Coenzyme Q10

October 3, 2020

This article provides general nutrition information only and is not medical advice.

Overview

Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance found throughout the body, but especially in the heart, liver, kidney, and pancreas. It is eaten in small amounts in meats and seafood. Coenzyme Q10 can also be made in a laboratory.

Coenzyme Q10 is most commonly used for conditions that affect the heart such as heart failure and fluid build up in the body (congestive heart failure or CHF), chest pain (angina), and high cardiovascular health. It is also used for preventing migraine headache, Parkinson condition, and many other conditions.

Coenzyme Q10 was first identified in 1957. The "Q10" refers to the chemical make-up of the substance.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Vitamin-like substance

Primary Functions:

Heart failure

Also Known As:

Co Q10, Co Q-10, Coenzima Q-10

How Does It Work?

Coenzyme Q10 is an important vitamin-like substance required for the proper function of many organs and chemical reactions in the body. It helps provide energy to cells. Coenzyme Q10 also seems to have antioxidant activity. People with certain conditions, such as heart failure, high cardiovascular health, gum condition, Parkinson's condition, blood immune challenges, certain conditions of the muscles, and HIV immune challenge, might have lower levels of coenzyme Q10.

Uses

Coenzyme Q10 deficiency. Taking coenzyme Q10 by mouth seems to improve concerns of coenzyme Q10 deficiency. This is a very rare condition. The concerns include weakness, fatigue, and seizures.
A group of imbalances that most often cause muscle weakness (mitochondrial myopathies). Taking coenzyme Q10 by mouth seems to reduce concerns of mitochondrial myopathies. However, improvement in concerns is slow. Some people have to take coenzyme Q10 for 6 months to get the most benefit.
Heart failure and fluid build up in the body (congestive heart failure or CHF). Early research found that heart failure might be linked with low coenzyme Q10 levels. Some research shows that taking coenzyme Q10 might help reduce some concerns of heart failure. Coenzyme Q10 might also reduce the chances of death or hospitalization related to heart failure.
Nerve pain in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy). Research shows that taking coenzyme Q10 improves nerve damage and nerve pain in people with nerve damage caused by diabetes.
Fibromyalgia. Some research shows that taking coenzyme Q10 by mouth reduces pain, tenderness, fatigue, and sleep issues in people with fibromyalgia.
HIV/AIDS. Taking coenzyme Q10 by mouth seems to improve immune function in people with HIV/AIDS.
Tissue damage caused when there is limited blood flow and then blood flow is restored (ischemia-reperfusion injury). Reduced blood supply during heart or blood vessel surgery can deprive tissue of oxygen. When blood supply returns to this tissue, the tissue can become damaged. There is some evidence that taking coenzyme Q10 by mouth for at least one week before heart bypass surgery or blood vessel surgery might help to reduce tissue damage. However, not all research agrees with this finding.
Migraine. Taking coenzyme Q10 by mouth seems to help prevent migraine. Research shows it can decrease the frequency of these headaches by about 30% and the number of days with headache-related nausea by about 45% in adults. More than half of patients taking coenzyme Q10 experience a 50% decrease in the number of headache days per month. Taking coenzyme Q10 also appears to reduce migraine frequency in children who have low levels of coenzyme Q10. It can take up to 3 months to see any benefit.
Multiple sclerosis (MS). Taking coenzyme Q10 by mouth seems to reduce tiredness and low mood in people with MS.
A group of inherited imbalances that cause muscle weakness and muscle loss (muscular dystrophy). Taking coenzyme Q10 by mouth seems to improve physical performance in some people with muscular dystrophy.
Heart attack. When started within 72 hours of a heart attack and taken for one year, coenzyme Q10 appears to lower the risk of heart-related events, including another heart attack.
A condition that causes curved, painful erections (Peyronie condition). Research shows that taking coenzyme Q10 improves erectile function in men with painful erections.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS

BY MOUTH:

