Coenzyme – Q10
(Co–Q10)

Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Reducing Inflammation:
An Umbrella Review
J Chiropractic Medicine 2023 (Jun); 22 (2): 131–137
The meta-analyses included in this study show that coenzyme Q10 supplementation significantly decreases the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. Because of the heterogeneity observed in these meta-analyses, their pooled effect sizes should be interpreted with caution.

Coenzyme Q10 Benefits Symptoms in Gulf War Veterans:
Results of a Randomized Double-blind Study
Neural Computation 2014 (Nov); 26 (11): 2594–2651
Gulf War syndrome (GWS), also known as Gulf War illness (GWI), is a chronic multi-symptom disorder affecting one-quarter to one-third of 1990-1 Gulf War veterans. A wide range of acute and chronic symptoms have been linked to it, including fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive problems, rashes and diarrhea.

This newly published study on Gulf War veterans shows that Co-Q 10 supplementation significantly improved many symptoms of Gulf War Illness, including word recall, fatigue, and irritability.

A Building Block of Healthy Aging
Dynamic Chiropractic 2013
This essential quinine molecule is found in the mitochondria of every single cell in the body, where it plays a key role in energy production. CoQ10 not only assists in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), but also scavenges free radicals. [1] To carry out these critical tasks, mitochondrial CoQ10 continuously cycles from ubiquinone, its ATP production state, to ubiquinol, its reduced active state. [2] More than 4,000 published studies suggest that high CoQ10 levels are essential for optimal health – and this is especially true for the heart and brain. Since both of these organs require huge amounts of energy, supplementation can often help support their high biologic activity. [2, 3] Research shows that CoQ10 supplementation can improve energy production and extend cell life by enhancing cellular mitochondrial levels of CoQ10. In turn, this supports not only the heart and brain, but also periodontal, skin, reproductive, and immune health. [4–9] However, before you advise patients to add CoQ10 to their daily routine, be aware that there's a catch to taking this multitalented nutrient in supplemental form.

Coenzyme Q10 and Selenium in Statin-associated Myopathy Treatment
Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2013 (Feb); 91 (2): 165–170
In conclusion, supplementation of statin-treated patients with CoQ10 resulted in a decrease in the symptoms of statin-associated myopathy (SAM), both in absolute numbers and intensity. Additional selenium supplementation was not associated with any statistically significant decrease of SAM.

Coenzyme Q10 Reverses Mitochondrial Dysfunction in
Atorvastatin-treated Mice and Increases Exercise Endurance
J Appl Physiol. 2012 (Aug); 113 (3): 479–486
We found that atorvastatin-treated mice developed muscular mitochondrial dysfunction due to ubiquinone deficiency and a decrease in exercise endurance without affecting muscle mass and strength. Meanwhile, pravastatin at ten times higher dose of atorvastatin had no such effects. In cultured myocytes, atorvastatin-related decrease in mitochondrial activity led to a decrease in oxygen utilization and an increase in lactate production. Conversely, coenzyme Q(10) treatment in atorvastatin-treated mice reversed atorvastatin-related mitochondrial dysfunction and a decrease in oxygen utilization, and thus improved exercise endurance.

Coenzyme Q10: The Essential Nutrient
J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2011 (Jul); 3 (3): 466–467
Antioxidants, such as CoQ10, can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. CoQ10 improves energy, augments the immune system, and acts as an antioxidant. The potential use of coenzyme Q10 supplements alone or in combination with other drug therapies and nutritional supplements ay help prevent or treat some of the following conditions: cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, cancer, periodontal diseases, mitochondrial disorders, radiation injury, obesity, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), gastric ulcers, allergy, migraine headaches, kidney failure, muscular dystrophy, and aging.

Reduced G Tolerance Associated with Supplement Use
Aviat Space Environ Med. 2011 (Feb);82 (2):140–143
The case presented here details a Naval Aviator who experienced reduced G tolerance over two successive flights with a temporal relationship of starting a new supplement. Two components of the supplement, coenzyme Q10 and niacin, are highlighted here for their hemodynamic effects. After stopping the supplement the aviator regained his normal G tolerance and had no further issues in flight. There are several factors that can reduce G tolerance and supplement use has to be considered here because of the potential for altering the normal physiological response to increased G force. Our discussion reviews the physiological effects of increased G force, the spectrum of signs of decompensation under the stress of G force, and the potential effects this supplement had on the normal physiological response to increased G force, thus reducing the aviator's G tolerance.

