Coenzyme Q10 has been used as a dietary supplement for more than 20 years. Also known as ubiquinone, or simply CoQ10, this nutrient is a fat-soluble compound found in virtually every cell of the human body. Although its functions in the body are many and complex, CoQ10's primary function is for cellular respiration and ATP production. It is also an important antioxidant. Most of the B vitamins and the amino acid tyrosine are necessary for CoQ10's synthesis within the body.
Chronic Heart Failure
Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of CoQ10 supplementation for cardiovascular disease. Several small studies and two important meta-analyses have been done. However, additional clinical trials are needed to definitively establish CoQ10 as an adjunct in the treatment of congestive heart failure and other cardiac illnesses. In a meta-analysis from Molecular Aspects in Medicine, supplementation with CoQ10 performed better than placebo for most cardiac parameters measured. In addition, a study in Clinical Investigation concluded that CoQ10 improves function in chronic heart failure.
High Blood Pressure
Several clinical trials have shown CoQ10 to be effective in lowering blood pressure. In a review of research from the journal Human Hypertension, the authors performed a meta-analysis of all published trials studying CoQ10 for hypertension. CoQ10 was found to moderately lower blood pressure without significant side effects.
Skin Health
CoQ10's function as a powerful antioxidant has led to its use in many skin-care formulas. Several studies suggest a role for CoQ10 as a topical anti-aging product. A study in the Journal Cosmetic Dermatology found that CoQ10 reduced inflammation in the skin, and therefore may protect against premature aging due to sun exposure. Another study, from the journal BioFactors, revealed that supplementation with CoQ10 reduced oxidative stress in the skin, and reduced the breakdown of collagen following UVA irradiation.
Male Infertility
CoQ10 is concentrated in the mitochondria of the sperm cell and is necessary for the production of energy and as an antioxidant. A few small studies have shown CoQ10 may have beneficial effects on sperm counts and motility. A study in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation demonstrated that ubiquinone supplementation increased sperm motility in a group of participants with infertility-associated diseases.
Dosage
No official recommended daily allowance for CoQ10 has been set. Typical dosages are between 30 mg and 300 mg per day. In the December 2008 issue of the journal BioFactors, the authors state, "The published reports concerning safety studies indicate that CoQ10 has low toxicity and does not induce serious adverse effects in humans. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) is 12 mg per kilogram per day calculated from the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of 1,200 mg per kilogram per day derived from a 52-week chronic toxicity study in rats, i.e., 720 mg per day for a person weighing 60 kg."
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