Frequently Asked
Questions:
What are the
some of the Diseases that can be treated
with CoenzymeQ10?
There are a number of scientific and
medical studies suggesting that Coenzyme Q10 may be effective against
diseases such as,
Heart Disease,
Heart Failure,
Breast Cancer,
Parkinson’s Disease,
High Blood Pressure and
more.
back to top
Should I Take CoenzymeQ10?
This CoenzymeQ10
question can be asked in two ways. First, should a reasonably healthy
person take CoQ10 to stay healthy or to become more robust? At present,
we do not believe anyone knows the answer to this question. Second,
should a person with an illness such as congestive heart failure take
CoenzymeQ10 (CoQ10)? As with any change in nutrition, diet, medication,
or even activity, CoQ10 should be discussed with one's physician. As
improvement in heart function occurs, a patient should have regular
medical follow up with particular attention to concomitant drug therapy.
back to top
What are the
Side Effects of Coenzyme Q10?
The use of Coenzyme Q10 has produced
no serious side effects. Some Coenzyme Q10 patients have experienced a
mild inability to sleep, liver enzymes levels have been elevated,
rashes, nausea, and upper abdominal pain. Some reported Coenzyme Q10
side effects include dizziness, irritability, headache, fatigue,
heartburn, and visual sensitivity to light. There should always be some
precautions when other prescription drugs are used in conjunction with
Coenzyme Q10. The possible interaction between Coenzyme Q10 and
prescribed drugs need to be discussed with a health care provider.
Certain drugs, such as those that are used to lower cholesterol or
blood sugar levels, may reduce the effects of Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme
Q10 may also alter the body’s response to Warfarin (a drug that
prevents the blood from clotting) and insulin. In the study conducted for Parkinson’s
Disease, it was cautioned that Coenzyme Q10 is classified as a dietary
supplement and should not be used until a larger study is conducted
with definitive results. Trials may be difficult in the future without
enough patients to carry out definitive studies of the compound's
effectiveness and proper dosages. Coenzyme Q10 is not yet regulated by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Coenzyme Q10 supplement
versions that are currently sold in stores may differ from the trial
Coenzyme Q10 compounds. These supplement versions of Coenzyme Q10 may
not contain potentially beneficial amounts of the compound.
Additionally taking Coenzyme Q10 over a number of years may be costly. A daily dosage (50-150mg) of Coenzyme
Q10 study in heart failure showed a low incidence of side effects and
a general interpretation of an improved quality of life index.1
Most side effects of
coenzyme Q10
were mild, and none of the patients required a reduction of their
dose.
The patients have received the largest
dose of coenzyme Q10
(1,200 mg/day) had 44 percent less decline in mental function, motor
(movement) function, and ability to carry out activities of daily
living, such as feeding or dressing themselves. The greatest effect
was on activities of daily living.
1Italian multicenter study of
coenzyme Q10 as adjunctive therapy in heart failure. CoQ10 Drug
Surveillance Investigators. Coenzyme Q10 Withdrawal - Clinical Relapse
in Congestive Heart Failure Patients
MEDLINE EXPRESS (R) 1991-1995
back to top
What are the Ingredients of Coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 is an essential biomolecule
that functions in the production of biochemical energy in aerobic
organisms.
Coenzyme Q10 is an essential electron
and proton carrier. Coenzyme Q10 has properties that
stabilize membranes. Coenzyme Q10 also contains antioxidant
that prevents damage to cells due to normal metabolic processes.
Coenzyme Q10 is made up of carbon,
hydrogen and oxygen and its formula is C59H90O4. Coenzyme Q10 consists of quinone ring
attached to an isoprene side chain. All mammalian tissues produce Coenzyme
Q10.
back to top
What is the Recommended Dosage of CoenzymeQ10?
The dosage
of CoenzymeQ10 (CoQ10) used in clinical trials has evolved over the past
20 years. Initially, CoenzymeQ10 doses as small as 30 to 45 mg per day
were associated with measurable clinical responses in patients with heart
failure. More recent studies have used higher CoenzymeQ10 doses with improved
clinical response, again in patients with heart failure. Most studies
with CoQ10 involve the measurement of the level of CoenzymeQ10 (CoQ10)
in blood. CoQ10 shows a moderate variability in its absorption, with some
patients attaining good blood levels of CoQ10 on 100 mg per day while
others require two or three times this amount of CoenzymeQ10 to attain
the same blood level. All CoenzymeQ10 available today in the United States
is manufactured in Japan and CoenzymeQ10 is distributed by a number of
companies who place the CoQ10 either in pressed tablets, powder-filled
capsules, or oil-based gelcaps. CoenzymeQ10 is fat-soluble and
CoenzymeQ10 absorption is significantly improved when CoQ10 is chewed
with a fat-containing food. Published data on the dosage of CoenzymeQ10
relates almost exclusively to the treatment of disease states.
back to top
|
