Coenzyme Q10 is an enzyme that your body produces. Some people, including those with certain health conditions such as diabetes and cancer, have lower levels of CoQ10 than others. You can take CoQ10 supplements to increase your CoQ10 levels, and these supplements may also help to treat health conditions associated with low CoQ10 levels. These supplements are generally safe, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Use
CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant, increases energy levels and enhances the immune system. Supplemental CoQ10 may help with the prevention or treatment of heart disease, heart failure, heart damage from chemotherapy, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, migraines, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease and gum disease. However, as of 2011 CoQ10 use for these conditions requires further research, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Dosage
CoQ10 doses for adults range between 30mg and 3,000mg per day when taken by mouth, depending on the reason you are taking CoQ10. Doses between 100mg and 300mg are most common. Taking CoQ10 along with a meal that contains fat helps with absorption, and splitting your CoQ10 dose up into smaller amounts taken throughout the day reduces side effects.
Side Effects
Side effects are not very common with CoQ10, and tend to be mild. They include diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, heartburn, insomnia, irritability, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, allergic skin rash, vomiting and upset stomach. These effects usually stop once supplementation with CoQ10 is stopped. CoQ10 may also lower blood sugar and blood pressure.
Interactions and Safety
Only take supplements like CoQ10 under the supervision of your doctor, since they may interact with medications that you take. These include blood pressure medications, blood-thinning medications, chemotherapy medications, beta-blockers, cholesterol medications, warfarin and medications for depression. Although generally safe for adults, children and women who are pregnant or nursing should only take CoQ10 on the advice of their doctor since safety hasn't been well researched for these populations.
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