What is Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 (also referred to as CoQ10) is an oil-soluble substance that is vitamin-like and is found in eukaryotic cells, predominately in the mitochondria.  Cells use it for energy production that is necessary for the maintenance and growth of cells.  CoQ10 also has antioxidant functionality protecting the body from harmful molecular damage. 

     Levels of CoQ10 tend to lower as one ages and can become decreased in individuals that suffer from the following ailments: diabetes, cancer, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, HIV/AIDS, heart conditions and some genetic disorders.  There are also medications that are prescribed to people that can decrease their levels. 

    There are a wide array of foods in which CoQ10 is present in minute amounts naturally.  Foods that there are high levels of the substance are as follows: sardines, organ meats (kidney, liver and heart), soy oil, peanuts, beef, salmon, tuna, whole grains and mackerel. 

Health Claims

    CoQ10 has been said to assist heart failure, muscular dystrophy, periodontal disease and cancer; as well as quicken exercise recovery and work as an energy booster.  There are also people who incorporate CoQ10 into their diet regiment in order to decrease the side effects that different medications have on various organs and muscles.

    As it pertains to heart failure, there is a lack of concrete evidence that supplements or vitamins are able to offer any form of treatment for the condition.  Should one suffer from heart failure, it is imperative that a doctor be consulted before adding CoQ10 to a dietary plan. 

     Scientists discovered decades ago that those battling cancer tend to have minimal amounts of CoQ10 in their blood stream.  This was particularly true among patients with the following cancers: lymphoma, myeloma and cancers of the neck, head, lung, pancreas, breast, kidney and colon.  CoQ10 has been suggested by some scientists to be an asset towards the immune system and as a complementary (or secondary) treatment for cancer.  The substance may be able to prevent an antitumor medication (most often doxorubicin) from damaging the heart.

    A trio of studies in which 41 women with breast cancer participated, showed improvement in those that received CoQ10 as a partner for their cancer medications.  Yet, the National Cancer Institute proclaims that the evidence for the attributes of the marriage of cancer medication and CoQ10 is far from strong.

    As far as muscular dystrophy and periodontal disease, there is zero evidence showing that there is a benefit from CoQ10.

    Transversely, there are uses that appear promising for the use of CoQ10 as it pertains to: chemotherapy side effect in children, exercise induced chest pain, chronic fatigue, eye disease, high cholesterol and asthma.

     According to research, after approximately 4-12 weeks, CoQ10 has been proven to decrease a person’s blood pressure.  Experts admit that additional trials and testing needs to be done before the findings can be universally relied upon and trusted. 

How safe is CoQ10?

     There have been people who have experience insomnia in mild form after taking 100 mg of CoQ10 per day; and in various people that have taken 300 mg per day there have been increased levels of liver enzymes detected.  Additional side effects that have been detected or reported are as follows: nausea, dizziness, rashes, abdominal pain, irritability, fatigue, headache, light sensitivity and heartburn.

     It should not be given to anyone under 18 years of age, unless expressly prescribed by a medical professional. 

Forms

     As a supplement, the substance is available in a variety of forms that include: oral spray, tablets, hard shell capsules and soft gel capsules.  It has also been known to be added into cosmetics.

Overview

     Supplements are not under the same rigorous regulations as prescribed medications, therefore before adding any to your dietary regiment.  For those currently taking medications that have been prescribed to them it is expressly imperative that a doctor be consulted due to the possibility of drug interactions that could have negative consequences. 

   The side effects of CoQ10 can be lessened when coupled with some medications, but it is not wise to attempt to determine the cocktail for one’s self.   Especially since much of the information surrounding the substance is ever changing and often contradictory, it is best to remain diligent to your current regiment void of the substance in supplement form.

     CoQ10 is formed naturally within the human body and levels can be boosted through diet and that is the safest option.  Consulting with an expert in nutrition will arm you with the knowledge needed so that you can adjust your current eating habits in a manner that is optimally beneficial.