Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, increases energy, improves the immune system and acts as an antioxidant. CoQ10 is often low in patients with chronic diseases and can be increased via CoQ10 supplements. Clinical research studies have reported that CoQ10 supplementation alone or in combination with other drug therapies may help prevent or treat heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure and diabetes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, its effectiveness remains controversial. Speak to your health care provider before you start taking CoQ10.
Heart Disease and Heart Failure
CoQ10 has shown to improve energy production in cells, inhibit blood clot formation and act as an antioxidant. A clinical study found people who received CoQ10 supplements within three days of a heart attack were considerably less likely to experience subsequent heart attacks, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
According to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, CoQ10 alone cannot help heart failure patients; however research has shown that it may be beneficial when taken in combination with other heart failure medications and treatments, as it reduces swelling of the legs, enhances breathing, reduces fluid in the lungs, and increases exercise capacity.
Blood Pressure and Diabetes
Using CoQ10 in combination with other blood pressure medications may allow for decreased dosage or discontinued usage of prescription blood pressure medication. In fact, CoQ10 lowered systolic blood pressure by approximately 26 percent in some hypertensive individuals after 12 weeks of treatment, according to MedlinePlus.
Research suggests that CoQ10 also improves blood sugar in people with diabetes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Preliminary Clinical Research
Preliminary clinical research suggests that CoQ10 may improve multiple health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. CoQ10 has also been shown to increase sperm motility leading to enhanced fertility in individuals struggling to conceive a child. CoQ10 has even proven to benefit athletes with research suggesting it boosts athletic performance while reducing fatigue, overall improving one's exercise tolerance.
The University of Maryland Medical Center states clinical research is currently being studied in these areas to determine if CoQ10 can be safely and successfully used in people with these particular health problems and needs.
Dosing
The recommended dose for CoQ10 for adults 19 years and older is 300 to 1200 mg daily. Supplemental CoQ10 is available in several forms; soft gel capsules, oral spray, hard shell capsules, and tablets. Soft gel capsules tend to be absorbed by the body more quickly than other forms of CoQ10. For optimal absorption, CoQ10 should be taking with a meal containing fat.
Key Points
Although CoQ10 has been studied, used and recommended for numerous medical conditions, it remains controversial as a treatment option in many areas. Individuals interested in taking CoQ10 supplements should receive consent from their doctor.
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