Coenzyme Q10: what are the contraindications?
Though increasingly popular in the area of cellular nutrition, coenzyme Q10 does have certain contraindications. What exactly are they?
Coenzyme Q10: definition and benefits
First discovered and isolated in the United States in 1957, coenzyme Q10 (often abbreviated to CoQ10) is structurally similar to vitamin K and is found throughout the body (1). Indeed it’s this ubiquity which gives it its other name of ubiquinone.
Coenzyme Q10 is involved in the mitochondrial respiratory chain where it ensures that nutrients are converted into energy directly usable by cells (2). Indeed, it is found at greater concentrations in energy-hungry organs such as the liver, kidneys and heart muscle (3).
Production of CoQ10 unfortunately tends to decline as a result of ageing, lifestyle, and taking certain medications (tricyclic antidepressants and statins, for example) (4-5). It has also been observed that people suffering from heart failure, poor gum health, metabolic abnormalities and muscle pain often have lower levels (6-7).
Coenzyme Q10 supplements (such as Coenzyme Q10, CoQ10+Tocotrienols and Ubiquinol) have thus been growing in popularity in recent years.
Coenzyme Q10: risks and contraindications
Though coenzyme Q10 supplementation is considered safe by the scientific community, it is contraindicated in certain, specific situations.
Pregnant women
Firstly, given the inadequate data available on safety, it is contraindicated for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as a precautionary measure.
CoQ10 and potential risks for diabetics
Those suffering from diabetes also need to exercise caution. While coenzyme Q10 is currently at the heart of promising studies on blood sugar regulation, it could, in some patients, cause hypoglycaemia, though this is the subject of much discussion in scientific journals (8-9). The literature also reports rare cases of auto-immune syndrome in non-diabetics (10). While it is still possible to supplement under medical supervision, careful monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential.
Interactions between coenzyme Q10 and certain anticoagulants
Taking CoQ10 during treatment : is there a risk?
Finally, the issue of CoQ10 supplementation during treatment is the subject of much debate. While a number of studies point to its potential protective effect against cardiotoxicity induced by certain chemotherapy drugs, it may, at the same time, reduce the efficacy of pro-oxidant therapeutic strategies such as radiotherapy and certain antibiotics – where the generation of free radicals plays a key role in killing bad cells (15-16). Here again, it is crucial not to supplement without medical advice.
Coenzyme Q10: side-effects?
Coenzyme Q10 supplements are generally very well tolerated since the molecule is already naturally present in the body (17). Side-effects are therefore rare and mostly mild for healthy individuals, being mainly limited to minor gastrointestinal problems (nausea, diarrhoea).
CoQ10: which supplement to choose
Since production of coenzyme Q10 tends to decline from the age of 30 onwards, here are some tips for increasing your intake (18). While it is found in foods such as beef, chicken, oily fish and some oleaginous fruits, you can easily and significantly boost your intake by taking coenzyme Q10 supplements with high bioavailability (such as Coenzyme Q10, which comes in oil-based capsules for maximum absorption).
In some synergistic formulations, CoQ10 is combined with fat-soluble compounds like vitamin E (tocotrienols and tocopherols) which increases its uptake ten-fold and redirects its action towards the body’s ‘fattier’ organs such as the heart (the CoQ10+Tocotrienols combo is based on a patented blend of the full spectrum of tocotrienols plus alpha-tocopherol) (19).
For it to be mobilised by cells, ubiquinone must first be converted by enzymes into ubiquinol. It’s possible to supplement directly with this form of CoQ10 which is biologically-active and known to be the best absorbed (try Ubiquinol, which again, comes in the form of softgels) (20).
SUPERSMART ADVICE
References
- Saini R. Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2011 Jul;3(3):466-7. doi: 10.4103/0975-7406.84471. PMID: 21966175; PMCID: PMC3178961.
