Coenzyme Q10, also called CoQ10, is a substance produced naturally in the body. Dietary sources of CoQ10 include organ meats such as liver, salmon, tuna and other oily fish, and whole grains. A well-balanced diet usually provides sufficient amounts of the substance. CoQ10 supplements help people with certain health conditions or who have low levels of the compound. CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant to protect your body from cell damage, increases energy and improves the immune system, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports.
Heart Protection
The ability of CoQ10 to enhance energy production of cells and inhibit blood clot formation may help prevent or treat heart disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. CoQ10 supplements may reduce the occurrence of subsequent heart attacks and chest pain for people who have had heart attacks. People who take the supplements may also reduce their risk of dying from heart disease. Heart failure patients may benefit from the supplements with reduction of swelling in the legs and fluid in the lungs to improve breathing, although research continues on confirming this benefit. CoQ10 may strengthen heart function for people undergoing heart surgery when administered prior to the surgery.
Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
CoQ10 may help lower blood pressure when taken for several weeks for people with high blood pressure, Medline Plus notes. Deficiencies of CoQ10 have been found in people with high cholesterol. Cholesterol-lowering drugs, called statins, may also lower levels of CoQ10. Taking CoQ10 supplements may help correct the deficiency while taking the medication without interfering with the drug's effects to lower cholesterol levels. Some patients on statins may experience muscle pain from the medication, and CoQ10 appears to decrease the pain. The supplements may also benefit diabetics, who are at risk for high cholesterol and blood pressure.
Migraine Headaches
Supplements of CoQ10 may prevent migraine headaches, decreasing the frequency of the headaches and the nausea related to migraines. Children with low levels of CoQ10 who have migraine headaches may benefit from taking CoQ10. The substance appears to prevent or reduce the occurrence of the headaches, but does not appear to treat migraines once they develop.
Diseases
CoQ10 supplements may work with conventional treatment and a nutritional regimen to shrink tumors in women with breast cancer. The combined treatments may also reduce pain and lead to partial remission in some patients. CoQ10 supplements may slow down, but not cure, Alzheimer's disease, and it show promise in treating Parkinson's disease, the Mayo Clinic explains. People with gum disease often have low levels of CoQ10 in the gums. Supplements may help bring faster healing and tissue repair.
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