For coenzyme Q10 deficiency: 150-2400 mg per day.
For a group of imbalances that most often cause muscle weakness (mitochondrial myopathies): 150-160 mg per day, or 2 mg/kg per day. In some cases, doses may be gradually increased to 3000 mg per day.
For heart failure and fluid build up in the body (congestive heart failure or CHF): 30 mg once daily, or up to 300 mg per day divided into two or three doses for up to 2 years. Also, 2 mg/kg daily for up to one year has been used.
For nerve pain in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy): 400 mg per day for 12 weeks.
For fibromyalgia: 300 mg daily for about 6 weeks or 200 mg twice daily for 3 months has been used. A combination of 200 mg of coenzyme Q10 (Bio-Quinon Q10, Pharma Nord) plus 200 mg of ginkgo (Bio-Biloba, Pharma Nord) per day for 12 weeks.
For HIV/AIDS: 100-200 mg per day for over 4 years.
For tissue damage caused when there is limited blood flow and then blood flow is restored (ischemia-reperfusion injury): 150-300 mg per day in up to three divided doses for 1-2 weeks before surgery.
For preventing migraine: 100 mg three times per day, 150 mg once per day, or 100mg once per day for 3 months. A dose of 1-3 mg/kg per day for 3 months has also been used.
For multiple sclerosis (MS): 500 mg twice daily for 3 months.
For a group of inherited imbalances that cause muscle weakness and muscle loss (muscular dystrophy): 100 mg per day for 3 months.
For heart attack: 120 mg per day in two divided doses for up to one year. A combination of 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 (Bio-Quinon, Pharma Nord) and 100 mcg of selenium (Bio-Selenium, Pharma Nord) per day for up to one year has also been used.
For Peyronie condition: 300 mg per day for 6 months

CHILDREN

BY MOUTH:

For coenzyme Q10 deficiency: 60-250 mg per day in up to three divided doses.
For preventing migraine: 1-3 mg/kg daily for 3 months has been used in patients aged 3-18 years.
For a group of inherited imbalances that cause muscle weakness and muscle loss (muscular dystrophy): 100 mg daily for 3 months in children aged 8-15 years.

Coenzyme Q10 Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is coenzyme q10 used for?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that your body produces naturally. Your cells use CoQ10 for growth and maintenance. Levels of CoQ10 in your body decrease as you age. CoQ10 levels have also been found to be lower in people with certain conditions, such as heart condition.

Who should take CoQ10 supplements?

CoQ10 supplements have been shown to improve muscle strength, vitality and physical performance in older adults ( 23 ). To counteract the age-related depletion of CoQ10, it's recommended to take 100–200 mg per day ( 24 ).

Is CoQ10 worth taking?

Although CoQ10 plays a key role in the body, most healthy people have enough CoQ10 naturally. There is some evidence that adding more -- in the form of CoQ10 supplements -- may be beneficial. Increasing age and some medical conditions are associated with dropping levels of CoQ10.

Which CoQ10 is the most effective?

B+ Spring Valley CoQ10.
B+ NOW Foods CoQ10.
B+ Country Life CoQ10.
B+ Swanson Ultra CoQ10.
B+ Life Extension Super Ubiquinol CoQ10.
B Qunol Ultra CoQ10.
B- Deva Vegan Coenzyme Q10.
C Vitafusion CoQ10.

Can CoQ10 cause weight gain?

The lack of CoQ10 can play a role not only in your skin's condition, but in your weight as well. Since CoQ10 assists in the production of energy by the cells, a deficiency can contribute to lower energy levels and a slower metabolism.

Who should not take CoQ10?

Risks. People with chronic conditions such as heart failure, kidney or liver problems, or diabetes should be wary of using this supplement. CoQ10 may lower blood sugar levels and cardiovascular health. Doses of more than 300 milligrams may affect liver enzyme levels.

When should I take CoQ10 morning or night?

It should be noted that taking CoQ10 close to bedtime may cause sleep quality in some people, so it's best to take it in the morning or afternoon ( 41 ). CoQ10 supplements can interact with some common medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants and chemoroutine drugs.

How long does CoQ10 take to work?

Several clinical studies involving small numbers of people suggest that CoQ10 may lower cardiovascular health. However, it may take 4 to 12 weeks to see any change.

Is CoQ10 bad for the liver?

People with chronic conditions such as heart failure, kidney or liver problems, or diabetes should be wary of using this supplement. CoQ10 may lower blood sugar levels and cardiovascular health. Doses of more than 300 milligrams may affect liver enzyme levels.

How much CoQ10 should I take daily?

