What about Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More supplements for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, you ask. Well, yes, that seems to be a logical question.
Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More is an essential factor in the cellular process of energy production. It plays an important role in antioxidantAntioxidants are substances that protect the cells and lipoproteins against the harmful effects of free radicals. They are substances that prevent the oxidation of other molecules and compounds. There are two broad categories of antioxidants: enzymatic and non-enzymatic. Non-enzymatic antioxidants are substances like Coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and various carotenoids. Prominent enzymatic antioxidants include catalase, glutathione peroxidase,... More protection of the cells. It helps to maintain good endothelial cell function [Littarru 2010].
And, pregnancy is certainly a time when women need extra energy. Ditto when they are breastfeeding.
Similarly, pregnancy and breastfeeding are times of increased oxidative stress and thus increased need for antioxidantAntioxidants are substances that protect the cells and lipoproteins against the harmful effects of free radicals. They are substances that prevent the oxidation of other molecules and compounds. There are two broad categories of antioxidants: enzymatic and non-enzymatic. Non-enzymatic antioxidants are substances like Coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and various carotenoids. Prominent enzymatic antioxidants include catalase, glutathione peroxidase,... More protection. Pre-term mothers and infants, in particular, need extra antioxidantAntioxidants are substances that protect the cells and lipoproteins against the harmful effects of free radicals. They are substances that prevent the oxidation of other molecules and compounds. There are two broad categories of antioxidants: enzymatic and non-enzymatic. Non-enzymatic antioxidants are substances like Coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and various carotenoids. Prominent enzymatic antioxidants include catalase, glutathione peroxidase,... More defense [Abuhandan 2015].
Coenzyme Q10 and pregnancy: the evidence
The best study we have to date – a randomized controlled study – enrolled 235 pregnant women. 118 women were randomly assigned to take 200 milligrams of CoQ10 daily from week 20 of the pregnancy until delivery. 117 women were assigned to take a matching placebo for the same period [Teran 2009].
Only 17 women in the CoQ10 treatment group developed pre-eclampsia compared with 30 women in the placebo group. The 43% reduction in the risk of developing pre-eclampsia was statistically significantThe outcome of a clinical trial is thought to have statistical significance, or to be statistically significant, if the outcome is likely not caused by chance at a given statistical significance level, typically at the 0.05 level. Statistically significant outcomes may or may not be clinically significant. More.
The researchers concluded that daily supplementation with CoQ10 reduces the risk of developing pre-eclampsia [Teran 2009]. There were no adverse effects of taking 200 milligrams of CoQ10 from week 20 of the pregnancy until delivery, neither for the mother nor for the baby.
CoQ10 and a safe pregnancy
Blood pressure disorders are a major cause of pregnancy complications throughout the world.
Studies have shown that low blood CoQ10 levels are associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia [Palan 2004] and with an increased risk of miscarriage [Noia 1996].
One plausible hypothesis is that inadequate antioxidantAntioxidants are substances that protect the cells and lipoproteins against the harmful effects of free radicals. They are substances that prevent the oxidation of other molecules and compounds. There are two broad categories of antioxidants: enzymatic and non-enzymatic. Non-enzymatic antioxidants are substances like Coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and various carotenoids. Prominent enzymatic antioxidants include catalase, glutathione peroxidase,... More protection leads to increased cell damage caused by free radicalsFree radicals are unstable and highly reactive molecules that are produced in the body during normal oxygen metabolism. Free radicals derived from oxygen are known as reactive oxygen species. Free radicals play both helpful and harmful roles in the body. Free radicals steal electrons from other substances in order to become stable. In so doing, the free radicals oxidize those... More. Increased endothelial cell damage leads to the development of pre-eclampsia [Palan 2004].
- Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More is plays a crucial role in improving endothelial function.
- CoQ10 has a hypotensive effect [Littarru 2011].
- Accordingly, CoQ10 as a lipid-soluble antioxidantAntioxidants are substances that protect the cells and lipoproteins against the harmful effects of free radicals. They are substances that prevent the oxidation of other molecules and compounds. There are two broad categories of antioxidants: enzymatic and non-enzymatic. Non-enzymatic antioxidants are substances like Coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and various carotenoids. Prominent enzymatic antioxidants include catalase, glutathione peroxidase,... More may play a significantThe outcome of a clinical trial is thought to have statistical significance, or to be statistically significant, if the outcome is likely not caused by chance at a given statistical significance level, typically at the 0.05 level. Statistically significant outcomes may or may not be clinically significant. More role in prevention of pre-eclampsia.
In addition, Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More supplementation can improve the cellular production of energy at a time – during pregnancy and during breastfeeding – when more energy is needed.
Talk with your physician or gynecologist about CoQ10 supplements
Women planning a pregnancy should talk with their gynecologists about taking a Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More supplement during the pregnancy.
- In numerous clinical studies, oral CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to be safe, well-tolerated, and effective [Littarru 2010]. It is affordable.
- Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More has very low toxicity and does not induce serious adverse effects in humans [Hidaka 2008].
- Studies have shown that there is considerable variation in the absorption and bio-availability of oral CoQ10 supplements [Lopez-Lluch 2018].
Not all Coq10 supplements equally good
The CoQ10 supplements on the market are not equally good. It is important to choose a well-formulated CoQ10 supplement with documented absorption and efficacy.
