More Than 20 Coenzyme Q10 Benefits

Many clinical studies demonstrate coenzyme Q10 benefits with supplementation.

Coenzyme Q10 Benefits Introduction

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural antioxidant synthesized by the body, found in many foods at low concentrations, and available as a supplement. Foods do not contain enough coenzyme Q10 for one to receive any benefit and must be taken in supplement form. Many clinical studies demonstrate coenzyme Q10 benefits with supplementation. Coenzyme Q10 benefits include headaches, heart health, blood pressure, circulatory health, and supports optimal functioning of the heart muscle. CoQ10 may also help support the health of blood vessel walls. Some research has indicated therapeutic value in slowing the progression of dementia. In addition, CoQ10 may help improve fertility. It has been shown that statin cholesterol medications reduce the level of coenzyme Q10 in the body by about 50%.

How is Coenzyme Q10 Assimilated by the Body?

Coenzyme Q10 benefits are seen with using it as a supplement in the form of ubiquinone, or a reduced form, ubiquinol. Ubiqinone is oxidized to ubiquinol in the body. Since coenzyme Q10 is fat soluble, it is absorbed better with oil either in the supplement itself, or taken with food containing oil.

Ubiquinone vs. Ubiquinol and Coenzyme Q10 Benefits

There is theory that the preferred form of CoQ10 is ubiquinol because it may be absorbed better than ubiquinone resulting in a lower dose requirement. Cardiologist, Dr. Sinatra (39) performed his own research in which he tested 12 patients for the absorption rates of ubiquinone vs. ubiquinol. He found that ubiquinol resulted in only slightly higher levels in most of the patients tested, and concluded that ubiquinol is not worth the higher cost.

Coenzyme Q10 Side Effects

Coenzyme Q10 side-effects were minimal when used by many age groups and may safely be used in children (1) and in women who may become pregnant (1,2). Less nausea occurred in the CoQ10 group than placebo, but allergic skin rash after taking CoQ10 has been reported (1). According to Liu, J et al, a dose of 1200 mg of CoQ10 daily was well tolerated and only diarrhea and pharyngitis occurred slightly more than in the placebo group (37). For patients taking warfarin, this agent was cleared more rapidly by CoQ10 which reduced the effect of anticoagulation (32), therefore if CoQ10 is taken with warfarin, PT INR (prothrombin time international normalized ratio) will need to be monitored more closely and warfarin may need to be increased.

General Dosage Guidelines for Coenzyme Q10 Benefits

The preferred dose of CoQ10 is 50 mg -100 mg daily for general health maintenance under 65 years of age. Those with hypertension or headaches, 100 to 300 mg daily. Those taking statins or over 65 take 100-200 mg daily. Those with heart disease or failure, 200-300 mg daily. Dividing the dose to twice daily increases absorption rates. Discuss CoQ10 with your qualified healthcare provider prior to taking this supplement.

The List of Some Coenzyme Q10 Benefits

1. 100 mg 3 times daily for 3 months had a 50% reduction in migraine attacks (14% in placebo group) (1).
2. 100 mg 3 times daily showed more headache free days than placebo (1).
3. 60 mg – 360 mg daily lowered systolic BP 11-17 mmHg on average (5,6,10,11).
4. 60 mg – 360 mg daily lowered diastolic BP by 8-10.3 mmHg on average more than placebo (5,6,10,11).
5. 60 mg daily while on anti-hypertensive medications further improved bp control after 8 weeks (7).
6. 50 mg twice daily for 10 weeks decreased average total cholesterol from 222 mg/dL to 213 mg/dL (8).
7. Replace the 50% lower co-Q10 levels depleted by statin agents (13,14)
8. Enhance the effect of lipid-lowering medications used by patients with high cholesterol. (15)
9. 100 mg daily improved heart failure by increasing ejection fraction significantly in NYHA Classes III and IV over 6 years (17)
10. 100 mg daily improved ejection fraction in 1-2 NYHA heart failure in 85% of patients without toxicity or intolerance (17).
11. Improve ejection fraction of heart failure during activity.
12. Increase stroke volume, ejection fraction, cardiac output, cardiac index, and end-diastolic volume index in heart failure (33,34).
13. Lower risk of mortality in heart failure and served as a predictor of survival (19).
14. 120 mg per day in those with acute myocardial infarction lowered the number of cardiac events including cardiac related death, nonfatal heart attack, chest pain, and arrhythmias (16).
15. 60 mg, 3 times daily used in chronic kidney disease for 4 weeks resulted in less participants requiring dialysis, lower creatinine, lower blood urea nitrogen, better creatinine clearance, and higher urine output than the placebo group (22).
16. 360 mg daily used for Parkinson’s disease for 4 provided a mild symptomatic benefit on Parkinson’s symptoms and better spatial navigation (23).
17. 1200 mg daily for 16 weeks improved activities of daily living in Parkinson’s Disease (37).
18. 6 trials which showed improvement of exercise capacity but 5 other different trials showed no benefit (25).
19. Improved dilation of blood vessels, specifically flow-dependent endothelial-mediated dilation (28).
20. 300 mg daily for 26 weeks improved sperm density and motility (30).
21. 200 mg twice daily for 6 months increased forward sperm motility after treatment (31).