There is no established ideal dose of CoQ10. Studies have used doses of CoQ10 ranging from 50 milligrams to 1,200 milligrams in adults, sometimes split into several doses over the course of a day. A typical daily dose is 100 milligrams to 200 milligrams.

Can you take vitamin D with CoQ10?

No interactions were found between CoQ10 and Vitamin D3. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Is CoQ10 the same as fish oil?

Two essential supplements for heart health in one gel cap*

Omega-3 w/CoQ10 combines EPA and DHA from fish oil with antioxidant and energy promoting coenzyme Q10 to support heart, blood vessel and brain health. * It's the highest quality fish oil available.

Is Quercetin the same as CoQ10?

Antioxidants, such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and quercetin, a member of flavonoids present in red wine and tea, are thought to play a significant role in protecting cells from oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

What brand of CoQ10 do doctors recommend?

The average product was found to contain 133.3 mg of CoQ10 per serving. Measured CoQ10 content per serving ranged from 70.6 mg in Vitafusion CoQ10 to 302.4 mg in Kirkland Signature CoQ10.

Does CoQ10 have side effects?

While most people tolerate coenzyme Q10 well, it can cause some mild side effects including stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can cause allergic skin rashes in some people. It also might lower cardiovascular health, so check your cardiovascular health carefully if you have very low cardiovascular health.

Does CoQ10 cause blood clots?

Studies have shown a significant reduction in plasma CoQ10 concentrations following nutritional support with statins. Additionally, CoQ10 may reduce the effectiveness of blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin, and this may increase the risk of blood clots. CoQ10 may also interfere with insulin and some chemoroutine medications.

What are the concerns of CoQ10 deficiency?

Other neurological abnormalities that can occur in primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency include seizures, intellectual disability, poor muscle tone (hypotonia), involuntary muscle contractions (dystonia), progressive muscle stiffness (spasticity), abnormal eye movements (nystagmus), vision loss caused by degeneration

Does CoQ10 give you gas?

Yes. Although CoQ10 is generally well-tolerated, it can cause gastrointestinal concerns such as nausea and diarrhea in a small percentage of people. Ways to minimize these effects, and information about other potential side-effects, are found in the CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review.

What foods are high in CoQ10?

The following foods contain CoQ10:

Organ meats: Heart, liver and kidney.
Some muscle meats: Pork, beef and chicken.
Fatty fish: Trout, herring, mackerel and sardine.
Vegetables: Spinach, cauliflower and broccoli.
Fruit: Oranges and strawberries.
Legumes: Soybeans, lentils and peanuts.

Does CoQ10 make you lose weight?

Using CoQ10 to Aid in Weight Loss

Since CoQ10 assists in the production of energy by the cells, a deficiency can contribute to lower energy levels and a slower metabolism. When these subjects with low CoQ10 levels were given enzyme supplements, they had an easier time losing some of those extra pounds.

Does CoQ10 help with gum condition?

With gum problems, a deficiency in CoQ10 is often seen. CoQ10 strengthens gum tissue and helps stave off the unwanted bacteria in the mouth that can cause plaque. By helping support the management of oral bacteria, CoQ10 is able to support a healthy inflammatory response important for gum health.

Can CoQ10 lower lipid balance?

The powerful antioxidant coenzyme Q10 can lower bad LDL lipid balance's ability to stick to the blood vessels of mice. If you're taking a statin to lower your lipid balance and having muscle pain as a side effect, there is some proof that coenzyme Q10 can help ease it.

