From the Guidelines
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation is beneficial for patients with cardiometabolic disorders, particularly for reducing systolic blood pressure, with a recommended dose of 100-200 mg daily. This recommendation is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which demonstrated a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure in patients with cardiometabolic diseases taking CoQ10 supplementation 1. The study found that CoQ10 supplementation reduced systolic blood pressure by -4.77 mmHg, and this reduction was accompanied by a 1.62 μg/mL elevation of circulating CoQ10 compared with the control group.
Key Points
- CoQ10 supplementation is beneficial for patients with cardiometabolic disorders, particularly for reducing systolic blood pressure
- The recommended dose of CoQ10 is 100-200 mg daily
- CoQ10 exists in two forms: ubiquinone and ubiquinol, with ubiquinol being the active form that may be better absorbed, especially in older adults
- When taking CoQ10, it's best absorbed when consumed with a meal containing some fat
- Side effects are generally mild but may include digestive upset, headaches, or insomnia
Evidence Summary
The study published in Advances in Nutrition in 2022 found that CoQ10 supplementation significantly reduced systolic blood pressure in patients with cardiometabolic diseases 1. The study also found that the effects of reducing systolic blood pressure were more pronounced in patients with diabetes and dyslipidemia, and in studies with longer durations (>12 weeks). Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2019 found that CoQ10 is not recommended for routine use in patients treated with statins or for the treatment of statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) 1. However, this study does not contradict the findings of the 2022 study, which suggests that CoQ10 supplementation may be beneficial for patients with cardiometabolic disorders.
Clinical Implications
Based on the available evidence, CoQ10 supplementation may be a useful adjunctive therapy for patients with cardiometabolic disorders, particularly for reducing systolic blood pressure. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting CoQ10 supplementation, particularly if you're taking medications like blood thinners or have chronic health conditions. Additionally, CoQ10 supplementation should not be used as a replacement for standard treatments for cardiometabolic disorders, but rather as a complementary therapy to support overall health and well-being.
From the Research
Co Q 10 Effectiveness
- Co Q 10 is a widely used alternative medication or dietary supplement with antioxidant properties 2.
- It has been reported to be beneficial in treating hypertension, congestive heart failure, statin myopathy, and problems associated with chemotherapy for cancer treatment, although its use as a supplement has not been confirmed in randomized controlled clinical trials 2.
- Statin treatment reduces circulating levels of Co Q 10, and supplementation can raise these levels, but data on the effect of Co Q 10 supplementation on myopathic symptoms are scarce and contradictory 3.
Co Q 10 and Statin-Associated Myopathy
- The weight of evidence, as seen in meta-analyses, supports the use of Co Q 10 in statin-associated myopathy syndrome (SAMS) 4.
- Co Q 10 supplementation has been shown to improve symptoms of myalgia or increase serum levels of Co Q 10 in patients with statin-induced myopathy 5.
- A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that Co Q 10 supplementation significantly ameliorates statin-induced musculoskeletal symptoms without any notable side effects 6.
Co Q 10 Supplementation
- Supplementation of Co Q 10 at a dose of between 30 and 200 mg daily has been shown to have beneficial effects on statin myopathy with no noted side effects 5.
- Co Q 10 supplementation may be beneficial for patients suffering from statin-induced myopathy, and further research is necessary to confirm its effectiveness 5, 6.