CoQ10 Benefit and
Side Effects - Coenzyme Q10
benefit - CoQ10 dosage for cholesterol and heart failure
Many people who take a CoQ10
supplement notice an
increase in energy. But some are under the misconception that the more CoQ10
they take, the healthier they will be. Perhaps you have already heard of CoQ10
being touted for heart health, vitality, and other benefits. But before you take
coenzyme q10 as a supplement, learning some simple facts could help
you make a more informed decision.
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What is CoQ10?
CoQ10, short for Coenzyme Q10, is a naturally occurring nutrient and
antioxidant found in each cell of the body. CoQ10 was first identified by
University of
Wisconsin researchers in 1957. CoQ10 has been gradually becoming more popular in
the past decade.
Q.
Is Coq10 a vitamin?
A. Coq10 is not a vitamin but a nutrient. CoQ10 is
naturally made in the body. Technically, a vitamin is a substance that the body
cannot synthesize or cannot synthesize enough to maintain health and
physiological functioning.
How Does CoQ10 work?
Each cell in the body needs a source of energy to survive, so cells break
down sugars, fats, and amino acids to make energy. Small enclosures within cells that make
this energy are called mitochondria. CoQ10 exists naturally in our mitochondria and
carries electrons involved in energy metabolism. CoQ10 is essential in the production of
adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the basic energy molecule of each cell.
In the bloodstream, CoQ10 is mainly transported
by lipoproteins such as LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein).
It is thought that CoQ10 is one of the first antioxidants to be depleted when LDL is
subjected to oxidation. Hence, CoQ10 is an important nutrient that prevents the oxidation
of lipoproteins, thus potentially reducing the risk of arteries from forming plaques and
getting damaged.
In healthy individuals, CoQ10 is found in high
concentrations in the heart, kidneys, and liver.
What foods contain coq10?
CoQ10 is found in foods, particularly in
fish and meats, and small amounts are found in nuts. There is little or no Coenzyme
Q10
in grains, vegetables or fruits. Hence, some vegetarians may not get adequate
amounts of this nutrient, although, fortunately, the body is able to synthesize
CoQ10 when dietary sources are not adequate. Dietary intake of CoQ10 through
food is about 2
to 5 mg per day.
CoQ10 benefit
Studies with CoQ10 have mostly focused on its
benefit involving certain types of cardiovascular diseases, including congestive
heart failure and hypertension and to a certain extent for high cholesterol and
in diabetes. Not all the results have been positive and much more research is
needed before we determine the full benefits, side effects, and appropriate
dosage.
CoQ10 antioxidant benefit
CoQ10 is an excellent antioxidant.
CoQ10 and cancer
Not enough research is available to determine the role of CoQ10 supplement use
and the treatment of cancer. CoQ10 supplement use may improve sense of
wellbeing, but whether Coenzyme Q10 supplement use increases longevity is not
fully clear.
CoQ10 and melanoma cancer
A 3-year trial with low-dose recombinant interferon alpha-2b (9 000 000 000 IU
weekly) administered twice daily and coenzyme Q10 (400 mg a day) was conducted
in patients with stage I and II melanoma. Long-term administration of an
optimized dose of recombinant interferon alpha-2b in combination with coenzyme
Q10 seemed to induce significantly decreased rates of recurrence and had
negligible adverse effects. A survival study could not be undertaken owing to
the small patient sample and the short duration of follow-up. Melanoma Res. 2007
Jun;17(3):177-83.
Q. What's your opinion on the use of CoQ10 for cancer treatment or prevention?
A. We are still waiting for more studies regarding the role of CoQ10
as an effective cancer treatment. We are keeping an open mind for additional research to be
published.
CoQ10 benefit for cholesterol
Individuals on cholesterol medicines of the
statin class such as Lipitor, Zocor, and others, may consider taking CoQ10
supplements since statins decrease blood CoQ10 levels. Some doctors are
routinely advising their patients on statin drugs to take small amounts of
CoQ10.
Dietary supplementation with CoQ10 results in increased levels of
coenzyme Q10 within circulating lipoproteins and increased resistance of human
low-density lipoproteins to the initiation of lipid peroxidation. Taking a
coenzyme q10 supplement is not likely to make a significant influence on
cholesterol levels.
