Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance produced naturally by our bodies. It works on the cellular level, and helps with the function of muscle tissue, including the type found in critical organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas. Serious CoQ10 deficiency is relatively rare, but lower levels are associated with some illnesses, aging, or taking drugs such as cholesterol-lowering medications. Some people believe that adding a CoQ10 supplement to their diet increases overall muscle energy.
How CoQ10 Works
The body creates CoQ10 from vitamins and several trace elements. CoQ10 is used to build large and complex enzymes, which are essential to chemical reactions that occur in cells. That's why this coenzyme is needed for muscles to produce energy. Lower levels of CoQ10 are sometimes found in people with congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, periodontal disease, Parkinson's disease, certain muscular diseases and AIDS.
Effectiveness and Safety of Supplements
There is a lack of medical consensus about how well CoQ10 supplements work. Although not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, these supplements are considered "likely safe" for adults, according to the National Institutes of Health website MedlinePlus. These supplements are likely effective for a relatively rare, serious CoQ10 deficiency that causes weakness, fatigue and seizures. They are possibly effective, as well, for heart disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, high blood pressure, muscular dystrophy and preventing migraine headaches.
Uncertainty
CoQ10 has not been proven to be effective in boosting athletic performance or treating dental problems when applied directly to the teeth and gums, says MedlinePlus. There's not enough evidence to judge whether these supplements help with diabetes, breast cancer, male infertility, chest pain, muscle pain caused by taking cholesterol-lower medications called statins, pregnancy problems, fatigue and Lyme disease.
Dosages and Side Effects
Dosages used in studies ranged between 100 to 200 mg per day, according to MedlinePlus. Sometimes the daily dosage is divided and taken at different times to lessen side effects. There are few side effects associated with CoQ10 supplementation, and most are minor. It can lower blood sugar levels, and should therefore people with diabetes should take it with caution. It can also lower blood pressure, and there is the possibility that it could effect thyroid hormone levels.There's not enough research to determine whether this supplement is safe for pregnant and nursing women.
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