Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10 or CQ10, is a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps your body produce energy. If you have low CoQ10 levels, your doctor may recommend adding a CoQ10 supplement to your daily diet. Health professionals with the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, recommend that adults receive 30 to 200 mg of CoQ10 daily in supplemental form to keep their bodies functioning normally. If you have any questions or concerns regarding CoQ10 supplements, seek additional care from your physician.
Benefits
As an antioxidant, CoQ10 helps protect the cells in your body from oxidative damage and death. Purported health benefits of CoQ10 supplements include prevention and treatment of heart disease and reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels. CoQ10 supplements may also help prevent gum disease, breast cancer and chemotherapy-induced heart damage, UMMC explains. However, additional research validating these potential health benefits of CoQ10 in humans is necessary.
Side Effects
Treatment with CoQ10 supplements typically does not cause side effects. Mild side effects may include heartburn, insomnia, headache and increased fatigue. If you exceed the recommended daily dose of CoQ10, you may experience more noticeable side effects such as diarrhea, skin rash, flu-like symptoms, increased light sensitivity, reduced appetite or involuntary muscle movements. Contact your doctor for further evaluation and care if you experience any unusual side effects while taking CoQ10.
Contraindications
Discuss any pre-existing health problems or concerns you may have with your health care provider before you begin treatment with any new medication or supplement -- including CoQ10. If you have a known allergy to CoQ10 do not take this supplement. Improper use of CoQ10 by hypersensitive people may cause a severe allergic reaction. CoQ10 supplementation may also reduce blood sugar levels, so diabetics should be careful when taking it.
Medication Interactions
Before taking CoQ10, be sure to discuss all medications you are currently taking with your physician. CoQ10 may reduce the efficacy of certain blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, which may require your doctor to increase your dose of this type of prescription drug, UMMC warns. Additionally, concurrent use of CoQ10 and blood pressure medications may increase the efficacy of these drugs and may cause a sharp decrease in your blood pressure.
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