Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is a compound that is made naturally in the body.

A coenzyme helps an enzyme do its job. An enzyme is a protein that speeds up the rate at which natural chemical reactions take place in cells of the body.

Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy.

Coenzyme Q10 helps mitochondria (small structures in the cell) make energy.

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals (highly reactive chemicals).

Coenzyme Q10 is fat-soluble (can dissolve in fats and oils) and is found in:

Fatty fish.
Beef.
Soybeans.
Peanuts.
Spinach.

Coenzyme Q10 is also available as a pill - tablet or capsule.

Also called CoQ10, Q10, ubiquinone, ubidecarenone, and vitamin Q10.

It is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer and heart disease and in the relief of side effects caused by some cancer treatments.

Coenzyme Q10 is found in most body tissues. The highest amounts are found in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. The lowest amounts are found in the lungs. The amount of Coenzyme Q10 in tissues decreases as people get older.

Side Effects or Risks Reported From Coenzyme Q10

No serious side effects have been reported from the use of Coenzyme Q10. The most common side effects include the following:

Insomnia (being unable to fall sleep or stay asleep).
Higher than normal levels of liver enzymes.
Rashes.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Stomach upset.
Diarrhea.
Loss of appetite.
Itching.
Pain in the upper part of the abdomen.
Dizziness.
Feeling sensitive to light.
Feeling irritable.
Headache.
Heartburn.
Feeling very tired.
Skin itching.
Flu-like symptoms.

Coenzyme Q10 may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

Low blood platelet number was reported in one person taking Coenzyme Q10. However, other factors (viral infection, other medications) may have been responsible. Lowering of platelets may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding, although there is a lack of known reports of bleeding from Coenzyme Q10. Caution is advised in people who have bleeding disorders or who are taking drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Coenzyme Q10 may decrease blood pressure, and caution is advised in patients with low blood pressure or taking blood pressure medications.

Elevations of liver enzymes have been reported rarely, and caution is advised in people with liver disease or taking medications that may harm the liver.

Coenzyme Q10 may lower blood levels of cholesterol or triglycerides. Thyroid hormone levels may be altered based on one study.

Organ damage due to lack of oxygen / blood flow during intense exercise has been reported in a study of patients with heart disease, although the specific role of Coenzyme Q10 is not clear. Vigorous exercise is often discouraged in people using Coenzyme Q10 supplements.

It is important to check with health care providers to find out if Coenzyme Q10 can be safely used along with other drugs. Certain drugs, such as those that are used to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood sugar levels, may decrease the effects of Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 may change way the body uses warfarin (a drug that prevents the blood from clotting) and insulin.

Coenzyme Q10 sold as a dietary supplement is not approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for use as a cancer treatment. In the United States, dietary supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs. This means that approval by the FDA is not required before Coenzyme Q10 is sold, unless specific health claims are made about the supplement. Also, the way companies make Coenzyme Q10 is not regulated. Different batches and brands of Coenzyme Q10 supplements may be different from each other.

Source was found from the United States cancer.gov website and the U.S. National Library of Medicine website.

Not everything there is to know about Coenzyme Q10 was posted in this posting.