CoQ10 (ubidecarenone)
Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10 or ubidecarenone, is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like quinone that is naturally present in the human body. It plays a crucial role in the production of energy in the mitochondria of cells and acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules.
Here are some benefits of CoQ10:
- Heart health: CoQ10 supplements can lower blood pressure slightly and are 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.
- Statins side effects: 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.
- Migraine prevention: CoQ10 supplements may help prevent migraines in some people.
- Diabetes management: CoQ10 supplements may help improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
The recommended dosage of CoQ10 varies depending on the condition being treated. Studies have used doses ranging from 50 milligrams to 1,200 milligrams in adults, sometimes split into several doses over the course of a day.
Side effects from CoQ10 seem to be rare and mild. They include diarrhea, nausea, and heartburn. Doses of 100 mg per day or higher have been associated with mild insomnia in some people. Studies are limited on CoQ10 use in patients with kidney and liver disease, and therefore, coadministration of CoQ10 supplements should be avoided in these patients. Patients using chemotherapeutic drugs should also avoid using CoQ10 since there is little data on the interaction of CoQ10 with these drugs.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65828/
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/coenzyme-q10
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/using-dietary-supplements-wisely
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chronic-pain-what-you-need-to-know
- https://files.nccih.nih.gov/pain-ebook-2023-03-508.pdf