|
Heart health
Coenzyme Q10 helps to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. There is evidence of CoQ10 deficiency in heart failure. Recently, CoQ10 plasma concentrations have been demonstrated as an independent predictor of mortality in chronic heart failure, CoQ10 deficiency being detrimental to the long-term prognosis of chronic heart failure. CoQ10 is available as medicine in several European countries, but is in these countries also available as a food supplement. Oxidation of the circulating LDL is thought to play a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, which is the underlying disorder leading to heart attack and ischemic strokes and CHD. Studies in the last decade have demonstrated that the content of ubiquinol in human LDL affords protection against the oxidative modifications of LDL themselves, thus lowering their atherogenic potency.
Migraine headaches
Supplementation of coenzyme Q10 has been found to have a beneficial effect on the condition of some sufferers of migraine headaches. So far, three studies have been done, of which two were small, did not have a placebo group, were not randomized, and were open-label, and one was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which found statistically significant results with a small sample size of 42 patients. Dosages were 150 to 300 mg/day.
It has been used effectively in the prophylaxis of migraines, especially in combination with a daily supplement of magnesium citrate 500 mg and riboflavin (vitamin B2) 400 mg.
Cancer
CancerCoQ10 is also being investigated as a treatment for cancer, and as relief from cancer treatment side-effects.
Cardiac arrest
Another recent study shows a survival benefit after cardiac arrest if coenzyme Q10 is administered in addition to commencing active cooling of the body to 90–93 degrees Fahrenheit (32–34 degrees Celsius).
Blood pressure
There are several reports concerning the effect of CoQ10 on blood pressure in human studies.
A recent (2007) meta-analysis of the clinical trials of CoQ10 for hypertension reviewed all published trials of coenzyme Q10 for hypertension, and assessed overall efficacy, consistency of therapeutic action, and side-effect incidence. Meta-analysis was performed in 12 clinical trials (362 patients) comprising three randomized controlled trials, one crossover study, and eight open-label studies. The meta-analysis concluded that coenzyme Q10 has the potential in hypertensive patients to lower systolic blood pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by up to 10 mm Hg without significant side-effects.
Periodontal disease
A review study has shown that there is no clinical benefit to the use of CoQ10 in the treatment of periodontal disease. Most of the studies suggesting otherwise were outdated, focused on in-vitro tests, had too few test subjects and/or erroneous statistical methodology and trial set-up, or were sponsored by a manufacturer of the product.
Dr. Bruno Loos, head of the periodontology department at Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam (ACTA), states that the Pharma Nord website links to scientific articles that should prove the effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 for periodontal disease, but all are of very poor quality. The Dutch Academy of Periodontics (NvvP) has issued numerous warnings against claims of any link between Coenzyme Q10 and periodontal disease.
Lifespan
One study demonstrated that low dosages of coenzyme Q10 reduce oxidation and DNA double-strand breaks, and a combination of a diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and coenzyme Q10 supplementation leads to a longer lifespan in rats. Coles and Harris demonstrated an extension in the lifespan of rats when they were given coenzyme Q10 supplementation. But multiple studies have since found no increase in lifespan or decrease in aging in mice and rats supplemented with coenzyme Q10. Another study demonstrated that coenzyme Q10 extends the lifespan of C. elegans (nematode).
Radiation injuryIn 2002, a study reported that, in rat experiments, coenzyme Q10 taken as dietary supplement reduced radiation damage to the animals' blood.
Parkinson's disease
A 2002 study in 80 Parkinson's disease patients found 1200 mg/day reduced the progression by 44%. A phase III trial of 1200 mg/d and 2400 mg/d ran until August 2011. This study was terminated and the summary concluded: "The investigational drug is unlikely to demonstrate efficacy over placebo for this indication. However, no safety issues were discovered."
Cosmetics
Coenzyme Q10 may be of benefit as an ingredient for topical cosmetic products.
Meat and fish are the richest source of dietary CoQ10 and levels over 50 mg/kg can be found in beef, pork and chicken heart, and chicken liver. Dairy products are much poorer sources of CoQ10 compared to animal tissues. Vegetable oils are also quite rich in CoQ10. Within vegetables, parsley, and perilla are the richest CoQ10 sources, but significant differences in their CoQ10 levels can be found in the literature. Broccoli, grape, and cauliflower are modest sources of CoQ10. Most fruit and berries represent a poor to very poor source of CoQ10, with the exception of avocado, with a relatively high CoQ10 content. |
