Co Q-10 (or CoQ10) is a fat-soluble supplement taken daily to provide a wide spectrum of health benefits. Co Q-10 stands for co-enzyme Q10, a substance called ubiquinone that is embedded in the membranes of every cell in our bodies. It regulates many critical chemical reactions, including energy production. The enzyme also has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For these reasons, Co Q-10 is often used as a complementary treatment for several health conditions, but these claims have not been definitively proven. Coenzyme Q10 has no standardized dosages.
Coq10 overview
BRAND NAMES:
Q-Sorb, Quinogel. Qunol, Smart Q-10
Generic Names:
Coenzyme Q10, ubiquinone
Uses:
Used as a dietary supplement or for skincare
Therapeutic Classes:
Nutriceutical, nutritive agent, skincare agent
Forms:
Capsule, chewable tablet, gummy, liquid, skin cream, skin serum
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Coq10 used for?
People take Co Q-10 to supplement their diets, to provide complementary treatment for certain health conditions, or for the supplement’s antioxidant or anti-inflammatory benefits. Co Q-10 is not FDA-approved to treat any medical condition, though there is mixed evidence that it may help people with heart failure, heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, migraines, or statin-induced muscle pain. Co Q-10 can also be found alone or in combination with other ingredients in skincare products with claims that it reduces wrinkles, improves skin appearance, or helps clear dry skin.
What form(s) does Coq10 come in
Capsule/softgel
30 mg
50 mg
60 mg
100 mg
120 mg
150 mg
200 mg
300 mg
400 mg
600 mg
Gummy
100 mg
200 mg
Chewable Tablet
100 mg
300 mg
Liquid
100 mg/5 mL
100 mg/10 mL
Skin cream
Variable concentrations
Skin serum
Variable concentrations
What are common Coq10 doses?
Recommended dose as a daily supplement: 30–200 mg daily
For primary CoQ10 deficiency (dosage not standardized): 5–50 mg/kg daily
Common Coq10 prescriptions
CoQ10
120 capsules bottleCoQ10
30 capsules bottle
How to take Coq10
If you are using this medicine without a healthcare provider's order, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Do not give Co Q-10 supplements to children younger than 18 without talking to a healthcare provider first.
Take oral Co Q-10 with food.
Swallow the capsule whole with a drink of water.
Completely chew the Co Q-10 gummy or chewable tablet before swallowing.
Measure Co Q-10 liquid with a kitchen measuring device (teaspoon or tablespoon).
The dose can be taken as-is or added to a drink.
Instructions on using Co Q-10 skin products will vary by product.
Store Co Q-10 in a closed bottle at room temperature in a dry place.
What to do if you miss a dose of Coq10
A missed dose can be taken when remembered.
To avoid minor side effects, try not to exceed the recommended daily dosage to make up for a missed dose.
Coq10 contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use a Co Q-10 product if you have had an allergic reaction to coenzyme Q10 or any other ingredient in the product.
Coq10 warnings
Tell any healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Co Q-10 has not been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
If you are being treated for diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider before starting Co Q-10 supplements.
Coq10 interactions
To avoid possible drug interactions, tell any healthcare provider treating you for a medical condition that you are taking Co Q-10 supplements.
Co Q-10 can cause problems with some medications, including:
Chemotherapy drugs
Diabetes drugs
The blood thinner warfarin
Coq10 side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Stomach upset
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Elevation in liver enzymes (when taken in high doses)
Sources:
Coenzyme Q10, Mount Sinai
Coenzyme Q10, NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Coenzyme Q10, StatPearls
Primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency overview, GeneReviews
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