Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that the body produces and stores in the mitochondria of our cells, where it’s put to use in producing energy and protecting our cells from oxidative damage and disease-causing bacteria or viruses.

Coenzyme Q10 is also known as ubiquinone, a name that refers to the ubiquitous presence of the compound in living organisms, including humans, or ubiquinol. Some studies suggest that the ubiquinol form may have increased bioavailability, meaning that it may be better absorbed and utilized by the body.

As we age, our body produces less Coenzyme Q10; levels could also be low if we’re deficient in vitamin B6 or if we’re taking medications such as statins (to reduce elevated cholesterol levels).

Dietary sources of Coenzyme Q10 include meat, fish, and whole grains, but the amount of Coenzyme Q10 in these sources isn’t enough to significantly increase levels in our body. CoQ10 supplementation is available as capsules, tablets, and by IV.

CoQ10 and Heart Conditions

There is a long history of use in protocols for those with heart failure. It may also provide benefits in other cardiovascular concerns, including decreasing the risk of preeclampsia in at-risk women, promoting small reductions in blood pressure in those with high readings, and offsetting potential CoQ10 level reductions caused by statins.

Heart Failure

Levels of CoQ10 in our body decrease as we age, while heart disease risk increases. Studies measuring levels in those suffering from chronic heart failure have found them to be lower than in those without heart failure. Many studies involving supplementation, prescribed along with other medications for heart failure, have shown improved symptoms and reduced risk of dying from heart problems.

High Blood Pressure

As a risk factor for heart disease, high blood pressure should be monitored and controlled. CoQ10 has been studied for its effectiveness in controlling blood pressure levels. Although more research is needed to fully understand the mechanism by which CoQ10 appears to lower blood pressure, researchers recommend its use as an adjunct to standard antihypertensive medication. 

Preeclampsia

A dangerous condition that affects about 5 % of pregnant women and their babies, preeclampsia can be dangerous to both. It usually occurs in middle to late pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. More than 230 pregnant women at risk for preeclampsia were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study to determine the effect of 200mg per day of CoQ10 supplementation from 20 weeks of pregnancy to delivery. The results showed those who received the supplements had a 10 percent lower risk of developing preeclampsia than those taking a placebo.

Migraines

More than just a headache, migraines can often be incapacitating – sometimes lasting for days – for the estimated 2.7 million Canadians who experience them. They often involve a severe, throbbing headache accompanied by sensitivity to light, loss of balance, and/or vomiting. And they also affect women twice as often as men. Supplementing with CoQ10 may help migraine sufferers by increasing mitochondrial function and reducing inflammation. A small Swiss study showed that supplementing with CoQ10 was 3 times more likely than a placebo to reduce the number of migraines in 42 migraine patients. And 1550 migraine patients in Cincinnati who had low CoQ10 levels experienced fewer and less severe headaches after treatment with supplementation.

Cancer

According to the US National Cancer Institute, some researchers believe that CoQ10 may be useful in treating cancer because it boosts the immune system. Some lab studies suggest that CoQ10 analogs may prevent the growth of cancer cells directly. And, as an antioxidant, it may help prevent cancer from developing. Some preliminary studies have shown promising results in breast cancer patients, but most of the research is at the earliest stages in labs measuring impact on cancer cell lines. 

Exercise Performance

CoQ10 has long been thought to help improve exercise performance through its powerful antioxidant capabilities. Researchers have shown that increased aerobic metabolism during exercise is a source of oxidative stress affecting muscle function. A small randomized, double-blind, crossover study tested CoQ10 supplementation for otherwise sedentary men following intense exercise. They found that supplementation with CoQ10 partially prevents the increase in lipid peroxidation after intense short-term bouts of exercise. Although this study showed some promise, other studies have been mixed and research is still ongoing. 

“CoQ10 Ubiquitously Full of Health Benefits.” Alive Magazine, Feb. 2018, pp. 73–77.