CoQ10
reverses muscle damage from statin cholesterol drugs
Statin drugs cause muscle pain and damage, and CoQ10 could be helpful. Statin drugs, such as Lipitor and Zocor,
lower cholesterol levels, but at the same time they interfere with the making of
coenzyme Q10 in the body. Scientists now suspect that CoQ10 deficiency may
partly or fully contribute to the development of muscle damage in those on these
cholesterol lowering drugs.. Dr. Giuseppe Caso and colleagues from Stony Brook
University, Stony Brook, New York gave 100 mg of CoQ10 for one month to 32
patients using statins. Pain intensity decreased by 40% after a month of CoQ10
treatment whereas patients treated with vitamin E (as placebo) experienced no
change in pain intensity. Sixteen of 18 coenzyme Q10-treated patients
experienced a decrease in pain. Am J Cardiol 2007;99:1409-1412.
A. In clinical practice, we have found that not everyone benefits
from coenzyme Q10 for the prevention or treatment of muscle damage from the use
of statin drugs.
Q. Do you think those taking statin drugs should take CoQ10 ?
A. To be on the safe side, 30 or 50 mg CoQ10 can be taken a
few times a week by those on statin drugs.
CoQ10 and Lipitor
The use of the statin drug Lipitor may cause muscle aches and pains and muscle
damage in some patients. It is a good idea to take CoQ10 along with Lipitor.
However, there is no guarantee that muscle aches or Lipitor side effects will be
prevented with the use of a coenzyme q10 supplement.
Coenzyme Q10 Reverses muscle damage from statin cholesterol
drugs
Muscle pain is a common side effect from statin drug use. A small study published in the May 15th,
2007 issue of
the American Journal of Cardiology supports the viewpoint that coenzyme
Q10 supplements could be helpful. Statin
drugs, such as Lipitor and Zocor, lower cholesterol levels, but at the
same time they interfere with the making of coenzyme Q10 in the body.
Scientists now suspect that CoQ10 deficiency as a result of stating drug
use may partly, or fully,
contribute to the development of muscle damage. Dr. Giuseppe Caso and colleagues from Stony
Brook University, Stony Brook, New York gave 100 mg of CoQ10 for one month
to 32 patients using statins. Pain intensity decreased by 40% after a
month of CoQ10 treatment whereas patients treated with vitamin E (as
placebo) experienced no change in pain intensity. Sixteen of 18 coenzyme
Q10-treated patients experienced a decrease in pain.
We are not sure 100 mg of Coenzyme Q10 is needed in the long run.
If 30 mg or 50 mg works for you, then take these lower amounts. Researchers
often have a limited time to do a study and use high dosages of a medicine to
elicit a response, but that does not mean that same dosage should be used
forever.
CoQ10 and red yeast rice
Q. Is it necessary to take CoQ10 supplement with red yeast rice supplement"
A. If the red yeast rice extract supplement has compounds that are
similar to statins, it may be a good idea to take CoQ10. However, if the red
yeast rice does not have substances in it that are similar to statin drugs, then
there would be no need to take CoQ10 with red yeast rice extract.
CoQ10 benefit for diabetes
CoQ10 may be beneficial in diabetics. It helps
improve the function of endothelial cells lining blood vessels and may slightly
help with blood sugar control.
CoQ10 benefit for more energy
Most people who take a reasonable amount of CoQ10 -- not too high -- notice more
energy.
Q. I just wanted to mention that I recently began
taking 30 mg of COQ10 and noticed that there was a significant change in my health. I've
felt so much better physically and mentally. My ability to focus had been
lacking in the past year or so but after taking CoQ10 I've been able
to think clearer. My energy levels are higher, and although I've given up eating
beef, I'm noticing a difference in my physical self.
CoQ10 benefit for heart attacks
In a small trial of patients with new myocardial
infarction, CoQ10 -- used in addition to aspirin and cholesterol-lowering drugs
-- decreased the likelihood of further cardiac events for at least one year
after the heart attack.
CoQ10 benefit for heart failure
Coenzyme Q10 has certain
benefits for heart health and heart disease. A study in patients with heart failure showed
improvement in functional status, clinical symptoms, and quality of life in end
stage heart failure patients who were placed on CoQ10.
CoQ10 may be helpful in heart failure, but more research is needed to find the
ideal dosage range. For the time being those with heart failure
should not to exceed 50 mg or 100 mg a day.
