CoQ10 Benefits
There are a number of potential benefits from CoQ10 supplements, many of which apply to the treatment of specific health conditions.
Compared to patent based pharmaceutical drugs, CoQ10 is under researched and further study is needed to support benefit claims for certain health conditions.
CoQ10 is generally used to help treat conditions associated with lowered levels of CoQ10 & is the direction where CoQ10 research is orientated towards.
Condition Specific Benefits
CoQ10 & Heart Failure
During the mid 1960's, less than a decade after CoQ10 was discovered, congestive heart failure was the first condition in which CoQ10 was researched for use as a treatment.
There is some evidence which indicates CoQ10 can help in the treatment of congestive heart failure [6]; however further research is needed.
Patients diagnosed with heart failure usually have low levels of CoQ10. Research suggests that the lower the level of CoQ10, the more severe the heart failure [10].
CoQ10 supplements are thought to give rise to increased levels of CoQ10 within the heart; increasing energy production in the heart and its capacity to pump blood.
CoQ10 may also reduce associated symptoms of heart failure including:
- sleep difficulties
- swelling
- breathing difficulties e.g. shortness of breath associated with this condition
Metabolic & Mitochondrial Disorders
CoQ10 supplements may help people with metabolic & mitochondrial disorders where CoQ10 levels are low. Whilst the causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are not known, the condition may be linked to a metabolic or mitochondrial disorder and in some cases CoQ10 supplements may help with the symptom of fatigue. Further research is required.
Migraine Headaches
Another CoQ10 health benefit is that it may help those who experience migraine headaches. Daily doses between 150 to 300mg may be sufficient. However, studies supporting the use of CoQ10 as a treatment for migraine headaches have used small samples [7]. More research is needed.
Cancer
Low levels of CoQ10 are found in some patients with cancer [20]. The role of CoQ10 in cancer treatment needs further investigation. However, there is evidence which suggests CoQ10 may help as a treatment for cancer or the side effects of cancer treatment [8].
Blood Pressure
CoQ10 may be of benefit to people suffering from hypertension [9].
Male Infertility
Low levels of CoQ10 have been discovered within seminal fluid samples from infertile males. Sperm motility, the ability of sperm to reach the egg, may decrease following CoQ10 supplementation [23].
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a disease of the thyroid gland. It's a condition associated with increased thyroid activity and low CoQ10 levels [22]. CoQ10 supplements may help raise CoQ10 levels and improve symptoms.
Parkinson's Disease
Low levels of CoQ10 are found in people with this disease. CoQ10 supplementation may slow down the progression of Parkinson's disease [21]. The antioxidant effects of CoQ10 may also prevent damage to brain cells from free radicals; see also, 'general benefits of CoQ10' below.
Diabetes
There is limited supported research on the role of CoQ10 and diabetes. However, CoQ10 may improve blood pressure and control the blood sugar levels of diabetics [26]. In some cases, CoQ10 may actually lower blood sugar levels, one possible side effect of CoQ10. Contact your doctor first if you are diabetic and thinking of taking CoQ10.
Gum Disease
Also known as Periodontal disease, low levels of CoQ10 are associated with this condition. Oral based CoQ10 mouth rinse supplements may increase tissue repair and healing in patients with Periodontal disease [27].
General Benefits Of CoQ10
CoQ10 Is An Antioxidant
One widely recognized benefit of CoQ10 is that it is a powerful antioxidant.
Antioxidants neutralize free radical molecules which can cause cellular damage within the body.
CoQ10 May Increase Life Span & Reduce Risk From Diseases Of Aging
A study in which rats were supplemented with CoQ10 had a longer life span compared to a control group [5] – more research is needed.
CoQ10 may also help combat age related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease & Parkinson's disease mentioned above.
May Combat Side Effects Of CoQ10 Lowering Drugs
There are certain drugs which lower levels of CoQ10 as a side effect of that particular treatment. For example, statins used to reduce cholesterol levels, & corticosteroids used to treat asthma, can both cause a reduction.
CoQ10 supplements can help restore levels and reduce possible side effects from low CoQ10 levels; see also ' Factors which can affect CoQ10 Levels '.