Coenzyme Q10: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
CoQ10
Scientific name(s)
Ubiquinol, Ubiquinone, 1, 4-benzoquinone
Family or group:
Pseudovitamins
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Deficiency in Coenzyme Q10 ✪✪✪✪✪
Although rare, several cases of coenzyme Q10 deficiency have been reported with symptoms such as fatigue and weakness. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation is effective in treating these symptoms. Deficiencies are often linked to oxidative stress or the use of certain medications such as statins. Oral administration up to 800 mg three times a day is recommended to treat coenzyme Q10 deficiency in adults.
Posologie
Oral administration
150 - 2400 mg
Adults
A case of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy associated with a muscle coenzyme Q10 deficiency.
Oral Coenzyme Q10 supplementation leads to better preservation of kidney function in steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome due to primary Coenzyme Q10 deficiency
Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with coenzyme Q10 deficiency.
Fibromyalgia ✪✪✪✪✪
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing muscle pain, joint pain, and migraines related to increased oxidative stress and a decrease in Coenzyme Q10 levels in mitochondria. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduces fibromyalgia symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches, by reducing cellular oxidative stress. A study compared the effects of a combination including CoQ10 and acupuncture in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. 60 female patients were divided into two groups to receive one of the two treatments for 3 months. Results showed a significant reduction in pain in both groups, although a more marked improvement was observed in the acupuncture group. A combination of CoQ10, vitamin D, alpha-lipoic acid, magnesium, and tryptophan could be beneficial in improving fibromyalgia symptoms.
Posologie
Oral administration
100 - 300 mg
Adults
Synergies
Comparison between Acupuncture and Nutraceutical Treatment with Migratens® in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial
Mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy activation in blood mononuclear cells of fibromyalgia patients: implications in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Oxidative stress correlates with headache symptoms in fibromyalgia: coenzyme Q₁₀ effect on clinical improvement.
Coenzyme Q(10): a novel therapeutic approach for Fibromyalgia? case series with 5 patients.
Increased oxidative stress and coenzyme Q10 deficiency in juvenile fibromyalgia: amelioration of hypercholesterolemia and fatigue by ubiquinol-10 supplementation.
Diabetic Neuropathy ✪✪✪✪✪
Coenzyme Q10 improves nerve conduction and neuropathic pain compared to placebo in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (type 2) and reduces overall oxidative stress. Another study shows that taking 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 three times a day for 8 weeks reduces pain intensity and sleep disturbances due to pain compared to a placebo.
Posologie
Oral administration
300 - 400 mg
12 weeks
Adults
HIV Infection ✪✪✪✪✪
Coenzyme Q10 boosts the immune system, especially in patients with HIV/AIDS. Taking coenzyme Q10 increases the proportion of immune cells in the blood.
Posologie
Oral administration
100 - 200 mg
Adults
Congestive Heart Failure ✪✪✪✪✪
Some clinical research has shown that heart failure is associated with low levels of coenzyme Q10. An analysis of clinical research in patients with heart failure showed that daily intake of 30 to 300 mg of coenzyme Q10 improves physical capacity and reduces mortality rate by 31% compared to placebo. Other clinical research has shown that adding oral coenzyme Q10 to conventional treatments seems to improve quality of life and reduce heart failure symptoms such as dyspnea, edema, hepatomegaly (liver enlargement), and insomnia in patients with mild to severe impairment. The duration of the treatment, severity of congestive heart failure, and dose of coenzyme Q10 used may affect treatment effectiveness. In cardiopathies, the effect of CoQ10 seems related to an increased synthesis of ATP, reduction of free radicals, or membrane protection.
Posologie
Oral administration
30 - 300 mg
2 years
Adults
Coenzyme Q10 as an adjunctive in the treatment of chronic congestive heart failure. The Q10 Study Group.
Coenzyme Q10: clinical benefits with biochemical correlates suggesting a scientific breakthrough in the management of chronic heart failure.
Treatment of congestive heart failure with coenzyme Q10 illuminated by meta-analyses of clinical trials.
Coenzyme Q10 in patients with end-stage heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.
Coenzyme Q10 for heart failure
Effect of protection and repair of injury of mitochondrial membrane-phospholipid on prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Mortensen SA, Kumar A, Dolliner P, et al. The effect of coenzyme Q10 on morbidity and mortality in chronic heart failure. Results from the Q-SYMBIO study. European Journal of Heart Failure 2013;15:S1-20.
