Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a powerful, vitamin-like substance that helps your body perform many important functions. It is distributed throughout your body, including the heart, liver, kidney and pancreas. The synthesis of CoQ10 shares the same biochemical pathway as cholesterol, a fat-like substance. CoQ10 appears to be effective in treating many diseases, including congestive heart failure. Do not take CoQ10 supplements without first consulting with your doctor, however.
Statin Drugs
People with high cholesterol tend to have lower levels of coenzyme Q10. Statins, a group of cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as atorvastatin, cerivastatin and lovastatin, can deplete the body's stores of natural coenzyme Q10, according to Steven D. Ehrlich, a naturopathic physician from the University of Maryland Medical Center. Low levels of CoQ10 cause serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease. In addition, correcting coenzyme Q10 deficiencies may be important to your health in terms of alleviating the side effects of all statin medications, such as muscle pain.
Cholesterol Metabolism
In 2010, C. Schmelzer and colleagues at Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Germany, analyzed the effect of ubiquinol, the reduced form of coenzyme Q10, on cholesterol metabolism in mice. A significant change in cholesterol formation was observed in the liver of ubiquinol-supplemented mice. These results, published in "IUBMB Life" in November 2010, suggest that ubiquinol has dramatic effects in overall lipid metabolism.
Therapeutic Dosages
For children, use coenzyme Q10 only under a doctor's supervision. For adults, the daily adequate intake levels for coenzyme Q10 are between 30 and 200 mg per day, according to Steven D. Ehrlich. Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble nutrient and therefore should be taken with a meal very high in fat. You can also use soft-gel capsules for better absorption into the body.
Precautions
Currently, no prominent side effects have been reported from the use of CoQ10 supplements. Nevertheless, you do not use them without close supervision by your health care provider. The safety and effectiveness of taking coenzyme Q10 during pregnancy and lactation are also not known. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using CoQ10 or any other supplements.
References
- MedlinePlus: Coenzyme Q-10
- Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute; Vital Micronutrients in Depth; Balz Frei; June 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Coenzyme Q10; Steven D. Ehrlich; March 20, 2009
- "IUBMB Life"; The Reduced Form of Coenzyme Q10 Mediates Distinct Effects on Cholesterol Metabolism at the Transcriptional and Metabolite Level in SAMP1 Mice; C. Schmelzer; November 2010
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