CoQ10 supplements appear to be helpful in strengthening the heart. Dr. Romualdo
Belardinelli, of Lancisi Heart Institute in Italy studied 23 patients, average
age 59 years, with moderate to severe heart failure. They were assigned to four
weeks each of CoQ10 supplements or placebo pills, with or without supervised
exercise training. The dosage of CoQ10 was 100 mg three times a day. Those
taking CoQ10 had improvement in peak exercise capacity. There was an improvement
in cardiac function with CoQ10 treatment. Combining exercise training with CoQ10
produced more marked improvements than CoQ10 alone. The researchers conclude
that the use of CoQ10 improves several aspects of heart failure without any side
effects.
Those who have heart failure should discuss with
their doctor the use of CoQ10 supplements. We tend to be more cautious on dosages
and would prefer keeping the amount of CoQ10, at least initially, to 30 mg or 50
mg once or twice a day. CoQ10 can be taken with breakfast and or lunch. The
study went on only for one month, and even though the researchers did not
observe side effects on 100 mg three times a day, it is possible that prolonged
use of 300 mg a day over several weeks or months could lead to adverse events.
We also don't have a good understanding how Coenzyme Q10 supplements interact with
heart medicines.
Coenzyme Q10 and exercise training in chronic heart failure.
Eur Heart J. 2006 Nov;27(22):2675-81. Belardinelli R, et al. Lancisi
Heart Institute, Via Conca, 71 Torrette di Ancona, Italy.
There is evidence that plasma CoQ10 levels decrease in patients with advanced
chronic heart failure. However, it is not known whether oral CoQ10
supplementation may improve cardiocirculatory efficiency and endothelial
function in patients with heart failure. We studied 23 patients in NYHA class II and III
(20 men, three women, mean age 59 years) with stable heart failure secondary to ischemic
heart disease [ejection fraction 37], using a double-blind,
placebo-controlled cross-over design. Patients were assigned to each of the
following treatments: oral CoQ10 100 mg three times a day, CoQ10 plus supervised exercise
training (ET), placebo, and placebo plus ET. Oral CoQ10 improved functional capacity, endothelial
function, and LV contractility in chronic heart failure without any side effects. The combination
of CoQ10 and ET resulted in higher plasma CoQ10 levels and more pronounced
effects on all the abovementioned parameters.
CoQ10 benefit for hypertension
CoQ10 may help lower blood
pressure by a small amount in some people.
Benefit of
CoQ10 for migraine
Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: a
randomized controlled trial.
Neurology. 2005 Feb 22;64(4):713-5.
Riboflavin, which improves energy metabolism similarly to coenzyme Q10
CoQ10, is effective in migraine prophylaxis. We compared CoQ10 100
mg three times a day and placebo in 42 migraine patients in a double-blind, randomized,
placebo-controlled trial. CoQ10 supplement was superior to placebo for attack-frequency,
headache-days and days-with-nausea in the third treatment month and well
tolerated; 50%-responder-rate for attack frequency was 14% for placebo and
47% for CoQ10 (number-needed-to-treat: 3). CoQ10 is efficacious and well
tolerated.
Benefit of CoQ10 for
Parkinson's disease
Studies with CoQ10 and Parkinson's
disease have not yielded consistent results.
CoQ10 at a dosage of 100 mg three times a day was well tolerated
but did not show much benefit in midstage Parkinson disease patients. Arch
Neurol. 2007 Jul;64(7):938-44.
Coenzyme Q10 and weight loss
We have not seen any research that indicates the use ofCoQ10 leads to weight
loss.
Side effects of CoQ10
CoQ10 is a safe nutrient, but
CoQ10 side effects can occur if you take too high a dosage for too long without
a break. High dosages of CoQ10, such as more than 100 or
200 mg a day, can induce restlessness, fatigue and insomnia. Long term CoQ10 side effects use are not clear at this time. We do not recommend more
than 20 to 60 mg of CoQ10 daily on a long term basis without medical
supervision.
Q. Is headache a CoQ10 side effect?
A. Only in very high dosages. Most people taking 30 or 50 mg of
CoQ10 will not have a headache.
