Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a dietary supplement that is sometimes used as a complementary or alternative medicine for breast cancer, asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, Alzheimer's disease and even gum disease. Rarely, if ever, is the compound used to treat colitis, but research is ongoing in regards to its efficacy with this inflammatory condition.
Coenzyme Q10
As defined by the University of Washington, CoQ10 is an organic compound similar to a vitamin. It's the foundation of a number of enzymes used by the body to generate a high-energy compound known as ATP, or adenosine triphosphate. ATP is responsible for all cellular function, so, in this regard, the body couldn't function as it should without CoQ10. But this coenzyme also acts as an antioxidant, which is a substance that prohibits unstable molecules (free radicals) from damaging cells. It is for this reason that CoQ10 may help in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With this condition, swelling and inflammation change the rate of contractions within the intestines, influencing how the body passes waste. This often causes uncomfortable symptoms such as cramping, diarrhea, loose stools and bloody stools. Although the exact cause of the condition is still unknown, the Mayo Clinic says that the immune system triggers the inflammation as it tries to fights off pathogens. Since CoQ10 acts an antioxidant, it may help lessen the inflammation by reducing the tissue damage caused by the microorganisms.
Animal Research
Medical research on treating colitis with CoQ10 is still in the preliminary stages. One study performed at Tufts University in Boston focused on mice. Colitis was induced in the mice, which then received a course of treatment consisting of glutathione (another antioxidant) and CoQ10. Over 12 weeks, the mice experienced a recovery in loose stools and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, indicating that the two supplements may help with acute cases of IBD.
Other Research
The Metabolic Disorders Research Center of India conducted a study that monitored a combination of metabolites during the treatment of IBD. One of these metabolites was ubiquinone, which is another name for coenzyme Q10. The researchers found that people suffering from IBD had low levels of ubiquinone, which may mean that supplementing the diet with this organic compound could help treat the condition.
Side Effects
Although side effects are rare, the Mayo Clinic warns that CoQ10 may cause loss of appetite, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and heartburn. It may also cause insomnia, fatigue, headache, dizziness, irritability, rash and itching. Most of these side effects are temporary and should subside after discontinuing the supplement. CoQ10 also may interact adversely with some medications, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. And it could lower blood pressure, blood platelet counts and blood glucose levels.
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