References for Coenzyme Q10 Benefits

1.Sándor PS, Di Clemente L, Coppola G, Saenger U, Fumal A, Magis D, Seidel L, Agosti RM, Schoenen J. Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized controlled trial. Neurology. 2005 Feb 22;64(4):713-5. http://paininmybrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/efficacy-of-coenzyme-q10.pdf

2.Airola G, Allais G, Castagnoli Gabellari I, Rolando S, Mana O, Benedetto C. Non-pharmacological management of migraine during pregnancy. Neurol Sci. 2010 Jun;31 Suppl 1:S63-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20464586

3.Sun-Edelstein C, Mauskop A., Foods and supplements in the management of migraine headaches. Clinical Journal of Pain. 2009 Jun;25(5):446-52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19454881

4.Sándor PS, Di Clemente L, Coppola G, Saenger U, Fumal A, Magis D, Seidel L, Agosti RM, Schoenen J. Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized controlled trial. Neurology. 2005 Feb 22;64(4):713-5. http://paininmybrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/efficacy-of-coenzyme-q10.pdf

5.Rosenfeldt F, Hilton D, Pepe S, Krum H. Systematic review of effect of coenzyme Q10 in physical exercise, hypertension and heart failure. Biofactors. 2003;18(1-4):91-100. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14695924

6.Rosenfeldt F L, Haas S J, Krum H, Hadj A, Ng K, Leong J Y, Watts G F. Coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of hypertension: a meta-analysis of the clinical trials. Journal of Human Hypertension 2007 Apr; 21(4): 297-306. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17287847

7.Singh RB, Niaz MA, Rastogi SS, Shukla PK, Thakur AS. Effect of hydrosoluble coenzyme Q10 on blood pressures and insulin resistance in hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease. J Hum Hypertens. 1999 Mar;13(3):203-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10204818

8.Digiesi V, Cantini F, Oradei A, et al. Coenzyme Q10 in essential hypertension. Mol Aspects Med. 1994;15:S257-S263. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7752838

9.Shah SA, Sander S, Cios D, Lipeika J, Kluger J, White CM. Electrocardiographic and hemodynamic effects of coenzyme Q10 in healthy individuals: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Ann Pharmacother. 2007 Mar;41(3):420-5. Epub 2007 Mar 6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17341532

10.Rosenfeldt FL, Haas SJ, Krum H, Hadj A, Ng K, Leong JY, Watts GF. Coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of hypertension: a meta-analysis of the clinical trials. J Hum Hypertens. 2007 Apr;21(4):297-306. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17287847

11.Burke BE, Neuenschwander R, Olson RD. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in isolated systolic hypertension. South Med J. 2001 Nov;94(11):1112-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11780680

12.Overvad K, Diamant B, Holm L, Holmer G, Mortensen SA, Stender S. Coenzyme Q10 in health and disease. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1999 Oct;53(10):764-70. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10556981

13.Passi S, Stancato A, Aleo E, Dmitrieva A, Littarru GP. Statins lower plasma and lymphocyte ubiquinol/ubiquinone without affecting other antioxidants and PUFA. Biofactors. 2003;18(1-4):113-24. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=14695926

14.Rundek T, Naini A, Sacco R, Coates K, DiMauro S. Atorvastatin decreases the coenzyme Q10 level in the blood of patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Arch Neurol. 2004 Jun;61(6):889-92. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=15210526

15.Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Comparative Effectiveness of Dietary Supplement Versus No Dietary Supplement Use in Adults Taking Cardiovascular Drugs. April 2012. http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ehc/products/223/596/DietarySupplement_Amended_Protocol_20110428.pdf

16.Singh RB, Wander GS, Rastogi A, et al. Randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1998;12(4):347-353. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9825179

17.Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen PH, Folkers K. A six-year clinical study of therapy of cardiomyopathy with coenzyme Q10. Int J Tissue React. 1990;12(3):169-71. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2276895

18.Langsjoen PH, Folkers K, Lyson K, Muratsu K, Lyson T, Langsjoen P. Effective and safe therapy with coenzyme Q10 for cardiomyopathy. Klin Wochenschr. 1988 Jul 1;66(13):583-90. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3062263

19.Molyneux SL, Florkowski CM, George PM, et al. Coenzyme Q10. An independent predictor of mortality in chronic heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008 Oct 28;52:1435-41. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109708027228