CoQ10 Dosage
CoQ10 is available in a variety of dosages
ranging from 10 mg to 300 mg per capsule, but most commonly in 30, 50, and 60
mg. We believe that high doses are not needed, and may even be
unhelpful or detrimental. We have had reports of fatigue when
taking dosages above 100 mg. Just as we recently discovered that high doses of
vitamin E, generally over 400 units, are not beneficial, or even potentially
harmful, we may eventually discover the same about CoQ10.we would not feel
comfortable recommending taking more than 50 mg or maximum 100
mg of CoQ10 a day, unless for the temporary treatment of a medical condition. CoQ10 is best taken in the morning, before or with breakfast.
Q. What is the right CoQ10 dosage. I read on some web sites that 300 mg is the
right CoQ10 dosage but you seem to be more cautious and you recommend a lower
C0Q10 dosage.
A. People often take too high a dosage of Co enzyme Q10
and other supplements. We don't see why most people require more than 30 or 50 mg a few
times a week. We just don't know what kind of CoQ10 side effects may occur by
taking several hundred mgs for months and years. More is not necessarily better
when it comes to supplements. Plus, many people who take CoQ10 also take other
supplements and we don't know what kind of interactions would occur with other
herbs, nutrients, and medicines.
Q.
Can a normal healthy person start taking CoQ10 with his or her diet on a
regular basis like other multivitamins without any harmful side effects.
On the other hand, if your body doesn't need CoQ10 but you are taking,
would it hurt your body or do any damage?
A. There is no easy answer to this. Some people may benefit from
taking CoQ10, others may not. Much depends on a person's diet and
metabolism and what other supplements and medicines they are taking. If a
person wants to take CoQ10, 30 mg a few times a week could offer benefits
without any foreseeable side effects. If high dosages of CoQ10 are used,
such as 100 mg a day, side effects could occur including difficulty
sleeping or fatigue. However, we can't see any harm in taking 30 mg of
CoQ10 a few times a week.
CoQ10 supplement availability -- CoQ10 30 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg
and and 400 mg
CoQ10 30 mg - this coenzyme q10 10 dosage can be taken safely by most people for long
term use. We do suggest taking a day off each week, and a few days off each
month.
CoQ10 50 mg - this coenzyme q10 dosage can be taken a few
days a week.
CoQ10 60 mg - this coenzyme q10 dosage can be taken a few days a week.
CoQ10 100 mg - we do not recommend CoQ10 100 mg pills for long term use unless
clearly indicated for a medical condition.
CoQ10 200 mg - we do not recommend CoQ10 200 mg pills for more than a few days.
CoQ10 400 mg - we do not recommend CoQ10 400 mg pills.
Q.
Does the effectiveness of Co Q10 matter if it is taken in
capsule form or if emulsified in an oil like alpha tocopherol. I read an advertising
leaflet that said not to waste money on CoQ10 tablets or capsules, because they cannot be
absorbed into blood stream.
A. There are probably
differences in absorption between different CoQ10 products, and perhaps oil emulsified products
are better absorbed, however, most CoQ10 supplements contain 30, 60 or 100 mg which are
dosages far greater than normally needed by the body. Hence, even if 100 percent of the
CoQ10 is not absorbed, practically speaking it should not make too much of a difference.
Q. I was watching home shopping network and they were selling CoQ10 in
capsule form as opposed to softgel with oil. CoQ10 is fat soluble, isn't
oil necessary in the softgel for the CoQ10 to be absorbed and won't the
CoQ10 in a capsule not be as effective?
A. We don't see a problem with the capsule. Since CoQ10 is
taken with breakfast, there's always some form of fat or oil in one's
breakfast and I think the CoQ10 will be absorbed whether taken as a softgel or a capsule. Some people, in my opinion, are taking too high a
dose of CoQ10, so even if there is a slight reduced absorption (which I
doubt), perhaps that's
for the better.
Liquid CoQ10
Q. Does liquid CoQ10 offer advantages over oral CoQ10 capsules?
A. CoQ10 supplement taken orally as a capsule of softgel works very
well and is well-absorbed. For practical purposes, we don't think liquid CoQ10
offers any major benefits.
CoQ10 side effects
High dosages of coenzyme Q10 can lead to fatigue and restlessness.
Q. I read your site because I was
doing some research on coq10, and it struck me as ironic. My doctor told me to
take 100mg of it every day, and I am feeling worse than ever: tired, no get up
and go, difficulty concentrating, waking up more tied than when I got to bed,
falling asleep during the day, you name it. Ever seen a case like that regarding
coenzyme q10 side effects?
