From the Guidelines
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplements are generally well-tolerated, but they can cause side effects in some people, including digestive issues, allergic reactions, and interactions with certain medications, such as blood thinners and blood pressure medications, as reported in the 2022 ESPEN micronutrient guideline 1.
Common Side Effects
- Digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, decreased appetite, and heartburn
- Allergic skin reactions
- Headaches, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, or irritability
Contraindications and Interactions
- CoQ10 may lower blood pressure, so individuals taking blood pressure medications should use caution as it could potentially enhance these effects
- It may also interact with blood thinners like warfarin, potentially reducing their effectiveness, although a RCT showed CoQ10 supplementation at 100 mg/day had no effect on the clinical action of warfarin 1
- People with diabetes should monitor blood sugar levels carefully as CoQ10 might affect insulin sensitivity
- CoQ10 is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data
- Those with liver or kidney disease should consult healthcare providers before use
Dosage and Administration
- The typical dosage ranges from 30-200 mg daily, with doses divided throughout the day potentially improving tolerance
- Taking CoQ10 with food, particularly containing some fat, can enhance absorption and reduce digestive side effects
- A dose-response study found that 100-200 mg/d of CoQ10 supplementation may achieve the greatest benefit on systolic blood pressure in patients with cardiometabolic diseases 1
From the Research
CoQ10 Side Effects and Contraindications
- The provided studies do not extensively discuss the side effects and contraindications of CoQ10 supplementation 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is mentioned that CoQ10 appears to be safe 3.
- One study notes that none of the included studies provided data on adverse events 5.
- Another study states that CoQ10 supplementation added to conventional therapy is safe in predominantly older adult males with cardiovascular disease or hypertension 6.
Potential Interactions and Precautions
- CoQ10 may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, and decrease their effectiveness 3.
- Patients on statin therapy may benefit from CoQ10 supplementation to mitigate statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) 3.
- However, the effects of CoQ10 on specific cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and glycemic control are less impressive 3.
Special Considerations
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before taking CoQ10 supplements, as there is limited research on its safety in these populations 4.
- Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, should also consult their healthcare provider before taking CoQ10 supplements 4.