20.Yalcin A, Kilinc E, Sagcan A, Kultursay H. Coenzyme Q10 concentrations in coronary artery disease. Clin Biochem. 2004 Aug;37(8):706-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15302616

21.Lockwood K, Moesgaard S, Hanioka T, Folkers K. Apparent partial remission of breast cancer in “high risk” patients supplemented with nutritional antioxidants, essential fatty acids and CoQ10. EiMol Aspects Med. 1994;15 Suppl:s231-40. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7752835

22.Singh RB, Khanna HK, Niaz MA. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in chronic renal failure: discovery of a new role. J Nutr Environ Med. 2000;10(4):281-288. http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13590840020013266?journalCode=cjne

23.Müller T, Büttner T, Gholipour AF, Kuhn W. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation provides mild symptomatic benefit in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Neurosci Lett. 2003 May 8;341(3):201-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12697283

24.Gutzmann H, Hadler D. Sustained efficacy and safety of idebenone in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: update on a 2-year double-blind multicentre study. J Neural Transm Suppl. 1998;54:301-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9850939

25.Rosenfeldt F, Hilton D, Pepe S, Krum H. Systematic review of effect of coenzyme Q10 in physical exercise, hypertension and heart failure. Biofactors. 2003;18(1-4):91-100. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14695924

26.Australian Sports Commission. Supplements and sports foods, Burke and Deakin (eds). Clinical Sports Nutrition, 4th ED, McGraw Hill, Sydney 2010. http://www.ausport.gov.au/

27.Rusciani L, Proietti I, Rusciani A, Paradisi A, Sbordoni G, Alfano C, Panunzi S, De Gaetano A, Lippa S. Low plasma coenzyme Q10 levels as an independent prognostic factor for melanoma progression. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006 Feb;54(2):234-41. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16443053

28.Gao L, Mao Q, Cao J, Wang Y, Zhou X, Fan L. Effects of coenzyme Q10 on vascular endothelial function in humans: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Atherosclerosis. 2012 Apr;221(2):311-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22088605

29.Lamperti C, Naini A, Hirano M, De Vivo DC, Bertini E, Servidei S, Valeriani M, Lynch D, Banwell B, Berg M, Dubrovsky T, Chiriboga C, Angelini C, Pegoraro E, DiMauro S. Cerebellar ataxia and coenzyme Q10 deficiency. Neurology. 2003 Apr 8;60(7):1206-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12682339

30.Safarinejad, M.R., Efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 on Semen Parameters, Sperm Function and Reproductive Hormones in Infertile Men. J Urol. 2009 Jul;182(1):237-48. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19447425

31.Balercia G, Mosca F, Mantero F, Boscaro M, Mancini A, Ricciardo-Lamonica G, Littarru G. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in infertile men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia: an open, uncontrolled pilot study. Fertil Steril. 2004 Jan;81(1):93-8.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14711549

32.Zhou Q, Zhou S, Chan E. Effect of coenzyme Q10 on warfarin hydroxylation in rat and human liver microsomes. Curr Drug Metab. 2005 Apr;6(2):67-81. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15853759

33.Sander S, Coleman CI, Patel AA, Kluger J, White CM. The impact of coenzyme Q10 on systolic function in patients with chronic heart failure. J Card Fail. 2006 Aug;12(6):464-72. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16911914

34.Soja AM, Mortensen SA. Treatment of congestive heart failure with coenzyme Q10 illuminated by meta-analyses of clinical trials. Mol Aspects Med. 1997;18 Suppl:S159-68. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9266518

35.Gutzmann H, Kühl KP, Hadler D, Rapp MA.Pharmacopsychiatry. Safety and efficacy of idebenone versus tacrine in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: results of a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group multicenter study. 2002 Jan;35(1):12-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1181915

36.de Bustos F, Molina JA, Jiménez-Jiménez FJ, García-Redondo A, Gómez-Escalonilla C, Porta-Etessam J, Berbel A, Zurdo M, Barcenilla B, Parrilla G, Enriquez-de-Salamanca R, Arenas J. Serum levels of coenzyme Q10 in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. J Neural Transm. 2000;107(2):233-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10847562

37.Liu J, Wang L, Zhan SY, Xia Y. Coenzyme Q10 for Parkinson’s disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Dec 7;(12):CD008150. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22161420

38.Pravst I, Zmitek K, Zmitek J. Coenzyme Q10 contents in foods and fortification strategies. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2010 Apr;50(4):269-80. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20301015

39.Sinatra, Stephen. Is Ubiquinol CoQ10 Better than Ubiquinone? Surprising Results from My Own Research. Last reviewd 05/21/2015. Accessed 12/07/2015. http://www.drsinatra.com/is-ubuquinol-coq10-better-than-ubiquinone-surprising-results-from-my-own-research