CoQ10 Problems

Coenzyme Q10, known as CoQ10, is a substance found in every cell in the human body. It is made by the body and provides energy as well as growth and maintenance for the cell. Supplemental CoQ10 is thought to be helpful and is available from many manufacturers.

Benefits

• Research has indicated supplemental CoQ10 may be beneficial in certain conditions. CoQ10 may be helpful for congestive heart failure, migraine headaches, Parkinson's disease and high blood pressure. It may also mitigate the side effects of statin drugs, which depress natural CoQ10 levels. Natural CoQ10 is thought to decline with age, and little is available through food.

Side Effects

• CoQ10 is generally safe, but there are occasional side effects, such as gastrointestinal distress, headache or fatigue. When side effects occur, it is usually with high doses. Recommended doses vary according to the condition you are treating and your body size. Ask your health care provider how much you should take. Some products are "solubilized" and deliver twice as much CoQ10 as regular capsules.

Quality and Dosage

• Consumer Lab tested 41 brands of CoQ10 and found one that did not have the amount of ingredient on the label. They also found that different brands had different potencies, and suggested servings ranged from 22 to 600 milligrams. There is no need to take high dosages if you are using the supplement for general health. If you are using it to help treat a specific condition, stick with your doctor's recommendation, not the manufacturer's.