Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is not a vitamin, but actually a substance manufactured by the human body. CoQ10 is one of the names given to the substance called ubiquinone. Numerous claims abound about what CoQ10 can or cannot do; more scientific testing is needed not only to substantiate health claims, but also to determine the safety and effectiveness of this dietary supplement.
What It Is
CoQ10 is a substance produced naturally by all of the body's cells. CoQ10 must be present for the production of fuel for each cell.
Considerations
Information from both the Mayo Clinic and the Merck Manual indicates that naturally-occurring CoQ10 levels may decrease with age. Some individuals who have chronic diseases such as Parkinson's, cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and heart conditions also have low levels of CoQ10. A direct cause-and-effect relationship between the low levels of CoQ10 and the presence of these disease conditions has not been established.
Documented Uses
Scientific research has proven that ubiquinone has antioxidant properties in the body, meaning CoQ10 may destroy cancer-causing free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Purported Uses
Other claims, such as the claim that CoQ10 may prevent or treat cancer, are not supported by any evidence, as reported by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Although a physician reported some success in treating breast cancer, his study involved less than 35 women, and the results have not been replicated in any clinical trials.
Precautions
Individuals taking blood-thinning medication or those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments need to discuss taking CoQ10 supplements with their health care providers.
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