Coenzyme Q10
Uses
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is also called ubiquinone, a name that signifies its ubiquitous (widespread) distribution in the human body. CoQ10 is used by the body to transform food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy on which the body runs.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
|---|---|
3 Stars Angina 150 mg daily | CoQ10 contributes to the heart’s energy-making mechanisms. Angina patients given CoQ10 have experienced greater ability to exercise without chest pain. contributes to the energy-making mechanisms of the heart. Angina patients given 150 mg of coenzyme Q10 each day have experienced greater ability to exercise without experiencing chest pain. This has been confirmed in independent investigations. |
2 Stars Athletic Performance Refer to label instructions | Strenuous physical activity lowers blood levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). A few studies have reported that CoQ10 supplementation benefitted some trained athletes. Strenuous physical activity lowers blood levels of (CoQ10). However, while some studies have shown that CoQ10 improves the way the healthy body responds to exercise, other studies have found no improvement. A few studies, using at least four weeks of CoQ10 supplementation at 60 to 100 mg per day, have reported improvements in measures of work capacity ranging from 3 to 29% in sedentary people and from 4 to 32% in trained athletes. However, recent double-blind and/or placebo-controlled trials in trained athletes, using performance measures such as time to exhaustion and total performance, have found either no significant improvement or significantly poorer results in those taking CoQ10. One double-blind study found that supplementation with ubiquinol (the chemically reduced form of CoQ10) in the amount of 300 mg per day for 6 weeks improved maximum power output in a group of trained athletes. |
2 Stars Cardiomyopathy 100 to 150 mg daily | Most studies using coenzyme Q10 in treating cardiomyopathy have shown positive results, including improved quality of life, heart function tests, and survival rates. People with dilated congestive cardiomyopathy (DCM) have been shown to be deficient in . Most studies using coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of cardiomyopathy have demonstrated positive results, including improved quality of life, heart function tests, and survival rates. Coenzyme Q10 also has been shown to improve cardiac function in people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—a less common form of cardiomyopathy. A few studies, however, have found no benefit from CoQ10 supplementation in treating people with cardiomyopathy. Despite a lack of consistency in the outcomes of published research, many doctors recommend that 100 to 150 mg be taken each day, with meals. |
2 Stars Congestive Heart Failure 0.9 mg daily per pound of body weight with a doctor's supervision | CoQ10 enhances the production of energy in the heart muscle and has been reported to help people with CHF, sometimes dramatically. As is true for several other heart conditions, (CoQ10) has been reported to help people with congestive heart failure, sometimes dramatically. Positive effects have been confirmed in double-blind research and in an overall analysis of eight controlled trials. However, some double-blind trials have reported modest or no improvement in exercise capacity or overall quality of life. Most CoQ10 research used 90–200 mg per day. The beneficial effects of CoQ10 may not be seen until after several months of treatment. In one preliminary trial, treatment with ubiquinol (the chemically reduced form of CoQ10) was beneficial for people with severe heart failure, after the standard form of CoQ10 had been ineffective. Discontinuation of CoQ10 supplementation in people with congestive heart failure has resulted in severe relapses and should only be attempted under the supervision of a doctor. |
2 Stars Fibromyalgia Refer to label instructions | In a preliminary trial, headaches and overall symptoms in people with fibromyalgia significantly improved after supplementing with coenzyme Q10. In a preliminary trial, supplementing with coenzyme Q10 (100 mg three times per day for three months) resulted in significant improvements in headaches and overall symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. In another study, cellular levels of CoQ10 were significantly lower in women with fibromyalgia than in healthy women. In the same study, ten women with fibromyalgia received 300 mg of CoQ10 per day for three months. Significant improvements were seen in symptoms such as fatigue, pain, depression, and anxiety. A placebo-controlled trial confirmed that CoQ10, in the amount of 100 mg 3 times per day, can improve depression in people with fibromyalgia. |
