Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a fat-soluble substance found in all human cells. Food sources of CoQ10 include beef, liver, sardines, peanuts and soybean oil. It is involved in several body processes, such as facilitating respiratory energy by transporting substances to energy cell centers, called mitochondria. CoQ10 can be taken as 100 mg supplements up to three times a day and has many benefits. According to Cancer.org, CoQ10 can help reduce chemotherapy-related heart damage.
Low Blood Sugar
CoQ10 can alleviate hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Symptoms of low blood sugar include fatigue, dizziness and increased thirst. According to the American Academy of Physicians, reducing oxidative stress is one way it does this. In diabetics, CoQ10 can help regulate blood sugar. Do not combine diabetic medications with CoQ10 without consulting your doctor first.
Cholesterol
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, supplementing 100 mg of CoQ10 up to three times a day can help manage cholesterol and treat deficiency caused by cholesterol-reducing medications called statins. Statin drugs deplete natural availability of CoQ10. Supplementing can also reduce muscle pain related to statin drug use. If you are prescribed statin drugs and are considering supplementing with CoQ10, your doctor can help you decide what is best.
Fatigue
Because CoQ10 is involved in energy production, supplementation can boost energy. Some athletes use CoQ10 to increase performance. It also is used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome. In addition, CoQ10 has antioxidant properties to prevent cell damage from free radicals. With fewer cells dying of oxidative destruction, more oxygen and nutrients are delivered. Increased oxygen and nutrients can increase energy.
Safety
If you are thinking about supplementing CoQ10, consult your doctor first. It can interfere with blood pressure and chemotherapy medications. It can also decrease the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications. Taking medications in combination with CoQ10 can complicate your condition. If you are prescribed medication, only take CoQ10 under doctor supervision.
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