Coenzyme Q-10, also referred to as CoQ10, is a vitaminlike substance that is naturally present in all human tissues and organs. It plays an essential role in energy production at a cellular level and performs other essential life functions. Clinical trials have shown that coenzyme Q-10 helps protect your body against cancer, says the National Cancer Institute. Consult your doctor or registered dietitian before you decide to take coenzyme Q-10 supplements.
Tumor Angiogenesis
Scientists at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine found that coenzyme Q-10 selectively induces apoptosis and suppresses tumor angiogenesis in melanoma cancer cells in part through inhibition of bcl-2 functions. Overexpression of bcl-2 protects melanoma cancer cells from apoptosis, an important physiological process by which your body gets rid of unwanted cells. Inhibition of apoptosis may lead to the development of melanoma cancer, says Niven R. Narain, Ph.D., an investigator of this study.
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Cancer Recurrence
Abnormally low plasma concentrations of coenzyme Q-10 are a strong predictor of melanoma metastasis, according to a study by researchers at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Italy. The results of this study, published in "Melanoma Research" in 2007, provide further evidence that long-term administration of coenzyme Q10 induces significantly decreased rates of melanoma recurrence with negligible side effects.
Therapeutic Dosage
Therapeutic doses of coenzyme Q-10 for adults generally range from 30 mg to 200 mg per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Coenzyme Q-10 is sold in the market as food supplements in various forms, including capsules, tablets and soft-gels. Many people use coenzyme Q-10 in the form of oil-based gels and take these with food. Coenzyme Q10 is lipid-soluble and thus it is best absorbed with a saturated fat-enriched diet.
Safety Issues
Coenzyme Q-10 appears to be safe with minimal side effects, but you should consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before taking CoQ10 supplements. The safety and effectiveness of coenzyme Q-10 for young children have not been determined yet. In addition, coenzyme Q-10 decreases the effectiveness of warfarin, a drug that is used to slow blood clotting. Therefore, people on warfarin or any other blood-thinning medications should avoid CoQ10 supplements.
References
- "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology"; "Low Plasma Coenzyme Q10 Levels as an Independent Prognostic Factor for Melanoma Progression"; Rusciani Luigi et al; 2006
- "American Association of Cancer Research"; "Coenzyme Q10: A Novel bcl-2 Drug Target for the Treatment of Melanoma"; Niven Narain et al; 2006
- National Cancer Institute: Coenzyme Q10
- " Melanoma Research"; Recombinant Interferon Alpha-2b and Coenzyme Q10 as a Postsurgical Adjuvant Therapy for Melanoma: a 3-year Trial with Recombinant Interferon-Alpha and 5-Year Follow-up; L. Rusciani et al; June 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Coenzyme Q10; Steven D. Ehrlich; March 3, 2009