2 Stars Gingivitis 50 to 60 mg daily | Supplementing with CoQ10 may reduce gingivitis symptoms and repair damaged gum tissues. Preliminary evidence has linked gingivitis to a (CoQ10) deficiency. Some researchers believe this deficiency could interfere with the body’s ability to repair damaged gum tissue. In a double-blind trial, 50 mg per day of CoQ10 given for three weeks was significantly more effective than a placebo at reducing symptoms of gingivitis. Compared with conventional approaches alone, topical CoQ10 combined with conventional treatments resulted in better outcomes in a group of people with periodontal disease. |
2 Stars Halitosis and Gum Disease 50 to 60 mg daily | Coenzyme Q10 is often recommended by doctors to help prevent and treat periodontitis. Nutritional supplements recommended by some doctors for prevention and treatment of periodontitis include vitamin C (people with periodontitis are often found to be deficient),vitamin E, selenium, zinc, , and folic acid. Folic acid has also been shown to reduce the severity of gingivitis when taken as a mouthwash. |
2 Stars Hypertension 100 mg twice per day | Taking coenzyme Q10 may help lower high blood pressure. Coenzyme Q10 (coQ10) is an intracellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, and tissue levels are decreased in people with chronic conditions such as heart disease. CoQ10 has multiple positive effects on blood vessel function that contribute to vasodilation and may reduce blood pressure. CoQ10 showed promising effects in individuals with high blood pressure in observational studies and preliminary clinical trials, but findings from randomized controlled trials have been mixed. A meta-analysis that included data from 17 randomized controlled trials with a combined total of 684 participants determined coQ10 lowers systolic, but not diastolic, blood pressure. |
2 Stars Macular Degeneration (Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Fish Oil) Follow label directions | In one study, supplementing with a proprietary blend of acetyl-L-carnitine, fish oil, and coenzyme Q10 improved visual function in people with macular degeneration. In a double-blind study, supplementation with a proprietary blend of acetyl-L-carnitine, omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, and for 12 months resulted in an improvement in both visual function and in objective findings on eye examination (a decrease in the drusen-covered area on the retina). |
2 Stars Metabolic Syndrome 30 to 200 mg daily | A small body of clinical evidence suggests coenzyme Q10 may improve insulin sensitivity, glucose and lipid metabolism, and blood pressure in those with metabolic syndrome. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has well known cardiovascular benefits. In people with metabolic syndrome, 100 mg of CoQ10 per day for eight weeks improved markers of insulin resistance, but had no impact on glucose, lipid, and inflammatory marker levels compared to placebo. A controlled trial that included 104 participants with metabolic syndrome compared the effects of a dietary intervention alone to diet plus 30 mg of CoQ10 and red yeast rice providing 10 mg of monacolin K (a cholesterol-lowering compound) per day. After two months, those taking the supplements had greater improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glucose levels. Although CoQ10 has been reported to lower blood pressure in clinical trials in uncomplicated hypertensive subjects, a placebo-controlled trial in 30 patients with high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome found 200 mg of CoQ10 twice daily did not lower blood pressure after 12 weeks of treatment. CoQ10 may be helpful in treating metabolic syndrome associated with polycystic ovary syndrome: in one trial, 100 mg of CoQ10 per day for 12 weeks was more effective than placebo for improving glucose and lipid metabolism. |
2 Stars Migraine Headache 100 to 150 mg daily | In a preliminary trial, supplementation with coenzyme Q10 for three months reduced the average number of days with migraine headaches by 60%. Blood levels of coenzyme Q10 have been found to be low in about one-third of migraine sufferers. In a preliminary trial, supplementation of migraine sufferers with 150 mg per day of for three months reduced the average number of days with migraine headaches by 60%. The beneficial effect of coenzyme Q10 was confirmed in a four-month double-blind study. By the fourth month of treatment, a reduction in migraine frequency of 50% or greater occurred in 47.6% of people receiving 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 three times a day, but in only 14.4% of those receiving a placebo (a statistically significant difference). However, another double-blind trial found that coenzyme Q10 was not more effective than a placebo in children with recurrent migraines, although children receiving coenzyme Q10 appeared to improve faster than those given the placebo. |
2 Stars Neuropathy 400 mg daily | There is little evidence that coenzyme Q10 improves nerve function and eases symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. In a placebo-controlled trial that included 49 people with type 2 diabetes and neuropathy, those receiving 400 mg of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 or ubiquinone) daily for 12 weeks experienced a 50% reduction in symptoms as well as improved nerve function, but a similar trial that used a 200 mg daily dose of CoQ10 found no benefit on diabetic neuropathy symptoms. |
