Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, forms naturally in the body and helps protect the cells from damage through its antioxidant properties. It boosts the immune system and provides the body with energy. Dietary sources of CoQ10, including meat, fish and whole grains, help sustain adequate amounts of the vitamin-like substance, and CoQ10 also is synthesized in the lab for use as a supplement. Increased intake of CoQ10 might improve certain health conditions for people with CoQ10 deficiency.
CoQ10 Deficiencies
Deficiencies can result from insufficiency of CoQ10 in the diet or from the body's inability to synthesize the substance, according to the University of Michigan Health System. CoQ10 deficiency can indicate serious underlying conditions. You can ask your doctor about a blood test to determine CoQ10 levels if you suspect a deficiency, which sometimes is present in other health conditions.
Chronic Fatigue
Symptoms of CoQ10 deficiency include weakness, fatigue and seizures. Chronic fatigue syndrome causes long-term exhaustion, muscle weakness and sleep disturbances. Supplementation, increased dietary intake of CoQ10 and vitamins and minerals to produce the substance might improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, MayoClinic.com points out, but further studies are needed.
High Cholesterol
People with high cholesterol tend to have low levels of CoQ10, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. If you learn you have high cholesterol, doctors advise a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and an exercise regimen. You also might benefit from improving your CoQ10 levels. Cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as statins, can deplete the body's levels of CoQ10, but supplements of CoQ10 can correct the deficiency without interfering with the effects of the statin medication.
Heart Conditions
CoQ10 deficiencies also occur in some patients with congestive heart failure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The condition arises when the body cannot pump blood effectively. The blood often pools in different areas, including the lungs and legs, causing difficulty breathing and swelling in the legs. CoQ10 supplements might help improve breathing and decrease swelling by reducing fluid in the lungs and legs. CoQ10 has been found to lower blood pressure levels when administered to patients with high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease. CoQ10 also might inhibit blood clot formation to prevent or treat heart disease.
Gum Disease
People with gum, or periodontal, disease have been found to have low levels of CoQ10 in the gums. Periodontal disease causes redness, swelling, pain and bleeding in the gums. Administering CoQ10 supplements might bring about faster healing of gum tissue, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports.
Migraine Headaches
Children with migraine headaches and low levels of CoQ10 reduce their headache frequency through supplementation, according to MedlinePlus. Taking CoQ10 also might prevent migraine headaches in adults. It does not seem to relieve the headaches once migraines have developed.
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