Coenzyme Q10 is needed by every cell in the body. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, meat and seafood contain small amounts, but most is made by the body. Two forms of coenzyme Q10 exist. Ubiquinone is found in most coenzyme Q10 supplements. The body synthesizes ubiquinone to the antioxidant form, ubiquinol, which then enters the blood inside lipoproteins and moves to various tissues. Ubiquinol also can be purchased as a supplement. Because coenzyme Q10 is a supplement, it is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Coenzyme Q10 may be helpful for a number of conditions.
Blood Pressure
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, studies show coenzyme Q10 may lower blood pressure. People who take medication for high blood pressure may be able to decrease their dose. However, this should only be determined by a doctor. There also is some evidence that coenzyme Q10 is effective for lowering isolated systolic hypertension by up to 26 percent. Isolated systolic hypertension describes the condition when only the systolic, or top number takenin a blood pressure reading is high. This often occurs in the elderly.
Heart Attack
The U.S. National Library of Medicine says evidence exists that starting coenzyme Q10 within 72 hours of a heart attack and continuing taking it for one year appears to lower the risk of more non-fatal heart attacks.
Cancer
The American Cancer Institute reports that studies done in laboratories, some using animals, indicate coenzyme Q10 may help the body fight infection and certain cancers. In the lab, coenzyme Q10 stopped concentrations of cancer cells from growing. It also helped protect the hearts of animals given an anticancer chemotherapy drug called doxorubicin, which can damage heart muscles. Studies still need to be done to prove effectiveness in humans.
Migraines
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, coenzyme Q10 taken orally helps prevent migraine headaches. It seems to decrease migraine frequency by up to 30 percent in adults, although it can be as much as three months before benefits are seen. It shows no benefit in treating existing migraines.
Parkinson's Disease
The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports some research indicates coenzyme Q10 slows decline in people in the early stages of Parkinson's disease. However, it does not seem to help people with mid-stage Parkinson's.
Side Effects and Interactions
Side effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation vary, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Some people experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or allergic skin rashes. These effects can usually be reduced by dividing the dose and taking at different times of the day. People with low blood pressure should use coenzyme Q10 with caution since it can lower blood pressure further. Children and pregnant or breast-feeding women should only use it under a doctor's supervision. There is a potential for interaction with some chemotherapy and high blood pressure drugs and with the blood thinner, warfarin. People on these drugs should consult with their doctors before supplementing with coenzyme Q10.
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