Effects of Ubiquinol and/or D-ribose in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Effect of coenzyme Q10 therapy in patients with congestive heart failure: a long-term multicenter randomized study.
Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in patients with cardiac failure: a meta-analysis of clinical trials.
Migraine ✪✪✪✪✪
Some clinical research shows that oral intake of coenzyme Q10 in adults decreases the frequency of migraine attacks as well as the duration of the attack and associated symptoms like nausea. In a meta-analysis of 5 studies, coenzyme Q10 did not reduce the number of migraine attacks, but it did reduce their duration. The American Academy of Neurology considers that coenzyme Q10 could be effective for migraine prevention. Coenzyme Q10 has been used at a dosage of 100 mg one to three times per day, or 150 mg once a day for 3 months.
Posologie
Oral administration
100 - 300 mg
3 months
Adults
Synergies
Efficacy of CoQ10 as supplementation for migraine: A meta-analysis.
Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on clinical features of migraine: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized controlled trial.
Effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 in prophylactic treatment of migraine headache: an open-label, add-on, controlled trial.
Coenzyme Q10 supplementation for prophylaxis in adult patients with migraine-a meta-analysis
Open label trial of coenzyme Q10 as a migraine preventive.
Oxidative Stress ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies have shown that CoQ10 increases the body's antioxidant capacity and decreases a marker of cellular damage called malondialdehyde. It has shown beneficial effects in mitochondrial disorders, improving exercise tolerance and general function among affected individuals. CoQ10 is particularly useful in cardiovascular diseases: heart failure, hypertension, angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, and type 2 diabetes, where it protects against oxidative damage, especially in those with a significant deficiency. Finally, in men suffering from specific fertility issues, it could also improve sperm quality thanks to its antioxidant properties.
Posologie
Oral administration
30 - 150 mg
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
The impact of two doses of coenzyme Q10 on semen parameters and antioxidant status in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia
Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation for the Reduction of Oxidative Stress: Clinical Implications in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases
Cardiovascular Diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
The combination of CoQ10 and organic selenium yeast for 4 to 5 years reduces the risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to a placebo in older adults living in Sweden, according to a study that evaluated the effect of supplementation on D-dimer levels, a marker of thrombosis and inflammation.
Posologie
Oral administration
200 mg
48 months
Seniors
Synergies
Multiple Sclerosis ✪✪✪✪✪
Due to its antioxidant effect and stimulation of mitochondrial activities, supplementation with coenzyme Q10 reduces fatigue symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Posologie
Oral administration
500 mg
3 - months
Adults
Muscular Dystrophy ✪✪✪✪✪
Due to its bioenergetic properties, coenzyme Q10 improves physical performance in patients with muscular dystrophies including Duchenne, limb-girdle, Becker, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth diseases.
Posologie
Oral administration
100 mg
3 - months
Adults
Peyronie's Disease ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that taking 300 mg/day of coenzyme Q10 for 24 weeks reduces pain associated with Peyronie's disease, decreases the formation of new fibrous plaques, improves erectile function, and reduces plaque size compared to placebo. Patients taking this dose of coenzyme Q10 have a 75.6% chance of slowing disease progression compared to placebo.
Posologie
Oral administration
300 mg
24 - weeks
Men
Dyslipidemia ✪✪✪✪✪
There is contradictory evidence regarding the effects of coenzyme Q10 on cholesterol levels in adults with hyperlipidemia. A meta-analysis shows that taking coenzyme Q10 at 100 to 200 mg per day for 12 weeks slightly reduces plasma lipoprotein A levels but does not affect total cholesterol, triglycerides, or LDL cholesterol levels. However, another clinical trial shows that taking 60 mg of coenzyme Q10 twice a day for 24 weeks reduces triglycerides by 20% and LDL cholesterol by 6% compared to placebo, without affecting total cholesterol rate. Other clinical research conducted with patients receiving statins shows that taking 200 mg daily of coenzyme Q10 with an omega-3 fatty acid supplement reduces total cholesterol by 6%, without changing LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, or triglycerides, compared to statins alone and compared to statins with the omega-3 supplement.
