|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutritional Supplements

Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency Symptoms

Coenzyme Q10 is necessary for energy production, and essential for proper cell functioning. It is made in your body, and if you are deficient in Coenzyme Q10, it can reputedly cause many health problems. Additionally, many of the reputed health problems related to Coenzyme Q10 deficiency are still the topic of controversy at this time.

  1. Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency

    • According to Medline Plus, it has been established that Coenzyme Q10 deficiencies may occur if you have a metabolic disorder, cellular disorders or inadequate dietary intake of Coenzyme Q10. Supplemental Coenzyme Q10 may help your body to produce more Coenzyme Q10 depending on why your particular levels are low.

    Heart

    • According to the Alternative Doctor, LLC, Coenzyme Q10 mainly affects the heart and can lead to heart failure if you have a deficiency. Such a deficiency, can be from a lack of Coenzyme Q10 production, or your body uses an excessive amount caused from cardiovascular disease.

    High Blood Pressure

    • According to the Alternative Doctor, LLC, Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to be beneficial in lowering your blood pressure, after using it for a 4- to 12-week period, and it corrects an metabolic abnormality that is associated with high blood pressure. Medline Plus additionally states that it can cause a small decrease in systolic blood pressure, and possibly the diastolic as well.

    Other Uses

    • Coenzyme Q10 levels decrease as we age, and it is thought that this decrease may be responsible for age related-related health issues. Others with chronic diseases such as Parkinson's disease, cancer, diabetes, muscular dystrophies and HIV/AIDS often have low Coenzyme Q10 levels and may benefit from its use.

    Side Effects of Coenzyme Q10

    • Using Coenzyme Q10 appears to have no side effects, but, the safety of taking it while pregnant or breastfeeding remains unknown.

    Dosages

    • Generally, the recommended daily dosage is 25 mg two times a day. There are experimental dosages that include: 100 mg a day if you have heart disease; 120 mg per day following a heart attack; and 400 mg per day for possible prevention, and treatment of breast cancer and other types of cancers.

    Interactions

    • Doxorubicin, a chemotherapy medication has toxic effects in cancer patients, and Coenzyme Q10 may help counteract this. It is further reputed to decrease the effectiveness of blood thinning drugs such as Coumadin. Another possible interaction when taking Coenzyme Q10, is taking tolazamide, used to lower blood sugar, as it may cause decreased levels of Coenzyme Q10.

Nutritional Supplements - Related Articles