Traditional Uses

• Immune enhancer
• May assist with cardiovascular conditions
• Antioxidant
• Weight loss aid
• Periodontal disease

Mode of Action

• CoQ10 is required for production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the chemical which transfers energy within the cells
• CoQ10 deficiencies are common in heart patients since the heart requires the most energy. In some studies, oral CoQ10 as a dietary supplement helped reduce cardiac symptoms in heart patients
• CoQ10 is an integral part of the immune cycle, acting as an antioxidant, protecting the cells against free radicals and maintaining their vital oxygen lifeline

Drug Interactions

• Oral hypoglycemics (drugs to reduce your blood sugar) may interfere with the action of CoQ10 HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (such as the statins used in treating high cholesterol) may interfere with the action of CoQ10
• CoQ10 may lessen the cardiac side effects of tricyclics and phenothiazines
• Beta-blockers (a class of heart medicines) lose their beneficial effects over time because they reduce the heart’s ability to contract. CoQ10 may help ameliorate this effect
• In short-term beta blocker therapy, CoQ10 may help reduce the side effects

Cautions

• It may take eight weeks or more before you notice any response to CoQ10 therapy

Recommended Dose

• 30-150 mg twice a day. (Dose may vary from brand to brand)

References

• Bliznakov, 1987; Combs, 1992; Griffith, 1985; Mason, 1995; Murray, M., 1996; Somer, 1995