Coenzyme Q10

What is it?

C0enzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance found in the body especially in heart, pancreas, kidneys and liver. It is required by organs in our body and certain chemical reactions. It is also an anti-oxidant preventing formation of free radicals that can cause cell mutation. It also plays a role in providing energy for cells.

People with certain diseases like high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, periodontal disease, certain muscular diseases and AIDS may have lower co-enzyme Q10 levels.

Benefits

It is definitely essential in patient with coenzyme Q10 deficiency who have symptoms like fatigue, weakness and seizures (fits).

There is evidence to show that coenzyme Q10 helps in patients with congestive heart failure, patients who have recent heart attack/heart bypass surgery, Huntington’s disease, lowers blood pressure, prevents migraine, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy (inherited degenerative disease of muscle with muscle wasting) and helps improve immune system of AIDS/HIV patients .

There is insufficient evidence based research to prove its believed benefit to boost athletic performance, lower cholesterol levels, gum diseases, diabetes, breast cancer, hair loss, male infertility, chest pain, hair loss and fibromyalgia.

Possible side effects

Coenzyme Q10 is generally safe when taken orally by most adults. Possible side effects some people may feel include nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, allergic skin rashes and diarrhea. It is likely safe for children but always consult physician if it is necessary for them to take supplement first.

There is insufficient evidence to prove if it is safe for lactating/pregnant women to consume it, hence it is best to avoid. As coenzyme Q10 lowers blood pressure, those on high blood pressure medications or going through surgery should monitor their blood pressure closely if they are taking the supplements.

Drug-drug interactions

1. Cancer Drugs: As coenzyme Q10 is an anti-oxidant, it may lower the effectiveness of drugs used for cancer therapy. 
2. Hypertension medications: High blood pressure medications and coenzyme Q10 both lowers blood pressure hence if used concurrently may lower blood pressure too much. Blood pressure monitoring is required routinely. 
3. Warfarin: Coenzyme Q10 decreases the effectiveness of warfarin resulting in a higher dose of warfarin to prevent blood clotting. 

Dosage

Please follow the instructions given by your doctor and if in doubt if you require this supplement please consult your doctor first. Some guidelines have suggested this dose for certain diseases but it is best to consult your physician first:

• For known coenzyme Q-10 deficiency: 150 mg daily.

• For heart failure in adults: 100 mg per day divided into 2 or 3 doses.

• For reducing the risk of future cardiac events in patients with recent heart atatck: 120 mg daily in 2 divided doses.

• For high blood pressure: 120-200 mg per day divided into 2 doses.

• For isolated systolic hypertension: 60 mg twice daily.

• For preventing migraine headache: 100 mg three times daily. A dose of 1-3 mg/kg has also been used in pediatric and adolescent patients.

• For Parkinson’s disease: 300 mg, 600 mg, 1200 mg, and 2400 mg per day in 3-4 divided doses.

• For HIV/AIDS: 200 mg per day.

• For muscular dystrophy: 100 mg per day.

You can split the daily required dose into 2-3 doses to reduce its side effects. 

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