- Raizner AE. Coenzyme Q10. Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2019 Jul-Sep;15(3):185-191. doi: 10.14797/mdcj-15-3-185. PMID: 31687097; PMCID: PMC6822644.
- Rabanal-Ruiz Y, Llanos-González E, Alcain FJ. The Use of Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 May 10;10(5):755. doi: 10.3390/antiox10050755. PMID: 34068578; PMCID: PMC8151454.
- Deichmann R, Lavie C, Andrews S. Coenzyme q10 and statin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Ochsner J. 2010 Spring;10(1):16-21. PMID: 21603349; PMCID: PMC3096178.
- Moreno-Fernández AM, Cordero MD, Garrido-Maraver J, Alcocer-Gómez E, Casas-Barquero N, Carmona-López MI, Sánchez-Alcázar JA, de Miguel M. Oral treatment induces coenzyme Q deficiency and oxidative stress in psychiatric patients. J Psychiatr Res. 2012 Mar;46(3):341-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2011.11.002. Epub 2011 Nov 26. PMID: 22118833.
- Zozina VI, Covantev S, Goroshko OA, Krasnykh LM, Kukes VG. Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases: Current State of the Problem. Curr Cardiol Rev. 2018;14(3):164-174. doi: 10.2174/1573403X14666180416115428. PMID: 29663894; PMCID: PMC6131403.
- Ghasemi S, Torab Z, Shirmohammadi A, Babaloo A, Johari R, Farhadi F, Mobasseri M, Mohammadi H. Evaluation of the effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation along with scaling and root planing (SRP) on periodontal and gingival indices in controlled diabetic patients. J Adv Periodontol Implant Dent. 2022 Mar 13;14(1):32-37. doi: 10.34172/japid.2022.003. PMID: 35919443; PMCID: PMC9339722.
- Shen Q, Pierce JD. Supplementation of Coenzyme Q10 among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Healthcare (Basel). 2015 May 21;3(2):296-309. doi: 10.3390/healthcare3020296. PMID: 27417763; PMCID: PMC4939545.
- Eriksson JG, Forsén TJ, Mortensen SA, Rohde M. The effect of coenzyme Q10 administration on metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. 1999;9(2-4):315-8. doi: 10.1002/biof.5520090229. PMID: 10416046.
- Kusano Y. autoimmune syndrome possibly caused by coenzyme Q10. J Rural Med. 2019 May;14(1):132-137. doi: 10.2185/jrm.2975. Epub 2019 May 30. PMID: 31191778; PMCID: PMC6545416.
- Landbo C, Almdal TP. Interaktion mellem og coenzym Q10 [Interaction between and coenzyme Q10]. Ugeskr Laeger. 1998 May 25;160(22):3226-7. Danish. PMID: 9621803.
- Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2000 Jul 1;57(13):1221-7; quiz 1228-30. PMID: 10902065.
- Zhou Q, Zhou S, Chan E. Effect of coenzyme Q10 on hydroxylation in rat and human liver microsomes. Curr Drug Metab. 2005 Apr;6(2):67-81. doi: 10.2174/1389200053586091. PMID: 15853759.
- Engelsen J, Nielsen JD, Hansen KF. Effekten af Coenzym Q10 og Ginkgo biloba på hos patienter i laengerevarende. Et randomiseret, dobbeltblindt, placebokontrolleret overkrydsningsforsøg [Effect of Coenzyme Q10 and Ginkgo biloba on dosage in patients on long-term treatment. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial]. Ugeskr Laeger. 2003 Apr 28;165(18):1868-71. Danish. PMID: 12772396.
- PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board. Coenzyme Q10 (PDQ®): Health Professional Version. 2022 Jun 7. In: PDQ Information Summaries [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute (US); 2002-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65890/
- Yasueda A, Urushima H, Ito T. Efficacy and Interaction of Antioxidant Supplements as Adjuvant Therapy in Treatment: A Systematic Review. Integr Ther. 2016 Mar;15(1):17-39. doi: 10.1177/1534735415610427. Epub 2015 Oct 26. PMID: 26503419; PMCID: PMC5736082.
