Coenzyme Q10

Overview

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant the body naturally makes. Coenzyme Q10 also is called CoQ10. Antioxidants can help protect the body from cell damage. Cells use CoQ10 for growth and to make energy.

Levels of CoQ10 in your body lower as you get older. People with certain conditions such as heart disease or those who take medicines to lower cholesterol, called statins, may have lower CoQ10 levels.

Meat, fish and nuts have CoQ10. The amount of CoQ10 found in these foods isn't usually enough to raise CoQ10 levels by much.

CoQ10 dietary supplements come as capsules, chewable tablets and liquid syrups. COQ10 also can be given by a tube inserted in a vein, called intravenous. IV is short for intravenous. CoQ10 might help prevent or treat certain heart conditions, as well as migraine headaches.

What the research says

Research on coenzyme Q10, also called CoQ10, use for specific conditions and activities shows:

• Heart conditions. CoQ10 may improve congestive heart failure symptoms. Although findings are mixed, CoQ10 might help lower blood pressure. Some research also suggests that when taken with other nutrients, CoQ10 might help people recover from bypass and heart valve surgeries.
• Diabetes. Some research suggests that CoQ10 may help lower cholesterol in people with diabetes. The effect could lower their heart disease risk.
• Parkinson's disease. Taking even high doses of CoQ10 doesn't seem to help with Parkinson's disease symptoms.
• Statin-induced myopathy. Some research suggests that CoQ10 might help ease the muscle weakness and pain that can happen when taking statins. There isn't enough evidence to know for sure.
• Migraines. Some research suggests CoQ10 might lower how often migraines happen or how long they last. People who get migraines usually have to take the supplement for three months before they may see a benefit.
• Physical performance. Because CoQ10 helps the body make energy, it's thought this supplement might improve how well the body performs during exercise. But research in this area has not been conclusive.
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, also called MASLD. A small research study found that people taking CoQ10 had reduced amounts of fat in their livers compared with people who didn't take CoQ10. More studies are needed.

Our take

Generally safe

Coenzyme Q10, also called CoQ10, supplements might be helpful for treating conditions such as congestive heart failure and preventing migraines. Most healthcare professionals think CoQ10 is safe, with few side effects. But ask your healthcare professional before you take the supplement.

Safety and side effects

Coenzyme Q10, also called, CoQ10 supplements seem to be safe. They cause few side effects when taken as directed.

Mild side effects might include stomach problems such as:

• Upper stomach pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea.
• Diarrhea.

Other possible side effects may include:

• Dizziness.
• Problems sleeping.
• Tiredness.
• Headaches.
• Rash.
• Irritability.

Healthcare professionals haven't decided if CoQ10 is safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Don't use CoQ10 if you're pregnant or breastfeeding without your healthcare professional's approval.

Interactions

Possible interactions include:

• Anticoagulants. Coenzyme Q10, also called CoQ10, might make the blood-thinning medicine warfarin (Jantoven) not work as well. This could raise the risk of a blood clot.