2 Stars Preeclampsia 200 mg per day | In a double-blind study at women who were at high risk of developing preeclampsia, supplementing with coenzyme Q10 reduced the incidence of preeclampsia by 44%. Pregnant women with preeclampsia have significantly lower plasma coenzyme Q10 levels, when compared with women with healthy pregnancies. In a double-blind study at women who were at high risk of developing preeclampsia, supplementing with coenzyme Q10 reduced the incidence of preeclampsia by 44%. The amount used was 200 mg per day; treatment was begun during the twentieth week of pregnancy and continued until delivery. |
2 Stars Type 1 Diabetes 100 mg daily | Supplementing with CoQ10 may improve blood sugar metabolism. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is needed for normal blood sugar metabolism. One research team reported that, in study subjects with vascular complications related to type 1 diabetes, adding CoQ10 to standard insulin therapy increased antioxidant status, reduced free radical damage to lipids, and improved blood vessel function. The same research group also reported that CoQ10 supplementation, at the unusually high dose of 1,000 mg per day, improved blood glucose control in those with type 1 diabetes-related kidney dysfunction. However, in a placebo-controlled trial, supplementation with 100 mg of CoQ10 per day for three months neither improved glucose control nor reduced the need for insulin in participants with type 1 diabetes. Although the potential benefits of CoQ10 supplements in treatment of type 1 diabetes remains uncertain, some doctors recommend taking 50–100 mg per day due to its likely ability to protect heart, blood vessel, and kidney health. |
2 Stars Type 2 Diabetes 100 to 200 mg daily | Supplementing with CoQ10 may improve blood glucose control, insulin sensitivity, and cardiovascular health. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that plays an important role in cellular energy production. People with type 2 diabetes have been found to have significantly lower blood levels of CoQ10 compared with healthy people. In multiple clinical trials, CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to lower blood glucose levels and HgbA1c, improve insulin sensitivity, and raise antioxidant status. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials have concluded that CoQ10 supplementation can improve blood glucose levels, HgbA1c, and cardiovascular risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes. Although it has been suggested that CoQ10 might help reduce diabetes complications through its antioxidant effects, one clinical trial found no benefit of CoQ10 in treatment of diabetes-related neuropathy. Doses of CoQ10 used in the research are 100–200 mg of CoQ10 per day. |
1 Star Alzheimer’s Disease (Iron, Vitamin B6) Refer to label instructions | A combination of coenzyme Q10, iron (sodium ferrous citrate), and vitamin B6 may improve mental status in people with Alzheimer’s disease. In a preliminary report, two people with a hereditary form of Alzheimer’s disease received daily: (60 mg), iron (150 mg of sodium ferrous citrate), and vitamin B6 (180 mg). Mental status improved in both patients, and one became almost normal after six months. |
1 Star Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Refer to label instructions | CoQ10 levels have been found to be low in people with COPD. Supplementing with CoQ10 improved blood oxygenation, exercise performance, and heart rate in one study. Researchers have also given (CoQ10) to people with COPD after discovering their blood levels of CoQ10 were lower than those found in healthy people. In that trial, 90 mg of CoQ10 per day, given for eight weeks, led to no change in lung function, though oxygenation of blood improved, as did exercise performance and heart rate. Until more research is done, the importance of supplementing with CoQ10 for people with COPD remains unclear. |
1 Star HIV and AIDS Support Refer to label instructions | In one trial, people with HIV who took CoQ10 experienced no further infections for up to seven months, and counts of infection-fighting white blood cells improved in some cases. Blood levels of (CoQ10) were also found to be low in people with HIV infection or AIDS. In a small preliminary trial, people with HIV infection took 200 mg per day of CoQ10. Eighty-three percent of these people experienced no further infections for up to seven months, and the counts of infection-fighting white blood cells improved in three cases. |
1 Star Male Infertility Refer to label instructions | CoQ10 is a nutrient used by the body to produce energy. While its exact role in the formation of sperm is unknown, even small amounts appear to increase sperm count and motility. (CoQ10) is a nutrient used by the body in the production of energy. While its exact role in the formation of sperm is unknown, there is evidence that as little as 10 mg per day (over a two-week period) will increase sperm count and motility. In one study, men with low sperm counts were given CoQ10 (60 mg per day for about three months). No significant change was noted in most sperm parameters, but a significant improvement was noted in in-vitro fertilization rates. |