Posologie
Oral administration
100 - 200 mg
12 - weeks
Adults
Addition of omega-3 fatty acid and coenzyme Q10 to statin therapy in patients with combined dyslipidemia.
Effects of coenzyme Q10 on arterial stiffness, metabolic parameters, and fatigue in obese subjects: a double-blind randomized controlled study.
Effects of carnitine and coenzyme Q10 on lipid profile and serum levels of lipoprotein(a) in maintenance hemodialysis patients on statin therapy.
Supplementation with coenzyme Q10 reduces plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations but not other lipid indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Hypertension ✪✪✪✪✪
Some clinical research shows that taking coenzyme Q10 at 50 to 100 mg twice a day, alone or with other medications, for 12 weeks, lowers blood pressure. An analysis of clinical trials shows that taking coenzyme Q10 at 100 to 900 mg per day for 24 weeks reduces systolic blood pressure, but not diastolic, in patients with metabolic diseases, mainly diabetes. However, there is contradictory evidence concerning the effect of coenzyme Q10 on blood pressure. It is possible that coenzyme Q10 is only beneficial in hypertensive patients with low levels of endogenous coenzyme Q10.
Posologie
Oral administration
100 - 900 mg
12 - weeks
Adults
Treatment of essential hypertension with coenzyme Q10.
Effect of hydrosoluble coenzyme Q10 on blood pressures and insulin resistance in hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease.
Blood pressure lowering efficacy of coenzyme Q10 for primary hypertension.Ho MJ1, Bellusci A, Wright JM.
Coenzyme Q10 improves blood pressure and glycaemic control: a controlled trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes.
The Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Blood Pressures Among Patients with Metabolic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Properties
Bioenergetic
Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that notably aids in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule the body uses as an energy source. CoQ10 supplementation also has the ability to improve mitochondrial function.
Usages associés
Cardiovascular
Research suggests that a decrease in the antioxidant effect of coenzyme Q10 is associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease in people with familial hyperlipidemia. Additionally, patients with coronary heart disease seem to have a lower ubiquinol/ubiquinone ratio than healthy individuals. Furthermore, it has been shown that coenzyme Q10 improves diastolic function in patients taking statins. Evidence suggests that coenzyme Q10 could improve endothelium-dependent vasodilation, which can reduce total peripheral resistance and systolic blood pressure. This effect seems to be caused by increased endothelial production of prostacycline (PGI2) or increased sensitivity of arterial smooth muscle to PGI2. In blood vessels, CoQ10 could directly contribute to the functionality of smooth vascular muscle cells, allowing them to dilate properly.
Usages associés
Improved cardiovascular health by supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10: applying structural equation modelling (SEM) to clinical outcomes and biomarkers to explore underlying mechanisms in a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled intervention project in Sweden
Blood pressure lowering efficacy of coenzyme Q10 for primary hypertension
Effect of coenzyme Q10 on risk of atherosclerosis in patients with recent myocardial infarction
Antioxidant
The reduced form of CoQ10 known as Ubiquinol, is the form of CoQ10 supplementation that possesses most antioxidant properties. Ubiquinone and ubiquinol form a pair of molecules known as the REDOX couple (reduction-oxidation) necessary for the function of CoQ10 in the electron transport chain. CoQ10 has the ability to prevent lipid peroxidation and inhibit lipid peroxyl radicals as well as restore vitamin E (b1-tocopherol) to its antioxidant state. CoQ10 supplementation may also induce the activity of antioxidant enzymes, providing an indirect antioxidant effect.
Usages associés
The impact of two doses of coenzyme Q10 on semen parameters and antioxidant status in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia
Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation for the Reduction of Oxidative Stress: Clinical Implications in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases
Anti-ageing
CoQ10 acts on the expression of various genes involved in cell communication, metabolism, and transport of substances necessary for cellular life, as well as on inflammatory processes. CoQ10 levels are higher during the first 20 years of life and begin to decline with age. Studies suggest that CoQ10 could inhibit the activity of an enzyme linked to aging, known as ECTO-NOX (arNOX). This enzyme, whose activity increases with age from 30 years of age, is suspected of playing a role in the aging process. CoQ10 supplementation has been associated with a decrease in the levels of this enzyme. Another recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involved 441 participants with an average age of 77 years, with low selenium levels. The study examined the effects of selenium and CoQ10 supplementation on 5 biomarkers related to aging. The results showed that this intervention significantly influences these biomarkers, suggesting an anti-aging effect. The studied biomarkers were ICAM-1 (Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1: inflammatory processes and cell communication), adiponectin (fat and sugar metabolism), leptin (appetite and metabolism regulation), SCF (Stem Cell Factor: renewal and maintenance of stem cells), and OPG (Osteoprotegerin: regulation of bone resorption). These results suggest that CoQ10 supplementation could slow down certain aspects of the aging process.
