What is coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) is an enzyme that is naturally produced in the body. Cells use it to produce and manage energy. It also has an antioxidant effect. Antioxidants Antioxidants The human body needs various vitamins and minerals in order to thrive. Many of these nutrients can be found in whole, non-processed foods such as fruits and vegetables. However, most modern... read more protect cells against damage by free radicals, which are highly chemically active by-products of normal cell activity.
The levels of coenzyme Q10 seem to be lower in older people and in people with chronic diseases, such as heart problems, cancer, Parkinson disease, diabetes, HIV infection or AIDS, and muscular dystrophies. However, it is not known whether these low levels contribute to these disorders.
In addition to being naturally made in the body, coenzyme Q10 is in foods such as meat, fish, and vegetable oils.
A synthetic form of coenzyme Q10 is available as a dietary supplement.
What claims are made about coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 is said to be useful because of its antioxidant effect and role in energy metabolism. Antioxidants protect cells against damage by free radicals, which are highly chemically active by-products of normal cell activity.
Proponents claim coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) improves skin appearance, exercise performance, fertility, brain and lung health, and migraines. Specifically, it is said to benefit people with
Coenzyme Q10 may also help protect the heart from the toxic effects of certain cancer chemotherapy drugs (such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin). Proponents also claim that coenzyme Q10 can decrease the muscle symptoms that can result from taking statins.
Does coenzyme Q10 work?
Because people with some diseases have reduced levels of coenzyme Q10, scientists have studied whether coenzyme Q10 supplements have health benefits. These studies are not conclusive. Some preliminary studies suggest coenzyme Q10 may possess protective properties, but more testing is needed.
A 2014 review of 7 studies concluded there was no evidence to support or disprove the benefits of CoQ10 for heart failure; in contrast, a 2017 analysis of 14 trials stated that CoQ10 users had greater exercise capacity and lived longer than those treated with a placebo Placebos Placebos are substances that are made to resemble drugs but do not contain an active drug. (See also Overview of Drugs.) A placebo is made to look exactly like a real drug but is made of an... read more .
Coenzyme Q10 appears to help protect the heart from the toxic effects of cancer chemotherapy drugs such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin.
Coenzyme Q10 has also been studied as a drug to help relieve muscle problems (including statin-related muscle problems), weakness, cramps, and soreness, but its effectiveness is not clear.
What are the possible side effects of coenzyme Q10?
Side effects are uncommon, but some people have
Digestive symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, and vomiting
Central nervous system symptoms, such as dizziness, light sensitivity, irritability, and headache
Skin itching
Rash
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Flu-like symptoms
What drug interactions occur with coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 supplements may interact with some antihypertensive (those that lower blood pressure) and chemotherapy drugs.
Coenzyme Q10 may increase the risk of blood clots in people who take the anticoagulant warfarin by decreasing warfarin's effectiveness.
Recommendations
Coenzyme Q10 may help protect the heart from the toxic effects of certain cancer chemotherapy drugs (such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin) and may benefit people with heart disease.
Coenzyme Q10 appears reasonably safe.
People taking warfarin should consult their doctor before taking coenzyme Q10.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
doxorubicin |
Adriamycin, Adriamycin PFS, Adriamycin RDF, Rubex |
daunorubicin |
Cerubidine |
warfarin |
Coumadin, Jantoven |
