CoQ10 is one of the bestselling supplements known for reducing risk of heart attacks, improving the cardiovascular system, and improving the health of patients with heart failure. The global sales of this supplement are estimated to surpass $849 million by the year 2020. CoQ10 plays a significant role in your body and even assists the cells to create more energy.

What is CoQ10?

It is a naturally occurring antioxidant in the body associated with safeguarding cells, enhancing energy, and providing heart benefits. CoQ10 is a vitamin-like, fat-soluble substance which assists the cells in converting food into energy.

CoQ10 is also naturally found in various foods, including:

  • Organ meats like kidney and liver
  • Cold water fish including sardines, mackerel, salmon, and tuna
  • Asparagus, broccoli, and cauliflower

However, the amount of CoQ10 is much lower in food sources as compared to supplements.

Heart Health Benefits of CoQ10

Numerous studies have suggested that CoQ10 used alone or with other therapies might be beneficial for heart health or heart related issues.

  • Cardiovascular Diseases – CoQ10 supplements are found to significantly increase the ApoA1 and HDL-C levels and might decrease the risk for cardiovascular diseases. This supplement also reduces the inflammatory biomarker levels, which are among the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
  • Heart Failure – A study labeled CoQ10 as “the first drug to significantly improve heart failure mortality in over a decade” after concluding it reduces death risk in patients suffering with severe heart failure by half.
  • Statin Associated Muscle Symptoms – While statin therapies drastically decrease the risk of stroke and heart attack, around 25% among patients stop the treatment within six months because of its associated side effects like weakness and muscle aches. A clinical study found that 75% statin users experiencing muscle symptoms experienced a decrease in pain after taking CoQ10 supplements.
  • Recovery after Heart Attack – A clinical trial found that heart attack patients taking CoQ10 right after the attack had a reduced rate of subsequent heart events in the next year compared to the patients who didn’t take the supplement.

These studies show that CoQ10 supplement has significant benefits on heart health.

Associated Risks of CoQ10

Just like any other supplements, CoQ10 also has certain risks involved. However, these side effects are usually mild and rare. These include heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea.

Since this supplement might reduce the levels of blood sugar and blood pressure, it is recommended that individuals with chronic diseases like liver or kidney issues should be cautious when using CoQ10. Taking a dose of more than 300 mg might affect the levels of their liver enzyme.

Patients already taking thyroid medication and blood thinners or undergoing chemotherapy should consult their physicians before taking this supplement. Moreover, it is best for breastfeeding or pregnant women to avoid taking CoQ10 supplements. Avoid giving this supplement to children as well.

It is ideal to consult your doctor before you take CoQ10 to determine if it is right for you and to figure out the dosage which is suitable for you.