Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
(ubiquinone; ubiquinol)

DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION

• There are many metabolic pathways in the body. One is the electron transport chain, where CoQ10 facilitates electron flow. The electron transport chain enables oxidative phosphorylation, which produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP), often described as the energy currency of the body. CoQ10 is also a fat-soluble antioxidant. Another name for coenzyme Q is ubiquinone, because it is a quinone (a chemical class that also includes vitamins E and K), and it is ubiquitous (it is found in almost all animal cells).

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

• None.

MAJOR SOURCES

• Organ meats, especially heart, kidney, and liver.
• Also made in the body and nutritional supplements.

MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE

• 25 mg to 1,200 mg. (Therapeutic dosages range from 100 mg to 400 mg, except for Parkinson’s Disease at 1,200 mg.)

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

• Angina pectoris
• Cancer (breast)
• Cardiomyopathy
• Congestive heart failure
• Diabetes
• Gum disease
• Headache (migraine)
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• HIV/AIDS
• Infertility (male)
• Mitral valve prolapse
• Parkinson’s disease

COMMENTS

• Many statin-class cholesterol lowering drugs reduce the body’s production of CoQ10, and therefore increase the need for its supplementation. Like vitamin E, CoQ10 is fat-soluble and should be taken with food. Even though ubiquinone is an antioxidant, it is in an oxidized state. The reduced form of CoQ10 is called ubiquinol, and it has greater antioxidant properties, and may be somewhat better absorbed by older people.

CAUTIONS

• None significant. There was concern that CoQ10 might interfere with warfarin (Coumadin), but that does not appear to be the case. If you are taking it for congestive heart failure, do not abruptly stop taking it.