Coenzyme Q10, also called ubiquinone, is a compound found in your body's cells as well as in a variety of foods. Along with playing a vital role in energy production, CoQ10 may help protect against a number of health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart failure, breast cancer, diabetes and gum disease. Although CoQ10 is important during every stage of life, it may offer specific benefits during pregnancy.
Function
As the University of Maryland Medical Center explains, the main role of CoQ10 is helping produce adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which is the main source of energy for the cells in your body. Along with boosting your energy, CoQ10 may enhance your immune system, helping you avoid illnesses during pregnancy that could potentially harm your fetus. CoQ10 also works as an antioxidant, protecting your cell membranes and DNA from damage caused by air pollution, cigarette smoking, ultraviolet radiation and other environmental toxins.
Sources
Along with being produced naturally by the cells in your body, CoQ10 exists in a variety of foods you can integrate into your pregnancy diet. Whole grains, organ meats such as liver or kidney, soy oil, peanuts and fatty, low-mercury fish like salmon or mackerel all contain CoQ10. Because CoQ10 is fat-soluble, consuming it along with a healthy fat source, such as avocados, nuts or olive oil, can increase its absorption.
Benefits
Having adequate levels of CoQ10 may have a positive impact on your pregnancy. According to a study published in the July-August 2010 issue of "Biofactors," babies born from women with high levels of CoQ10 in their blood had greater fetal development than children born from low-CoQ10 mothers. Additional research published in the "International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics" in April 2009 found that CoQ10 may help prevent preeclampsia, a pregnancy condition involving high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
Warning
Although food sources of CoQ10 are generally safe during pregnancy, more research is needed to determine the effects of taking CoQ10 supplements when you're pregnant or nursing, according to MayoClinic.com. In some cases, large amounts of CoQ10 can decrease your blood pressure, lower your blood sugar levels and cause symptoms such as itching, fatigue, headache, insomnia, diarrhea, nausea and loss of appetite, which may be particularly hazardous during pregnancy. Avoid CoQ10 supplements unless advised by your physician.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Coenzyme Q10 Safety; July 1, 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; CoEnzyme Q10; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; March 20, 2009
- University of Washington; Introduction to Coenzyme Q10; Peter H. Langsjoen, M.D.
- "Biofactors"; Positive Correlation Between Maternal Serum Coenzyme Q10 Levels and Infant Birth Weight; M. Haruna, et al.; July-August 2010
- "International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics"; Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation During Pregnancy Reduces the Risk of Pre-Eclampsia; E. Teran, et al.; April 2009
