Vitamins

Conenzyme Q10

search

Conenzyme Q10, Ubiquinone, CoQ, Vitamin Q10, 2,3 Dimethoxy-5-Methyl-6-Decaprenyl Benzoquinone

  • Background
  1. Fat-soluble, Vitamin-like quinone
  2. Endogenous compound used in Energy Metabolism
  3. Highest concentrations in heart, brain, liver, Kidney
  4. Activity
    1. Central to electron transfer in ATP production
    2. Antioxidant scavenger
    3. Decreases Calcium overload
    4. Protective against ischemia in CHF
  • Indications
  • Neurologic
  1. Parkinsonism (360-1200 mg PO daily)
    1. Shults (2002) Arch Neurol 59:1541-50 [PubMed]
  2. Migraine Headaches (150-300 mg PO daily)
    1. Sandor (2005) Neurology 64:713-5 [PubMed]
  • Indications
  • Cardiovascular (50-200 mg/day)
  1. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) - unclear benefit
  2. Hypertension - insufficient evidence
  3. Coronary Artery Disease - experimental
  • Indications
  • Miscellaneous
  1. Diabetes Mellitus (100-200 mg/day) - unclear benefit
  • Adverse effects
  1. Gastrointestinal upset
  2. Potential risk of Hypoglycemia, Hypotension
  • Disadvantages
  1. Expensive: (1200 mg/day costs $300/month)
  • References
  1. Bonakdar (2005) Am Fam Physician 72:1065-70 [PubMed]