Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by constricted airways. Asthma sufferers are usually sensitive to particular triggers that might include pet dander, stress, cold air or dust. When exposed to a trigger, the lungs produce a thick mucus and the airways constrict, causing breathing difficulties and wheezing. It is usually treated with medicines that help the airways to relax. Certain supplements including coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, might also play a role in the treatment of asthma, but evidence to prove this is limited. Do not use CoQ10 supplements in place of asthma medication.
Properties and Potential Benefits
CoQ10 is a vitaminlike substance that helps the cells produce energy from fatty acids and glucose. According to Mississippi Baptist Health Systems, it might also play a role in the treatment of numerous conditions including hypertension, migraines, Parkinson's disease, congestive heart failure and tinnitus. The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that people with asthma may have low CoQ10 levels, but states that it is unclear whether taking a CoQ10 supplement helps to improve symptoms.
Administration
The body is able to produce CoQ10 itself. However, it is available as a dietary supplement in tablets, capsules and soft gels. Since CoQ10 is not a proven asthma treatment, guidance regarding a dose that might help to improve symptoms is lacking. Mississippi Baptist Health Systems states, however, that a typical dosage is 30 mg to 300 mg daily.
Clinical Evidence
Evidence to show that CoQ10 relieve asthma symptoms is lacking. However, the results of a cross-over, randomized clinical study that included 41 asthmatics, published in 2005 in "Biofactors" show that patients had low CoQ10 levels and that taking 120 mg of CoQ10 daily allowed patients to reduce their dose of anti-inflammatory medicines. CoQ10 was administered alongside alpha-tocopherol and vitamin C, so it is difficult to know whether CoQ10 has the same effect when used alone.
Safety Considerations
CoQ10 is extremely safe in healthy people, but it may not be suitable for certain people, including HIV patients and people with severe heart disease. It may counteract the effects of the anticoagulant drug, warfarin. If you have any doubts as to whether taking a CoQ10 supplement is suitable for you, talk to your health care adviser.
