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 is becoming more popular as more doctors find out about the benefits of this nutrient, particularly in patients who are placed on statin drugs.

Benefit of CoQ10 supplements
Studies regarding the benefit of CoQ10 have mostly focused on its benefit involving certain types of cardiovascular diseases, including congestive heart failure and hypertension. However, CoQ10 may also benefit those with high cholesterol and diabetes. Studies with CoQ10 and Parkinson's disease have not yielded consistent results. We still have a long way to go to determine the proper clinical role and benefit of CoQ10. In the meantime, do not assume that the benefit of CoQ10 depends on the highest dose that you take. It is possible that after a certain dosage, CoQ10 could lose its benefit. We don't think more than 50 mg of CoQ10 is required by most people.

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Subscribe to a FREE Supplement Research Update newsletter. Twice a month you will receive an email with a review of several studies on various supplements and natural medicine topics, and their practical interpretation by Ray Sahelian, M.D. We often discuss research updates on the benefit of CoQ10. Also consider another form of CoQ10 called Ubiquinol supplement 50 mg.

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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 produce 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. Other mechanisms of action may include stabilization of calcium dependent slow channels and alteration of prostaglandin metabolism.

Overall benefit of CoQ10 pills
Many of my patients who take CoQ10 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 this interesting nutrient as a supplement, learning some simple facts could help you make a more informed decision.

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 CoQ10 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 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 benefit 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 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 Heart Failure
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 benefit Hypertension
CoQ10 may help lower blood pressure by a small amount in some people.

CoQ10 benefit 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.

Side Effects of CoQ10
High dosages of CoQ10, such as more than 100 or 200 mg, can induce restlessness, fatigue and insomnia. Long term side effects of high dose CoQ10 use are not clear at this time. I usually do not recommend more than 20 to 60 mg of CoQ10 daily on a long term basis without medical supervision.

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. I personally believe that high doses are not needed, and may even be unhelpful or detrimental. I’ve had patients who have reported 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. I would not feel comfortable recommending to my patients to take 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.

CoQ10 benefit summary
CoQ10 is probably beneficial in certain cardiovascular conditions and as an energy booster. 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.

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