A. Everyone responds differently to supplements. The
dosage of a supplement can make a huge difference. As to CoQ10, too high a dose
can cause several side effects including insomnia or shallow sleep resulting in tiredness the next day. We do not
recommend more than 30 or 60 mg
of CoQ10 a day for long term use.
Q. I think I got a side effect from ClQ10. I took 300 mg CoQ10 for a week and I
think I was having trouble sleeping at night.
A. High dosage CoQ10 side effect
include shallow sleep and restlessness.
CoQ10 research summary
CoQ10 is probably beneficial in certain
cardiovascular conditions and as an energy booster. There is debate in the
medical community regarding the benefit of Coenzyme Q10 for Parkinson's disease.
As of February 2008, we are not convinced that CoQ10 is of significant benefit
for those with Parkinson's disease. Long-term therapy with 10 to
60 mg a few days a week seems a reasonable option for many individuals.
Fortunately, the pace of CoQ10 research has increased over the past decade and
the next few years will provide us with additional information on the best way
to take advantage of this wonderful nutrient.
CoQ10 and drug interactions
The administration of CoQ10 and warfarin does not significantly affect the
anticoagulant effect of warfarin in rats. A Human trial shows Co Q10 and Ginkgo biloba do not influence the clinical
effect of warfarin. Those who take statin drugs may consider taking additional
CoQ10.
CoQ10 and L carnitine
Q. Can a vitamin CoQ10 supplement be taken together with L carnitine supplement?
A. If your dosage of CoQ10 is less than 50 mg, and L carnitine is
less than 200 mg, then they may taken together a few times a week.
Coenzyme Q10 production - How
is CoQ10 made?
Coenzyme Q, also known as ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring coenzyme formed
from the conjugation of a benzoquinone ring and an isoprenoid chain of varying
length. Coenzyme Q10 is the main Coenzyme Q produced by humans,. CoQ10
production for the purposes of supplements is usually done by microbes that
produce high levels of Coenzyme Q10 naturally. New methods of making Coenzyme
Q10 are now being evaluated.
Additional web sites of interest
AHCC information as immune booster
Curcumin Turmeric information.
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and a curcumin turmeric capsule can be taken
the same day as a CoQ10 supplement.
Ray Sahelian, M.D. web site for more
information on Coq10 benefit and side effects, Coenzyme Q10 supplements, and natural healing.
Ubiquinone
information
Coq10 dosage
Q. This web page promotes low dosages of CoQ10. In regard to CoQ10 dosage, I see a lot of
people with cancer and a Danish Doctor who has been doing a lot of
research with coq10 and cancer found that they needed 400mg daily to get
any real benefit from Q10. I have had people on coQ10 for at least 2 years
on that dosage and never seen a side effect of any kind. All my adult cancers
take this CoQ10 dosage.
A. When people take CoQ10 in high dosages as a daily supplement for many
years or decades, we have no idea how this will interfere with their
metabolism. It is unnatural to expose the body to such high dosages. What
if we learn 20 years from now that people taking more than 200 mg a day of
CoQ10 actually live a few years shorter or somehow their mitochondria are
not functioning as well? As with hormone replacement therapy, it took
decades for the scientific community to find out that it caused more
problems than in solved. CoQ10 appears to be a healthy supplement, but who
knows for certain that taking more than 100 mg is healthier than taking
less? If there is no such proof, then one should be cautious and
take less, not more. Many people who take CoQ10 also take other
supplements or medicines and we have no idea the interactions that could
be caused. Plus, what if someone who is used to taking 400 mg a day goes
on a trip and forgets their bottle and in the foreign country they can't
find CoQ10? If, after years of taking 400 mg their body is used to it,
what happens if they stop? What if when they are older and they are on a
limited budget they can't afford buying CoQ10 anymore? There are many
answers about high dose CoQ10 use that we don't know yet. We also have
reports from quite a few people who actually feel fatigued when they take
more than 100 mg of CoQ10. Perhaps high doses of CoQ10 for cancer or other
conditions is appropriate, but for the general public taking CoQ10 as a
supplement for health promotion, there is no proof that taking high
dosages is beneficial. We also have to consider the cost, CoQ10 is expensive. For the time
being we suggest 30 or 50 mg most days of the week for those who wish to
take this supplement.
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Questions on CoQ10 research, coq10 side effects, coq10,
benefit coq10 and the right CoQ10 dosage