From the Guidelines
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is recommended for supporting mitochondrial health, with a typical supplementation dose ranging from 100-200 mg daily. This recommendation is based on the most recent and highest quality study, which suggests that CoQ10 supplementation may be potentially effective for clinically reducing blood pressure in patients with cardiometabolic disorders 1. The study found that taking 100–200 mg/d CoQ10 supplementation is recommended for attenuating systolic blood pressure in patients with cardiometabolic disorders.
Key Points to Consider
- CoQ10 works as an essential component in the electron transport chain within mitochondria, helping to produce cellular energy in the form of ATP.
- It also functions as an antioxidant, protecting mitochondria from oxidative damage.
- The body's natural CoQ10 production decreases with age, and certain medications like statins can further deplete levels.
- For best absorption, CoQ10 supplements should be taken with food containing some fat.
- The ubiquinol form may be better absorbed than ubiquinone, particularly in older adults.
- While generally considered safe with minimal side effects, individuals taking blood thinners, chemotherapy, or certain other medications should consult healthcare providers before supplementing.
Special Considerations
- In patients with chronic oxidative stress (diabetes mellitus, smoking, heart failure, alcoholism, severe COPD, and chronic dialysis) or malabsorption, a dose of 200-500 mg/day may be provided 1.
- Average daily nutritional intake of CoQ10 is 3-5 mg/day, and nutritional sources are mostly from heart, chicken leg, herring, and trout 1.
- Reported symptoms of CoQ10 deficiency may include sore, aching muscles, muscle weakness, fatigue, mental confusion, and gingivitis 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
HEALTH CLAIM:DAYAVITE Tablets Dietary Supplement Dispensed by Prescription† Supplement Facts Serving Size:1 Tablet Serving per container: 30 Amount Per Serving % Daily Value ... ** Coenzyme Q10 10 mg **
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Coenzyme Q10 and Mitochondrial Health
- Coenzyme Q10 is a small electron carrier of the respiratory chain with antioxidant properties, widely used for the treatment of mitochondrial disorders 2.
- Mitochondrial diseases are neuromuscular disorders caused by impairment of the respiratory chain and increased generation of reactive oxygen species, and Coenzyme Q10 supplementation is fundamental in patients with primary Coenzyme Q10 deficiency 2, 3.
- Coenzyme Q10 serves as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain as well as functioning as a potent lipid soluble antioxidant, and its supplementation can restore electron flow in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and/or increase mitochondrial antioxidant capacity 3.
- Coenzyme Q10 treatment can decrease the level of mitochondrial superoxide in Coenzyme Q10 deficient neurons, restore mitochondrial membrane potential, and partially restore mitochondrial electron transport chain enzyme activities 4.
- Statin treatment, such as atorvastatin, can lead to muscular mitochondrial dysfunction due to ubiquinone deficiency, and Coenzyme Q10 supplementation can reverse this dysfunction and improve exercise endurance 5.
Therapeutic Uses of Coenzyme Q10
- Coenzyme Q10 and its analogues, such as idebenone and mitoquinone, have been used in the treatment of neurogenetic/neurodegenerative disorders, including Friedreich ataxia, Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer disease 2.
- Coenzyme Q10 supplementation may be beneficial for patients with mitochondrial diseases, including those with primary Coenzyme Q10 deficiency and those with secondary Coenzyme Q10 deficiency due to statin treatment 3, 6.
- High doses of Coenzyme Q10 may be required to restore mitochondrial electron transport chain enzyme activities to control levels and to elicit therapeutic efficacy in patients with Coenzyme Q10 deficiency 4.