1 Star Parkinson’s Disease 1,200 mg a day | In a double-blind trial, coenzyme Q10 given to people with early Parkinson's disease significantly slowed the progression of the disease. In a double-blind trial, administration of 1,200 mg of coenzyme Q10 per day for 16 months to people with early Parkinson's disease significantly slowed the progression of the disease, compared with a placebo. Smaller amounts of CoQ10 were slightly more effective than placebo, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, another double-blind study found that CoQ10 in the amounts of 1,200 or 2,400 mg per day for 16 months was not beneficial for people with early Parkinson's disease, and in fact there was a trend toward a slightly worse outcome in those receiving CoQ10 than in those given a placebo. Based on these conflicting studies, it remains uncertain whether people with Parkinson's disease should take CoQ10. |
1 Star Tinnitus Refer to label instructions | For people who are deficient in CoQ10, supplementing with the nutrient may improve tinnitus. In a preliminary trial, supplementation with (CoQ10) in the amount of 100 mg three times per day for 16 weeks significantly improved tinnitus in people who had initially low blood levels of CoQ10. However, CoQ10 was not beneficial for people whose initial blood levels were not low. |
How It Works
How to Use It
Adult levels of supplementation are usually 30–90 mg per day, although people with specific health conditions may supplement with higher levels (with the involvement of a physician). Most of the research on heart conditions has used 90–150 mg of CoQ10 per day. People with cancer who consider taking much higher amounts should discuss this issue with a doctor before supplementing. There are several anecdotal reports of large amounts of CoQ10 resulting in improvements in certain types of cancer. However, controlled trials are needed to confirm these preliminary observations. Most doctors recommend that CoQ10 be taken with meals to improve absorption.
Where to Find It
CoQ10 is found primarily in fish and meat, but the amounts in food are far less than what can be obtained from supplements.
Possible Deficiencies
Deficiency is poorly understood, but it may be caused by synthesis problems in the body rather than an insufficiency in the diet. Low blood levels have been reported in people with heart failure, cardiomyopathy, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), morbid obesity, hypertension, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, AIDS, and in some people on kidney dialysis. People with phenylketonuria (PKU) may be deficient in CoQ10 because of dietary restrictions.1 CoQ10 levels are also generally lower in older people. The test used to assess CoQ10 status is not routinely available from medical laboratories.
Best Form to Take
CoQ10 supplements come in either granular or oil-based preparations. The evidence is conflicting as to whether one preparation is more bioavailable than the other.2
Interactions
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Interactions with Medicines
Certain medicines interact with this supplement.
Replenish Depleted Nutrients
- Amitriptyline
A number of tricyclic antidepressants have been shown to inhibit enzymes that require coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a nutrient that is needed for normal heart function. In addition, treatment with amitriptyline has been associated with a reduction in CoQ10 levels. It is therefore possible that CoQ10 deficiency may be a contributing factor to the cardiac side effects that sometimes occur with tricyclic antidepressants. Some practitioners advise patients taking tricyclic antidepressants to supplement with 30–100 mg of CoQ10 per day.
- Amoxapine
A number of tricyclic antidepressants have been shown to inhibit enzymes that require coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a nutrient that is needed for normal heart function. It is therefore possible that CoQ10 deficiency may be a contributing factor to the cardiac side effects that sometimes occur with tricyclic antidepressants. Some practitioners advise patients taking tricyclic antidepressants to supplement with 30–100 mg of CoQ10 per day.
- Atorvastatin
In a group of patients beginning treatment with atorvastatin, the average concentration of coenzyme Q10 in blood plasma decreased within 14 days, and had fallen by approximately 50% after 30 days of treatment. Many doctors recommend CoQ10 supplementation to prevent the drug-induced decline in CoQ10 levels.
- Cerivastatin
In a group of patients beginning treatment with atorvastatin, the average concentration of coenzyme Q10 in blood plasma decreased within 14 days, and had fallen by approximately 50% after 30 days of treatment. Many doctors recommend CoQ10 supplementation to prevent the drug-induced decline in CoQ10 levels.