For example, the Q-Symbio study showed that daily supplementation with 300 milligrams of CoQ10 resulted in significantly improved symptoms, quality of life, and survival in chronic heart failureThe Mayo Clinic defines heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure and/or chronic heart failure, as the failure of the heart muscle to pump blood to the body adequately. In other words, heart failure is not a heart attack, and it is not death from heart disease, which its name might seem to imply. Heart failure is a condition... More patients [Mortensen 2014].
In the KiSel-10 study, daily supplementation with 200 milligrams of CoQ10 and 200 micrograms of a high-selenium yeast preparation resulted in significantly reduced risk of death from heart disease, better maintained heart function, and improved quality of life in senior citizens [Alehagen 2013].
In both studies, the same CoQ10 preparation was used.
CoQ10 and fertility issues
Please note: there is a growing literature about the effects of Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More supplementation on male (and female) fertility. That is an article for another day.
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Alehagen, U., Johansson, P., Björnstedt, M., Rosén, A., & Dahlström, U. (2013). Cardiovascular mortality and N-terminal-proBNP reduced after combined seleniumSelenium (symbol Se, atomic number 34) is a trace element that is an essential nutrient and an essential component of some of the most important antioxidants in the body, in particular the selenoproteins glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase, and selenoprotein P. Selenium is involved in the optimal functioning of the immune system. Professor Alehagen has pointed out that there exists a... More and Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More supplementation: a 5-year prospective randomized double-blindA double-blind study is a study in which neither the investigators nor the study participants know which participants are receiving the active treatment and which participants are receiving the control treatment until the study has been completed and the seal on the code has been broken. More placebo-controlled trial among elderly Swedish citizens. International Journal of Cardiology, 167(5), 1860-1866. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2012.04.156
Hidaka, T., Fujii, K., Funahashi, I., Fukutomi, N., & Hosoe, K. (2008). Safety assessment of coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More (CoQ10). Biofactors (Oxford, England), 32(1–4), 199–208. Retrieved from http://db14.linccweb.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=mnh&AN=19096117&site=ehost-live
Littarru, G. P., Tiano, L., Belardinelli, R., & Watts, G. F. (2011). Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More , endothelial function, and cardiovascular disease. Biofactors (Oxford, England), 37(5), 366–373. https://doi-org.db14.linccweb.org/10.1002/biof.154
Littarru, G. P., & Tiano, L. (2010). Clinical aspects of coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More: an update. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), 26(3), 250–254. https://doi-org.db14.linccweb.org/10.1016/j.nut.2009.08.008
López-Lluch, G., Del Pozo-Cruz, J., Sánchez-Cuesta, A., Cortés-Rodríguez, A. B., & Navas, P. (2019). Bioavailability of coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More supplements depends on carrier lipids and solubilization. Nutrition, 57, 133–140.
Mortensen, S. A., Rosenfeldt, F., Kumar, A., Dolliner, P., Filipiak, K. J., Pella, D., & Littarru, G. P. (2014). The effect of coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More on morbidity and mortality in chronic heart failureThe Mayo Clinic defines heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure and/or chronic heart failure, as the failure of the heart muscle to pump blood to the body adequately. In other words, heart failure is not a heart attack, and it is not death from heart disease, which its name might seem to imply. Heart failure is a condition... More: results from Q-SYMBIO: a randomized double-blindA double-blind study is a study in which neither the investigators nor the study participants know which participants are receiving the active treatment and which participants are receiving the control treatment until the study has been completed and the seal on the code has been broken. More trial. JACC. Heart FailureThe Mayo Clinic defines heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure and/or chronic heart failure, as the failure of the heart muscle to pump blood to the body adequately. In other words, heart failure is not a heart attack, and it is not death from heart disease, which its name might seem to imply. Heart failure is a condition... More, 2(6), 641-649.
Noia, G., Littarru, G. P., De Santis, M., Oradei, A., Mactromarino, C., Trivellini, C., & Caruso, A. (1996). Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More in pregnancy. Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy, 11(4), 264–270. Retrieved from http://db14.linccweb.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=mnh&AN=8823607&site=ehost-live
Palan, P. R., Shaban, D. W., Martino, T., & Mikhail, M. S. (2004). Lipid-soluble antioxidants and pregnancy: maternal serum levels of coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More, alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol in preeclampsia and normal pregnancy. Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, 58(1), 8–13. Retrieved from http://db14.linccweb.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=mnh&AN=14988604&site=ehost-live
Teran, E., Hernández, I., Tana, L., Teran, S., Galaviz-Hernandez, C., Sosa-Macías, M., … Calle, A. (2018). MitochondriaThe mitochondria are the bean-shaped organelles in the cells. They are the key organelles with responsibility for the production of ATP energy molecules. More and Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia. Frontiers in Physiology, 9, 1561. https://doi-org.db14.linccweb.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.01561
Teran, E., Hernandez, I., Nieto, B., Tavara, R., Ocampo, J. E., & Calle, A. (2009). Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... More supplementation during pregnancy reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia. International Journal of Gynaecology And Obstetrics, 105(1), 43–45. https://doi-org.db14.linccweb.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2008.11.033
The information presented in this review article is not intended as medical advice. It should not be construed as such.
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