Clinical Studies

^ a b Felippi CC, et al. Safety and efficacy of antioxidants-loaded nanoparticles for an anti-aging application. J Biomed Nanotechnol. (2012)
^ a b Trimarco V, et al. Nutraceuticals for cardiovascular health control in patients with high-normal or grade 1 hypertension. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev. (2012)
^ a b Folkers K. Relevance of the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q10 and of the four bases of DNA as a rationale for the molecular causes of cancer and a routine. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. (1996)
^ a b c Yuan Y, Tian Y, Yue T. Improvement of coenzyme Q10 production: mutagenesis induced by high hydrostatic pressure nutritional support and optimization of fermentation conditions. J Biomed Biotechnol. (2012)
^ a b c d e f g h i j k Coenzymes Q9 and Q10: Contents in Foods and Dietary Intake.
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Food content of ubiquinol-10 and ubiquinone-10 in the Japanese diet.
^ a b c d e f The Quality Control Assessment of Commercially Available Coenzyme Q10-Containing Dietary and Health Supplements in Japan.
^ a b c d e f g h i j k Pravst I, Zmitek K, Zmitek J. Coenzyme Q10 contents in foods and fortification strategies. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. (2010)
^Importance and presence of several bio quinones in foods.
^ a b c d e f g Kamei M, et al. The distribution and content of ubiquinone in foods. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. (1986)
^ a b c d e f g h i j Passi S, et al. Fatty acid composition and antioxidant levels in muscle tissue of different Mediterranean marine species of fish and shellfish. J Agric Food Chem. (2002)
^ a b c d e Seasonal variation of Co-enzyme Q10 content in pelagic fish tissues from Eastern Quebec.
^ a b Weber C, Bysted A, Hølmer G. Coenzyme Q10 in the diet--daily intake and relative bioavailability. Mol Aspects Med. (1997)
^Comparison of in-line connected diode array and electrochemical detectors in the high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of coenzymes Q9 and Q10 in food materials.
^ a b Strazisar M, et al. Quantitative determination of coenyzme Q10 by liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry in dairy products. J AOAC Int. (2005)
^ a b Weber C, Bysted A, Hłlmer G. The coenzyme Q10 content of the average Danish diet. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. (1997)
^Comparison of low-temperature processes for oil and coenzyme Q10 extraction from mackerel and herring.
^ a b Yoshida H, et al. Production of ubiquinone-10 using bacteria. J Gen Appl Microbiol. (1998)
^Total synthesis of polyprenoid natural-products via pd(o)-catalyzed oligomerizations.
^Cluis CP, Burja AM, Martin VJ. Current prospects for the production of coenzyme Q10 in microbes. Trends Biotechnol. (2007)
^Choi JH, Ryu YW, Seo JH. Biotechnological production and applications of coenzyme Q10. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. (2005)
^Ha SJ, et al. Optimization of culture conditions and scale-up to pilot and plant scales for coenzyme Q10 production by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. (2007)
^Lactate increases coenzyme Q10 production by Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
^Zhang D, et al. Ubiquinone-10 production using Agrobacterium tumefaciens dps gene in Escherichia coli by coexpression system. Mol Biotechnol. (2007)
^ a b c d e f g Bhagavan HN, Chopra RK. Coenzyme Q10: absorption, tissue uptake, metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Free Radic Res. (2006)
^UBIQUINONE-10 AS AN ANTIOXIDANT.
^Nohl H, Gille L, Staniek K. The biochemical, pathophysiological, and medical aspects of ubiquinone function. Ann N Y Acad Sci. (1998)
^Mancuso M, et al. Coenzyme Q10 in neuromuscular and neurodegenerative imbalances. Curr Drug Targets. (2010)
^Beg S, Javed S, Kohli K. Bioavailability enhancement of coenzyme Q10: an extensive review of patents. Recent Pat Drug Deliv Formul. (2010)
^The Biosynthesis of Ubiquinone and Rhodoquinone from p-Hydroxybenzoate and D-Hydroxybenzaldehyde in Rhodospirillum rubrum.
^Goldstein JL, Brown MS. Regulation of the mevalonate pathway. Nature. (1990)
^Bentinger M, Tekle M, Dallner G. Coenzyme Q--biosynthesis and functions. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. (2010)
^Thelin A, et al. Effect of squalestatin 1 on the biosynthesis of the mevalonate pathway lipids. Biochim Biophys Acta. (1994)
^Keller RK. Squalene synthase inhibition alters metabolism of nonsterols in rat liver. Biochim Biophys Acta. (1996)
^Biochemical and clinical consequences of inhibiting coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis by lipid-lowering HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins): A critical overview.
^Kalén A, Appelkvist EL, Dallner G. Age-related changes in the lipid compositions of rat and human tissues. Lipids. (1989)
^ a b Ernster L, Dallner G. Biochemical, physiological and medical aspects of ubiquinone function. Biochim Biophys Acta. (1995)
^Bonakdar RA, Guarneri E. Coenzyme Q10. Am Fam Physician. (2005)
^COENZYME Q-10: EFFICACY, SAFETY, AND USE.
^ a<