- Clomipramine
A number of tricyclic antidepressants have been shown to inhibit enzymes that require coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a nutrient that is needed for normal heart function. It is therefore possible that CoQ10 deficiency may be a contributing factor to the cardiac side effects that sometimes occur with tricyclic antidepressants. Some practitioners advise patients taking tricyclic antidepressants to supplement with 30–100 mg of CoQ10 per day.
- Desipramine
A number of tricyclic antidepressants have been shown to inhibit enzymes that require coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a nutrient that is needed for normal heart function. It is therefore possible that CoQ10 deficiency may be a contributing factor to the cardiac side effects that sometimes occur with tricyclic antidepressants. Some practitioners advise patients taking tricyclic antidepressants to supplement with 30–100 mg of CoQ10 per day.
- Doxepin
A number of tricyclic antidepressants have been shown to inhibit enzymes that require coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a nutrient that is needed for normal heart function. It is therefore possible that CoQ10 deficiency may be a contributing factor to the cardiac side effects that sometimes occur with tricyclic antidepressants. Some practitioners advise patients taking tricyclic antidepressants to supplement with 30–100 mg of CoQ10 per day.
- Fluvastatin
In a group of patients beginning treatment with atorvastatin, the average concentration of coenzyme Q10 in blood plasma decreased within 14 days, and had fallen by approximately 50% after 30 days of treatment. Many doctors recommend CoQ10 supplementation to prevent the drug-induced decline in CoQ10 levels.
- Gemfibrozil
In a randomized study of 21 men with combined hyperlipidemia, ten to twelve weeks of gemfibrozil therapy reduced coenzyme Q10 blood levels to the levels seen in healthy men. The clinical significance of this finding is unknown.
- Imipramine
A number of tricyclic antidepressants have been shown to inhibit enzymes that require coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a nutrient that is needed for normal heart function. It is therefore possible that CoQ10 deficiency may be a contributing factor to the cardiac side effects that sometimes occur with tricyclic antidepressants. Some practitioners advise patients taking tricyclic antidepressants to supplement with 30–100 mg of CoQ10 per day.
- Lovastatin
In a group of patients beginning treatment with atorvastatin, the average concentration of coenzyme Q10 in blood plasma decreased within 14 days, and had fallen by approximately 50% after 30 days of treatment. Many doctors recommend CoQ10 supplementation to prevent the drug-induced decline in CoQ10 levels.
- Nortriptyline
A number of tricyclic antidepressants have been shown to inhibit enzymes that require coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a nutrient that is needed for normal heart function. It is therefore possible that CoQ10 deficiency may be a contributing factor to the cardiac side effects that sometimes occur with tricyclic antidepressants. Some practitioners advise patients taking tricyclic antidepressants to supplement with 30–100 mg of CoQ10 per day.
- Pitavastatin
In a group of patients beginning treatment with atorvastatin, the average concentration of coenzyme Q10 in blood plasma decreased within 14 days, and had fallen by approximately 50% after 30 days of treatment. Many doctors recommend CoQ10 supplementation to prevent the drug-induced decline in CoQ10 levels.
- Protriptyline
A number of tricyclic antidepressants have been shown to inhibit enzymes that require coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a nutrient that is needed for normal heart function. It is therefore possible that CoQ10 deficiency may be a contributing factor to the cardiac side effects that sometimes occur with tricyclic antidepressants. Some practitioners advise patients taking tricyclic antidepressants to supplement with 30–100 mg of CoQ10 per day.
- Rosuvastatin
In a group of patients beginning treatment with atorvastatin, the average concentration of coenzyme Q10 in blood plasma decreased within 14 days, and had fallen by approximately 50% after 30 days of treatment. Many doctors recommend CoQ10 supplementation to prevent the drug-induced decline in CoQ10 levels.
- Simvastatin
In a group of patients beginning treatment with atorvastatin, the average concentration of coenzyme Q10 in blood plasma decreased within 14 days, and had fallen by approximately 50% after 30 days of treatment. Many doctors recommend CoQ10 supplementation to prevent the drug-induced decline in CoQ10 levels.
