Coenzyme Q10 is a compound that behaves as an antioxidant, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consumers supplement their diets with it for a variety of other reasons and, although researchers' conclusions have been both positive and negative, it may help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, making it useful to people with heart conditions.
Staying Young
The UMMC says that because Coenzyme Q10 plays a role in making adenosine triphosphate, a molecule that provides energy to your cells, supplementing your diet with Coenzyme Q10 could boost your energy level and inspire you to become more active. Coenzyme Q10 also works as an antioxidant in the body, potentially reducing the damage caused by free radicals from sun exposure, pollution and cigarette smoking. For this reason, it may be a useful ingredient in an anti-aging nutritional regimen.
Cardiovascular
People with congestive heart failure tend to have low levels of Coenzyme Q10, prompting experts to study its effect on the human heart. Because Coenzyme Q10 may reduce damage that was caused by free radicals, UMMC says, it may strengthen the heart, in which case it could offer extra protection when taken before a heart surgery or during chemotherapy. In addition, some research indicates that supplementing with Coenzyme Q10 may reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Other Uses
The UMMC says that Coenzyme Q10 is being researched for many diseases and conditions that it might alleviate, including immune deficiencies, male fertility problems, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, as well as for stroke survivors, people with tinnitus and fatigue syndromes. Little has been proved about its usefulness, but the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center at Oregon State University says that even at high levels, the side effects of this supplement are not significant, so it is a safe mineral for most people to try.
Supplementation
The Linus Pauling Institute says that taking Coenzyme Q10 supplements may not increase levels of Coenzyme Q10 in a young, healthy person's muscles, but lab tests have indicated that supplementing could increase levels in muscles that are deficient in older or less-healthy people. Non-prescription Coenzyme Q10 is available at drug stores in adult dosages from 30 mg to 100 mg. Because it is fat soluble, taking too much of this supplement could be unhealthy, so the UMMC says to take it with food and do not exceed 200 mg per day without your doctor's recommendation. It can interact negatively with chemotherapy treatment, blood thinners and blood pressure medications, so if you are on chemotherapy or taking any of these medications, do not add this supplement to your diet without your doctor's permission.
Food Sources
If you would prefer to enrich your diet with Coenzyme Q10 rather than take a daily supplement, the Linus Pauling Institute lists marinated herring and fried beef or chicken as the richest sources. Soybean oil, canola oil, steamed rainbow trout, roasted sesame seeds, peanuts or pistachios also contain Coenzyme Q10, as do strawberries, oranges or boiled broccoli, cauliflower or eggs.
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