Effects of an Intervention with Selenium and Coenzyme Q10 on Five Selected Age-Related Biomarkers in Elderly Swedes Low in Selenium: Results That Point to an Anti-Ageing Effect-A Sub-Analysis of a Previous Prospective Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomised Clinical Trial
Supplementation with CoQ10 lowers age-related (ar) NOX levels in healthy subjects
Immunostimulant
Coenzyme Q10 may have positive effects on immune response. It has been shown that coenzyme Q10 increases blood levels of IgG, T4 lymphocytes, and the T4/T8 lymphocyte ratio. In vitro research shows that coenzyme Q10 decreases TNF-alpha and IL-2 secretion in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Usages associés
Hypolipidemic
Coenzyme Q10 has a cholesterol-lowering effect, explained by an increase in HDL cholesterol levels and a decrease in total cholesterol levels, which benefits blood circulation and heart function.
Usages associés
Neurological
Animal research shows that coenzyme Q10 reduces the production and deposition of beta-amyloid plaques in experimental models of Alzheimer's disease. This effect may be related to decreased levels of malondialdehyde (a marker of oxidative stress) and increased activity of superoxide dismutase (an enzyme critical for free radical elimination). Furthermore, in cases of migraine, coenzyme Q10 could improve mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, which appears to be impaired in some patients with migraines.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 30 mg - 2400 mg
The recommended daily intake is 30 to 100 mg in otherwise healthy individuals, but can be increased under certain medical conditions. These doses should be adjusted when taking Ubiquinol, which has better bioavailability.
Interactions
Médicaments
Anticancer drugs: moderate interaction
Combined with alkylating agents, antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10 may block the anticancer action of chemotherapy that works by causing oxidative stress in the tumor cell. The clinical effect of this interaction is still not well understood.
Antihypertensives: moderate interaction
When combined with antihypertensive drugs, coenzyme Q10 may further lower blood pressure. It should be used with caution. Among the antihypertensives that potentiate this effect are: captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril).
Warfarin: moderate interaction
Repeated use of coenzyme Q10 in patients treated with warfarin may reduce the anticoagulant effects of the latter. However, clinical research suggests that CoQ10 may not significantly decrease the effect of warfarin in a subject with a stable INR (International Normalized Ratio: describes the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy from the vitamin K antagonist family).
Statins: moderate interaction
HMG CoA reductase inhibitors may reduce serum levels of coenzyme Q10. They block the synthesis of mevalonic acid, which is a precursor of coenzyme Q10. The effect of statins on coenzyme Q10 appears to be dose-related.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Coenzyme Q10: weak interaction
Arabic gum associated with coenzyme Q10 appears to increase the absorption of CoQ10. Indeed, according to human and animal pharmacokinetic research, CoQ10 emulsified in Arabic gum enhances its absorption when compared to taking coenzyme Q10 powder alone. This could potentiate the unwanted effects of coenzyme Q10.
Coenzyme Q10: weak interaction
Coenzyme Q10 may alter beta-carotene levels in the serum. According to clinical research, supplementation with coenzyme Q10 can increase beta-carotene levels. This might imply a possibility of increasing unwanted effects.
Coenzyme Q10: weak interaction
Omega-3 fatty acids, when combined with coenzyme Q10, reduce the blood level of CoQ10, theoretically decreasing its biological effects.
Coenzyme Q10: weak interaction
Red yeast rice, containing statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors), can interact with coenzyme Q10 by lowering its blood levels.
Precautions
Hypertension: use with caution
Coenzyme Q10 has a hypotensive effect. It should be administered with caution in subjects treated with antihypertensives.
Contraindications
Breastfeeding women: prohibited
There is still no reliable information on the effect of coenzyme Q10 in breastfeeding women.
Pregnant women: prohibited
Pregnant women should refrain from taking coenzyme Q10.
