Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, also called ubiquinone) is a vitamin-like substance that's present in foods and is also produced by your cells to help convert food into energy. The Japanese were the first to start taking it in supplement form, and it's still commonly used in Japan to treat heart-failure patients. During the 1980s CoQ10 gained popularity in this country as an energy-booster; it's now touted as an anti-aging supplement, as well as a treatment for gum disease, heart disease, and even brain disorders.

Several human studies found that CoQ10 improved the quality of life of people with congestive heart failure (CHF) above the benefit of the prescription heart medicine they took. However research is not consistent and in fact the American Heart Association does not recommend CoQ10.Limited human research suggests that CoQ10 may help some people with chest pain (angina), high blood pressure (hypertension) and muscular dystrophy. Other human research suggests it may help boost the immune systems of people with HIV infection and prevent harm to the hearts of people taking anti-cancer drugs (chemotherapy). Human studies have shot down the theory that extra CoQ10 can boost your energy or endurance or help treat gum disease.

Animal studies have suggested that CoQ10 might combat brain deterioration in Alzheimer's patients, but results in humans are disappointing so far. A small government study reported in the Archives of Neurology in 2002 suggests that CoQ10 may slow the rate of functional decline in people with early-stage Parkinson's disease. However, researchers caution that more research is needed to bear this out.

A number of prescription medicines (beta-blockers, "statins" and some oral anti-diabetes drugs) can lower CoQ10 levels in the body. Some people think that it is a good idea to take CoQ10 supplements to boost the levels, but there are no human studies to show if this is necessary or even a good idea.

Coenzyme Q10 grabs the electrons that are generated as you digest food and shuttles them around inside the cells, a process that helps to produce energy. Researchers theorize that heart-disease patients may not make enough CoQ10 and that supplements can help keep their stressed hearts pumping. CoQ10 may function as an antioxidant, a substance which neutralizes harmful free radicals by supplying their missing electrons, so they don't go stealing electrons from cells and thus causing the kind of cell damage that leads to cancer and other diseases.

CoQ10 rarely causes side effects. Occastionally it causes stomach upset or diarrhea, especially when more than 100 milligrams is taken in a single dose. But be aware that the government doesn't regulate supplements, so there's no guarantee of their safety or effectiveness. Even though CoQ10 has been studied for 45 years, no research has looked at its long-term effects. CoQ10 can reduce the effect of the blood thinner, Coumadin (Warfarin). People on Warfarin therapy should talk with their doctor before taking CoQ10.

You can buy coenzyme Q10 at almost any health-food store, at many supermarkets, and over the Internet. It's usually sold in the form of tablets or capsules, or in combination with vitamins or other substances (such as lecithin) as a healthy-heart supplement. Advocates suggest that you take 100 to 150 mg of CoQ10 daily to combat heart disease. But check with your doctor before taking any new supplement. Be aware that the government doesn't regulate supplements as it does drugs. There's no required testing for safety and effectiveness, for example. Quality and potency can vary from product to product, so ask a pharmacist or naturopath to recommend a reputable brand.

-- Kevin Boyd, formerly a freelance health reporter, now works in the communications department at UCSF Medical School in San Francisco, California.

References

First published May 5, 1999
Last updated January 31, 2008
Copyright © 1999 Consumer Health Interactive and OneBody, Inc.

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