Where best to go for reliable information about Coenzyme Q10? The Mayo Clinic website is a good place to start. Let’s see what the Mayo Clinic Staff have written.
First off, Coenzyme Q10 is a substance that our bodies produce naturally. However, the levels of Coenzyme Q10 in our cells decrease as we get older. Furthermore, low CoQ10 concentrations are common in individuals with certain conditions such as heart disease and in individuals who take cholesterol lowering drugs called statins [Mayo Clinic 2023].
Secondly, fish, meat, and nuts are dietary sources of Coenzyme Q10. But, the Mayo Clinic Staff note, the intake of Coenzyme Q10 from dietary sources is not enough to increase the levels of Coenzyme Q10 in the cells significantly [Mayo Clinic 2023].
Absorption and Bioavailability of CoQ10 Supplements
Thirdly, CoQ10 nutritional supplements are available as capsules, chewable tablets, liquid syrups, and wafers. CoQ10 supplements may help in the prevention and/or treatment of some heart conditions and migraine headaches [Mayo Clinic 2023].
In this context, it is important to note that not all CoQ10 supplements are absorbed equally well. It is important to choose a CoQ10 supplement with documented scientific evidence of its absorption and bioavailability [Lopez-Lluch 2019].
Biological Functions of Coenzyme Q10
Fourthly, Coenzyme Q10 is important to our health because it functions as an antioxidant [Mayo Clinic 2023].
That means that Coenzyme Q10 is needed to help neutralize harmful free radicals. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials has shown that CoQ10 supplementation reduces the concentrations of malondialdehyde, a known bio-marker for oxidative stress, increases total antioxidant capacity, and augments the concentrations of antioxidant defense system enzymes [Akbari 2020].
The Mayo Clinic Staff could also have made the following points about the properties of Coenzyme Q10 [Mantle & Dybring 2020]:
- that sufficient Coenzyme Q10 is essential for the cells’ generation of ATP energy
- that sufficient Coenzyme Q10 is important for proper mitochondrial functioning
- that sufficient Coenzyme Q10 has an anti-inflammatory effect
- that sufficient Coenzyme Q10 improves endothelial function
Clinical Research about Coenzyme Q10
Fifthly, the Mayo Clinic Staff turn their attention to what the research says about CoQ10 use for specific conditions:
- Heart conditions. There is evidence that CoQ10 adjuvant treatment has improved the survival and symptoms of congestive heart failure patients [see Mortensen 2014, Morisco 1993].
- Blood pressure. The findings are mixed; however, CoQ10 supplements might help reduce blood pressure [see Zhao 2022].
- Diabetes. Some research indicates that CoQ10 supplements may help lower the risk of heart disease in patients with diabetes [see Dai 2022, Liang 2022].
- Heart surgery. Combined with other nutrients, Coenzyme Q10 might help recovery in patients who have had bypass and heart valve surgeries [see de Frutos 2015, Orlando 2020].
- Migraines. Some research suggests that CoQ10 might decrease the frequency and duration of these headaches [see Sazali 2021].
- Physical performance. Coenzyme Q10 is involved in energy production. Accordingly, CoQ10 supplements might improve physical performance. However, the research results are mixed – some studies show benefit, some fail to show a significant benefit [see Tsai 2022].
- Statin-induced myopathy. CoQ10 supplements might help reduce the muscle pain and weakness sometimes associated with taking a statin medication [see Raizner & Quinones 2021].
Safety of CoQ10 Supplements
The Mayo Clinic Staff rates CoQ10 supplements as “Generally safe … with few side effects.” However, the staff writers do advise taking CoQ10 supplements under a doctor’s supervision [Mayo Clinic Staff 2023].
They also note that the safety of the use of CoQ10 supplements during pregnancy and breast-feeding has not been established in clinical trials. Pregnant and breast-feeding women who want to take CoQ10 supplements should get their doctor’s approval [Mayo Clinic Staff 2023].
As to possible interactions with drugs, the Mayo Clinic Staff warn that Coenzyme Q10 might make blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin (Jantoven), less effective [Mayo Clinic Staff 2023].
Conclusion: Coenzyme Q10 Safe and Effective
On the evidence, CoQ10 supplements are affordable, effective, and safe.
The Mayo Clinic Staff assessment of Coenzyme Q10 is interesting and informative reading.
Of course, everything depends on getting a CoQ10 supplement that has a good absorption and bioavailability.
Sources
Akbari A, Mobini GR, Agah S, Morvaridzadeh M, Omidi A, Potter E, Fazelian S, Ardehali SH, Daneshzad E, Dehghani S. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation and oxidative stress parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2020 Nov;76(11):1483-1499.
Dai S, Tian Z, Zhao D, Liang Y, Liu M, Liu Z, Hou S, Yang Y. Effects of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022 Jul 13;11(7):1360.
de Frutos F, Gea A, Hernandez-Estefania R, Rabago G. Prophylactic treatment with coenzyme Q10 in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: could an antioxidant reduce complications? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2015 Feb;20(2):254-9.
Liang Y, Zhao D, Ji Q, Liu M, Dai S, Hou S, Liu Z, Mao Y, Tian Z, Yang Y. Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on glycemic control: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. EClinicalMedicine. 2022 Aug 3;52:101602.
López-Lluch G, Del Pozo-Cruz J, Sánchez-Cuesta A, Cortés-Rodríguez AB, Navas P. Bioavailability of coenzyme Q10 supplements depends on carrier lipids and solubilization. Nutrition. 2019 Jan;57:133-140.
Mantle D, Dybring A. Bioavailability of Coenzyme Q10: An Overview of the Absorption Process and Subsequent Metabolism. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 May 5;9(5):386.
Mayo Clinic Staff. Coenzyme Q10. August 9, 2023. Retrieved from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-coenzyme-q10/art-20362602
Morisco C, Trimarco B, Condorelli M. Effect of coenzyme Q10 therapy in patients with congestive heart failure: a long-term multicenter randomized study. Clin Investig. 1993;71(8 Suppl):S134-6.
Mortensen SA, Rosenfeldt F, Kumar A, Dolliner P, Filipiak KJ, Pella D, Alehagen U, Steurer G, Littarru GP; Q-SYMBIO Study Investigators. The effect of coenzyme Q10 on morbidity and mortality in chronic heart failure: results from Q-SYMBIO: a randomized double-blind trial. JACC Heart Fail. 2014 Dec;2(6):641-9.
Orlando P, Sabbatinelli J, Silvestri S, Marcheggiani F, Cirilli I, Dludla PV, Molardi A, Nicolini F, Tiano L. Ubiquinol supplementation in elderly patients undergoing aortic valve replacement: biochemical and clinical aspects. Aging (Albany NY). 2020 Jul 31;12(15):15514-15531.
Raizner AE, Quiñones MA. Coenzyme Q10 for patients with cardiovascular disease: JACC Focus Seminar. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2021 Feb 9;77(5):609-619.
Sazali S, Badrin S, Norhayati MN, Idris NS. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation for prophylaxis in adult patients with migraine-a meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2021 Jan 5;11(1):e039358.
Tsai IC, Hsu CW, Chang CH, Tseng PT, Chang KV. Effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation for reducing fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Aug 24;13:883251.
Zhao D, Liang Y, Dai S, Hou S, Liu Z, Liu M, Dong X, Zhan Y, Tian Z, Yang Y. Dose-Response effect of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on blood pressure among patients with cardiometabolic disorders: a grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE)-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Adv Nutr. 2022 Dec 22;13(6):2180-2194.
The information presented in this review article is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as such.
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