Vitamin CQ10 is one of many names for the popular supplement coenzyme Q10. This nutrient is found in the mitochondria of your cells and is responsible for part of the energy production process. Coenzyme Q10 also works as an antioxidant, which means it can find and destroy toxins in the body. For this reason, researchers have studied it in conjunction with many diseases and also for its potential ability to reverse the signs of aging. If you are considering this supplement, talk to your doctor first to make sure it is safe for you.
Uses
Researchers have studied coenzyme Q10 in relation to many diseases. It has shown the most promise in heart disease. In one study, people recovering from a heart attack were given the supplement and experienced less risk of a subsequent heart attack. They were also less like to die from heart disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Those who have heart failure often have low levels of coenzyme Q10, and supplementation improves symptoms in some studies. Coenzyme Q10 is also used in conjunction with statin medications to help with the side effect of muscle pain these medications can cause. Studies have also focused on this supplement and high blood pressure, diabetes, breast cancer, gum disease and immune system function.
Dosages
Coenzyme Q10 comes in softgels for easy supplementation and is the most bioavailable in this preparation. The recommended dosage for an adult is 30 mg to 200 mg per day. However, preparations as high as 3,000 mg per day are used to treat Parkinson's disease under a doctor's supervision, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Since it is fat soluble, this supplement is best absorbed when taken with a meal, and it also tends to work better when taken at night. You can rinse with 1 tsp. one or two times per day for gum disease.
Safety
No known side effects are noted for coenzyme Q10 supplementation with the exception of gastrointestinal upset, such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Dividing higher doses into smaller ones can help minimize these effects. Studies on pregnant and lactating women are not available, so do not take this supplement if you are in these groups. Coenzyme Q10 can interact with some medications. If you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin, this supplement might make it less effective. Blood pressure medications such as metoprolol and diltiazem may have stronger effects if taken with coenzyme Q10 and thus require smaller doses. Coenzyme Q10 also helps reduce the toxic side effects of some chemotherapy drugs.
Sources
You can get coenzyme Q10 from your diet, but you would have to eat quite a bit to approach therapeutic levels. The average diet contains less than 10 mg per day, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Foods high in coenzyme Q10 include red meat, chicken and fatty fish. Soybean oil and nuts are also high in this coenzyme. However, even a 3 oz. serving of fried beef, which is high in coenzyme Q10, contains only 2.6 mg. To get any of the reported benefits of this nutrient, supplementation is necessary.
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