- Trimipramine
A number of tricyclic antidepressants have been shown to inhibit enzymes that require coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a nutrient that is needed for normal heart function. It is therefore possible that CoQ10 deficiency may be a contributing factor to the cardiac side effects that sometimes occur with tricyclic antidepressants. Some practitioners advise patients taking tricyclic antidepressants to supplement with 30–100 mg of CoQ10 per day.
Reduce Side Effects
- Atorvastatin
In a preliminary study, supplementation with 100 mg of CoQ10 per day reduced the severity of muscle pain by 40% in people with muscle pain caused by a statin drug. A double-blind trial also found that CoQ10 (200 mg per day) significantly decreased drug-induced muscle symptoms in people taking statin drugs.
However, in another double-blind trial, CoQ10 in the amount of 60 mg twice a day for one month was not more effective than a placebo for relieving muscle pain. Although the evidence is conflicting regarding whether supplementing with CoQ10 relieves statin-induced muscle symptoms, many doctors recommend CoQ10 supplementation to prevent the drug-induced decline in CoQ10 levels.
- Cerivastatin
In a preliminary study, supplementation with 100 mg of CoQ10 per day reduced the severity of muscle pain by 40% in people with muscle pain caused by a statin drug. A double-blind trial also found that CoQ10 (200 mg per day) significantly decreased drug-induced muscle symptoms in people taking statin drugs.
However, in another double-blind trial, CoQ10 in the amount of 60 mg twice a day for one month was not more effective than a placebo for relieving muscle pain. Although the evidence is conflicting regarding whether supplementing with CoQ10 relieves statin-induced muscle symptoms, many doctors recommend CoQ10 supplementation to prevent the drug-induced decline in CoQ10 levels.
- Doxorubicin
Pretreating people with the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 before administration of doxorubicin has reduced cardiac toxicity —an action also reported in animals. Some doctors recommend 100 mg per day.
- Fluvastatin
In a preliminary study, supplementation with 100 mg of CoQ10 per day reduced the severity of muscle pain by 40% in people with muscle pain caused by a statin drug. A double-blind trial also found that CoQ10 (200 mg per day) significantly decreased drug-induced muscle symptoms in people taking statin drugs.
However, in another double-blind trial, CoQ10 in the amount of 60 mg twice a day for one month was not more effective than a placebo for relieving muscle pain. Although the evidence is conflicting regarding whether supplementing with CoQ10 relieves statin-induced muscle symptoms, many doctors recommend CoQ10 supplementation to prevent the drug-induced decline in CoQ10 levels.
- Lovastatin
In a preliminary study, supplementation with 100 mg of CoQ10 per day reduced the severity of muscle pain by 40% in people with muscle pain caused by a statin drug. A double-blind trial also found that CoQ10 (200 mg per day) significantly decreased drug-induced muscle symptoms in people taking statin drugs.
However, in another double-blind trial, CoQ10 in the amount of 60 mg twice a day for one month was not more effective than a placebo for relieving muscle pain. Although the evidence is conflicting regarding whether supplementing with CoQ10 relieves statin-induced muscle symptoms, many doctors recommend CoQ10 supplementation to prevent the drug-induced decline in CoQ10 levels.
- Mesoridazine
Phenothiazine drugs like thioridazine can cause changes in heart activity in some people, which might be prevented with coenzyme Q10 supplementation. Therefore, some doctors and pharmacists may recommend coenzyme Q10 supplements to individuals taking thioridazine.
- Perphenazine
Phenothiazine drugs similar to perphenazine can cause changes in heart activity in some people, which might be prevented by supplementing with coenzyme Q10. Therefore, some health practitioners may recommend coenzyme Q10 supplementation to people taking perphenazine.
- Pitavastatin
In a preliminary study, supplementation with 100 mg of CoQ10 per day reduced the severity of muscle pain by 40% in people with muscle pain caused by a statin drug. A double-blind trial also found that CoQ10 (200 mg per day) significantly decreased drug-induced muscle symptoms in people taking statin drugs.
However, in another double-blind trial, CoQ10 in the amount of 60 mg twice a day for one month was not more effective than a placebo for relieving muscle pain. Although the evidence is conflicting regarding whether supplementing with CoQ10 relieves statin-induced muscle symptoms, many doctors recommend CoQ10 supplementation to prevent the drug-induced decline in CoQ10 levels.