- Hidaka T, Fujii K, Funahashi I, Fukutomi N, Hosoe K. Safety assessment of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). 2008;32(1-4):199-208. doi: 10.1002/biof.5520320124. PMID: 19096117.
- Temova Rakuša Ž, Kristl A, Roškar R. Stability of Reduced and Oxidized Coenzyme Q10 in Finished Products. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 Feb 27;10(3):360. doi: 10.3390/antiox10030360. PMID: 33673604; PMCID: PMC7997171.
- Wang XL, Rainwater DL, Mahaney MC, Stocker R. Cosupplementation with vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 reduces circulating markers of inflammation in baboons. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Sep;80(3):649-55. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/80.3.649. PMID: 15321805; PMCID: PMC1356523.
- Zhang Y , Liu J , Chen XQ , Oliver Chen CY . Ubiquinol is superior to ubiquinone to enhance Coenzyme Q10 status in older men. Food Funct. 2018 Nov 14;9(11):5653-5659. doi: 10.1039/c8fo00971f. PMID: 30302465.
Keywords
18 Hours
The best supplement for…
The best supplement for hyperpigmentation or melasma. I have struggled with melasma and hyperpigmentation for 10 years. I have tried everything, including lasers. Nothing really worked except this!
NS
2 Days
Great source for high quality…
Great source for high quality supplements
Vikki L
5 Days
Recommended: "Eye Pressure"
(Eye Pressure pills) Highly recommended for glaucoma patients
LM
6 Days
Great follow-up
Great follow-up
Michael Henderson
10 Days
My hair isn't gray.
My hair isn't gray.
TANQUARY Damon
10 Days
The ease of ordering is not the only …
The ease of ordering is not the only reason why I trust Super Smart Supplements. This company researches everything they sell. Educating Me with a wealth knowledge to make Better Supplement choices. The paractin Andrographis is awesome! I noticed less Knee, shoulder or joint pain. Which proves to me, you're never too old to repair what a lifetime of intense usage has done to your body. I recommend SUPER SMART to anyone who is looking to improve their overall health & maintain an active ,pain free life as You age.
Mchael Montalbano
13 Days
Quick shipping and very good quality
Quick shipping and very good quality. I’ve bought from them for the last six months
Monig
16 Days
love the quality of the supplements!
love the quality of the supplements!
Tatiana
18 Days
Came quickly
Came quickly
Courtney Everson
18 Days
Feels great on my skin
I have only used the SuperSmart NAD face cream for a couple of weeks. So I can’t say it transformed my skin yet. However, it absorbs nicely. Is not oily or caused any acne. It feels wonderful in my routine which means I will consistently use every day! I’ve already researched the ingredients so I’m confident it will help clear the zombie cells and keep my skin looking fresh. I’m pleasantly surprised and will repurchase!
Moto
21 Days
Excellent quality
Excellent quality, I can usually tell the difference when I get other cheaper brands that are not as good. Supersmart is my first choice
MMA TUBE
24 Days
Like the product
Like the product. The bottle design is too bland.
JENKINS Rose
30 Days
Super easy and great communication
Super easy and great communication
Greg Maurer
34 Days
Cured my blood sugar issues with correct diet and almost no sugar.
Ordering was very easy and it was here within a day or two. But the best thing of all is that it fixed my blood sugar problems. I was sweating throughout the night. I had almost completely stopped sugar , which definitely helped, but I was still having sweats and this product here solved that problem. It took me years to figure it this out. I hope this helps somebody.
Rickey Matlock
38 Days
I was impressed by the patience of the representative who helped me!
I was having a very hard time trying to set up my account with them and they were very helpful and patient to get it done for me! And I was impressed by all the information they provided about the product I was purchasing!
Rebecca M.