Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is naturally found in the body and works as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage. In the human body, the highest levels of Coenzyme Q10 are found in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Foods like cold water fish (tuna, salmon, and sardines), vegetable oils, and meats contain small amounts of Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is also sold as an over-the-counter dietary supplement for those seeking a higher, more consistent dosing in their diet.
Some diseases have been associated with a deficiency of Coenzyme Q10 in the blood. Therefore, researchers have begun studying the possible benefits of repleting Coenzyme Q10 with supplements in certain diseases.
Heart failure has been linked to Coenzyme Q10 deficiency. The article linked below is a systematic review that "Coenzyme Q10 showed a possible beneficial effect on heart function, which was associated with a reduction in mortality and hospitalizations."
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2023/fo/d3fo01255g
So, patients with heart failure may benefit from Coenzyme Q10 supplementation. There is also evidence from other studies that Coenzyme Q10 may reduce complications in patients undergoing heart surgery.
Patients suffering from migraine headaches were also found to have low levels of Coenzyme Q10 in plasma and the brain. The study linked below is a meta-analysis that assessed if Coenzyme Q10 supplements were effective as a prophylaxis for migraine headaches in adult patients.
The study concluded, "Coenzyme Q10 appears to have beneficial effects in reducing duration and frequency of migraine attack."
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7786797/
So, some patients with migraine headaches may also benefit from Coenzyme Q10 supplementation for migraine prevention.
Coenzyme Q10 has been studied in many other diseases, including Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Down Syndrome, Huntington's Disease, male infertility, cancer, HIV, and Alzheimer's Dementia. Still, evidence may be conflicting or insufficient to make any recommendations. Therefore, further research is needed, and many studies are ongoing.
So, if you are considering if Coenzyme Q10 might benefit you, please get in touch with your healthcare provider to discuss.
Coenzyme Q10 does not have any reported serious side effects. Mild side effects may include insomnia and gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea. There is no evidence regarding safety for use in children and pregnant women or breastfeeding. It is very important to discuss initiating Coenzyme Q10 with your healthcare provider because there are possible drug-drug interactions with prescription medications, including blood thinners (such as warfarin/coumadin), thyroid medications, diabetic insulin, and chemotherapy agents.
