Function

Cells in the human body use COQ10 to produce energy and power the processes of organs.

Uses

Reported uses for COQ10 supplements include the treatment of coenzyme Q-10 deficiency, mitochondrial disorders, congestive heart failure, nerve disease, migraines and muscular dystrophy. Herbalists also use COQ10 to prevent second heart attacks in people who have already had one, decrease the risk of complications from heart bypass surgery and improving the immune system of patients with HIV and AIDS.

Clinical Evidence

A 2009 study conducted at the Department of Neurology at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and published in the "Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment" journal established a link between the use of COQ10 and the improvement of symptoms in patients with neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease Huntington's disease and Alzheimer disease.

Potential

Statin drugs used to lower blood cholesterol levels like simvastatin pose a slight risk for a serious medical condition known as rhandomyolysis, where your muscle tissues break down and damage your kidneys. A 2005 study at the M.S. University of Baroda in Baroda, India and published in the "Indian Journal of Experimental Biology" found that taking COQ10 for 30 days helped prevent rats from developing rhabdomolysis from statin drugs, but more research is necessary to know if this would be beneficial to humans as well.

Considerations

Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, avoid taking COQ10 if pregnant or nursing, warns RxList.

Source:

RxList: Coenzame Q10 Effectiveness, Safety and Drug Interactions

Pubmed.gov: Coenzyme Q10 effects in neurodegenerative disease

Pubmed.gov: Protective effect of coenzyme Q10 in simvastatin and gemfibrozil induced rhabdomyolysis in rats

Resource:

Conenzyme Q10