfree radicals, highly reactive chemicals that often contain oxygen atoms capable of damaging important cellular components, such as thednaand thelipids. Furthermore, the concentrationplasmaticof coenzyme Q10 has been used in studies as a way to measure theoxidative stress.[9,10]
Coenzyme Q10 is found in mostfabrics, but the highest concentrations are observed in the following organs:[eleven]
The lowest concentration is found in thelungs.In tissues, the concentration of this compound decreases as people age due to increased demand, decreased production, or insufficient consumption of chemical precursors necessary for synthesis. In humans, concentrationssanguineousNormal values for coenzyme Q10 have been variably defined, with reported normal values ranging from 0.30µg/mlat 3.48 µg/ml.
Given the importance of coenzyme Q10 in optimizing cellular energy production, the use of this compound in the treatment of diseases other than diabetes has been explored.cancer. Most of these investigations focused on the use of coenzyme Q10 as a treatment for the disease.cardiovascularIn cancer patients, the following effects have been observed with the use of coenzyme Q10:
Stimulation of the immune system by this compound was also observed inanimal studiesand in humans without cancer. Due in part to its potentialimmunostimulant, coenzyme Q10 has been used asadjuvant therapyin patients with various types of cancer.
Although it is possible that coenzyme Q10 acts indirectly against cancer through its effects on the immune system, there is evidence thatanaloguesof this compound can directly suppress cancer growth. Coenzyme Q10 analogues have been shown to inhibit theproliferationcancer cellinvitroand the multiplication of cancer cellstransplantedin rats and mice. In view of these findings, it was postulated that coenzyme Q10 analogues might act asantimetabolitesthat interrupt thebiochemical reactionsnormal
necessary for the multiplication or survival of cells; therefore, they may be useful aschemotherapy drugs.
Several companies distribute coenzyme Q10 as a dietary supplement. In the United States, dietary supplements are regulated like foods, not drugs. Therefore, evaluation and approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is not required. before marketing, unless specific information is presented about its usefulness in preventing or treating a disease. However, the FDA may recall dietary supplements it deems unsafe. Because dietary supplements do not undergo formal review for uniform manufacturing, ingredients vary widely from batch to batch, and there are no guarantees as to the presence of ingredients listed on product labels (or found in the specified quantities). The FDA has not approved coenzyme Q10 for the treatment of cancer or any other condition.
To conduct clinical drug research in the United States, researchers must submit a new drug application (IND) to the FDA. The IND application process is strictly confidential and IND information can only be disclosed by applicants. To date, no investigator has announced that they have applied for an IND to study coenzyme Q10 as a cancer treatment.
In animal studies, coenzyme Q10 has been administered byinjection(intravenous,intraperitoneal,intramusculareithersubcutaneous). Although in humans it is usually taken viaoralin the form of pills (gel beads orcapsules), is also administered byinfusionsintravenous. Coenzyme Q10 is best absorbed with fat; therefore, preparations with lipids are better assimilated than the purified compound. In human studies, thedoseof supplements and schedules of administration vary, but generally range from 90mg/day to 390 mg/day.
Evidence
In research on the use of CoQ10 for specific activities and conditions, the following is observed:
- Heart conditions.CoQ10 has been shown to improve symptoms of congestive heart failure. Although the findings are mixed, CoQ10 might help lower blood pressure. Some research also seems to indicate that, when combined with other nutrients, CoQ10 may promote recovery in people who have had bypass and heart valve surgeries.
- Diabetes.Although more study is needed, some research suggests that CoQ10 may help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels in people with diabetes, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Parkinson's disease.Recent research suggests that even high doses of CoQ10 do not appear to improve symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease.
- Statin-induced myopathy.Some research seems to indicate that CoQ10 might help relieve muscle weakness and pain sometimes associated with taking statins.
- Migraines.Some research suggests that CoQ10 might decrease the frequency of these headaches.
- Physical performance.Since CoQ10 is involved in energy production, it is believed that this supplement could improve physical performance. However, research in this area has had mixed results.
Our recommendation
generally safe
CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) supplements may be beneficial in treating conditions such as congestive heart failure and preventing migraine headaches. CoQ10 is considered safe, with few side effects. However, make sure you take this supplement under the supervision of your doctor.
Safety and side effects
Coenzyme Q10 supplements appear to be safe with few side effects when taken as directed.
Some mild side effects could be digestive problems, such as:
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
Other possible side effects may include:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Itching or skin rashes
- Irritability or agitation
The safety of CoQ10 use during pregnancy and lactation has not been established. If you are pregnant or nursing, do not use CoQ10 without your doctor's permission.
interactions
Potential interactions include:
- Anticoagulants.Some blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin (Jantoven), may be less effective because of the coenzyme CoQ10. As a result, the risk of a blood clot could be increased.
