Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a nutrient that occurs naturally in the body and is also found in many foods we eat. CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant, which protects cells from damage and plays an important part in metabolism.

Here are some benefits of CoQ10:

• Lowering blood pressure: There is evidence that CoQ10 supplements can lower blood pressure slightly.
• Treating heart failure and other heart conditions: CoQ10 is used to treat heart failure and other heart conditions, possibly helping to improve some symptoms and lessen future cardiac risks when combined with regular medications.
• Preventing or treating the adverse effects of taking statin-type cholesterol drugs: Some preliminary evidence suggests that CoQ10 may help to prevent or treat the adverse effects, such as muscle pains and liver problems, of taking statin-type cholesterol drugs.
• Protecting against diseases caused by free radical damage: Taking CoQ10 and eating a diet low in saturated fat may help protect against diseases caused by free radical damage.

There are several case studies regarding the benefits of CoQ10. For example, a study found that CoQ10 supplementation ameliorated statin-associated muscle symptoms, such as muscle pain, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, and muscle fatigue. Another study found that taking CoQ10 and eating a diet low in saturated fat may help protect against diseases caused by free radical damage.

The recommended dosage of CoQ10 varies depending on the reason for taking it. For example, for heart failure, doses of 100 mg to 200 mg per day have been used. For lowering blood pressure, doses of 60 mg to 200 mg per day have been used.

Side effects from CoQ10 seem to be rare and mild. They include diarrhea, nausea, and heartburn. People with chronic diseases such as heart failure, liver problems, or diabetes should be wary of using this supplement. CoQ10 may lower blood sugar levels. Adverse effects with coenzyme Q10 are rare. On average, mild gastrointestinal discomfort is reported in less than 1 percent of patients. Potential side effects can also include nausea, stomach pain, heartburn, headache, dizziness, fatigue, light sensitivity, insomnia.

Sources:

1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-coenzymeq10-coq10
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2533152/
3. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/0915/p1065.html
4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327209
5. https://draxe.com/nutrition/all-about-coq10/
6. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.118.009835