- Rosuvastatin
In a preliminary study, supplementation with 100 mg of CoQ10 per day reduced the severity of muscle pain by 40% in people with muscle pain caused by a statin drug. A double-blind trial also found that CoQ10 (200 mg per day) significantly decreased drug-induced muscle symptoms in people taking statin drugs.
However, in another double-blind trial, CoQ10 in the amount of 60 mg twice a day for one month was not more effective than a placebo for relieving muscle pain. Although the evidence is conflicting regarding whether supplementing with CoQ10 relieves statin-induced muscle symptoms, many doctors recommend CoQ10 supplementation to prevent the drug-induced decline in CoQ10 levels.
- Simvastatin
In a preliminary study, supplementation with 100 mg of CoQ10 per day reduced the severity of muscle pain by 40% in people with muscle pain caused by a statin drug. A double-blind trial also found that CoQ10 (200 mg per day) significantly decreased drug-induced muscle symptoms in people taking statin drugs.
However, in another double-blind trial, CoQ10 in the amount of 60 mg twice a day for one month was not more effective than a placebo for relieving muscle pain. Although the evidence is conflicting regarding whether supplementing with CoQ10 relieves statin-induced muscle symptoms, many doctors recommend CoQ10 supplementation to prevent the drug-induced decline in CoQ10 levels.
- Thioridazine
Phenothiazine drugs like thioridazine can cause changes in heart activity in some people, which might be prevented with coenzyme Q10 supplementation. Therefore, some doctors and pharmacists may recommend coenzyme Q10 supplements to individuals taking thioridazine.
- Timolol
In a group of 16 glaucoma patients treated with a timolol eye preparation, six weeks of oral coenzyme Q10 (90 mg per day) was reported to reduce timolol-induced cardiovascular side effects without affecting intraocular pressure treatment.
Support Medicine
none
Reduces Effectiveness
- Warfarin
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is structurally similar to vitamin K and may affect blood coagulation. Four case reports describe possible interference by CoQ10 with warfarin activity. It remains unknown how common or rare this interaction is. Those taking warfarin should only take CoQ10 with the guidance of their doctor.
Potential Negative Interaction
none
Explanation Required
- Pravastatin
In double-blind trials, treatment with pravastatin and other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors has resulted in depleted blood levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Supplementation with 90–100 mg CoQ10 per day has been shown to prevent reductions in blood levels of CoQ10 due to simvastatin, another drug in the same category as pravastatin. In a preliminary study, supplementation with 100 mg of CoQ10 per day reduced the severity of muscle pain by 40% in people with muscle pain caused by a statin drug.
- Propranolol
Propranolol inhibits enzymes dependent on coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). In one trial, propranolol-induced symptoms were reduced in people given 60 mg of CoQ10 per day.
Side Effects
Side Effects
Congestive heart failure patients who are taking CoQ10 should not discontinue taking CoQ10 supplements unless under the supervision of a doctor.
An isolated test tube study reported that the anticancer effect of a certain cholesterol-lowering drug was blocked by addition of CoQ10.3 So far, experts in the field have put little stock in this report because its results have not yet been confirmed in animal, human, or even other test tube studies. The drug used in the test tube is not used to treat cancer, and preliminary information regarding the use of high amounts of CoQ10 in humans suggests the possibility of anticancer activity.4, 5, 6
References
1. Artuch R, Vilaseca MA, Moreno J, et al. Decreased serum ubiquinone-10 concentrations in phenylketonuria. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:892-5.
2. Gaby, AR. Nutritional Medicine. Concord, NH: Fritz Perlberg Publishing, 2011.
3. Larsson O. Effects of isoprenoids on growth of normal human mammary epithelial cells and breast cancer cells in vitro. Anticancer Res 1994;114:123-8.
4. Lockwood K, Moesgaard S, Folkers K. Partial and complete regression of breast cancer in patients in relation to dosage of coenzyme Q10. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1994;199:1504-8.
5. Lockwood K, Moesgaard S, Yamamoto T, Folkers K. Progress on therapy of breast cancer with vitamin Q10 and the regression of metastases. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1995;212:172-7.
6. Judy WV. Nutritional intervention in cancer prevention and treatment. American College for Advancement in Medicine Spring Conference, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. May 3, 1998.
Last Review: 06-01-2015
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