Protective Effect of L-Carnitine and Coenzyme Q10
on CCl(4)-Induced Liver Injury in Rats
Sci Pharm. 2010 (Aug 23);78 (4):881–896
This study provides an information about the mechanisms of liver injury induced by CCl(4), and determines the influence of administration of L-carnitine or/and CoQ10 as prophylactic agents against CCl(4) (carbon tetra-chloride) deteriorative effect. On the other hand, groups treated with L-carnitine or/and CoQ10 prior to CCl(4) injection showed an improvement in most parameters when compared with cirrhotic control group. It has been concluded that L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10 have a pronounced prophylactic effect against liver damage induced by halogenated alkanes such as carbon tetrachloride.

Coenzyme Q10 Monograph Update
Alternative Medicine Review 2007; 12 (2): 159–168 ~ FULL TEXT
CoQ10 is a fat-soluble substance whose primary role is as a vital intermediate of the electron transport system in the mitochondria. Adequate amounts of CoQ10 are necessary for cellular respiration and ATP production. CoQ10 also functions as an intercellular antioxidant. True deficiency states are rare but often present with severe health consequences. Numerous disease processes, linked to low levels of CoQ10, can benefit from CoQ10 supplementation including cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, breast and other cancers, diabetes mellitus, male infertility, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), asthma, thyroid disorders, and periodontal disease.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Oxidative Stress and Dietary Modifications
Alternative Medicine Review 2001 (Oct);6 (5): 450–459 ~ FULL TEXT
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an illness characterized by persistent and relapsing fatigue, often accompanied by numerous symptoms involving various body systems. The etiology of CFS remains unclear; however, a number of recent studies have shown oxidative stress may be involved in its pathogenesis. The role of oxidative stress in CFS is an important area for current and future research as it suggests the use of antioxidants in the management of CFS.

Coenzyme Q10 - Its Importance, Properties and Use
in Nutrition and Cosmetics
Ceska Slov Farm 2000 (May);49 (3):119–123
After the age of 35 to 40, the organism begins to lose its ability to synthesize Co Q10 from food and its deficiency develops. Ageing, poor eating habits, stress and infection – they all affect our ability to provide adequate amounts of Co Q10. Therefore Co Q10 supplementation may be very helpful for the organism.

Interaction Between Warfarin and Coenzyme Q10
Ugeskr Laeger 1998 (May 25);160 (22): 3226–3227
Patients in treatment with warfarin (an anticoagulant or "blood thinner" which decreases the clotting ability of blood, and therefore helps to prevent clots from forming in blood vessels) should be aware of the possible risk of treatment failure when taking coenzyme Q10.

Coenzyme Q10 Monograph
Alternative Medicine Review 1998 (Feb); 3 (1): 58–61 ~ FULL TEXT
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound found naturally in virtually every cell in the human body. Because of its ubiquitous presence in nature and its quinone structure (similar to that of vitamin K), CoQ10 is also known as ubiquinone. CoQ10 is a fat-soluble substance whose primary role is as a vital intermediate of the electron transport system in the mitochondria. Adequate amounts of CoQ10 are necessary for cellular respiration and ATP production. CoQ10 also functions as an intercellular antioxidant. True deficiency states are rare but often present with severe health consequences. Numerous disease processes, linked to low levels of CoQ10, can benefit from CoQ10 supplementation including cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, breast and other cancers, diabetes mellitus, male infertility, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), asthma, thyroid disorders, and periodontal disease.

The Role of Coenzyme Q10 in Clinical Medicine: Part I
Alternative Medicine Review 1996 (May);1 (1):11–17 ~ FULL TEXT
This review discusses the potential role of coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of AIDS, periodontal disease, gastric ulceration, obesity, physical performance, allergy, and muscular dystrophy. The effect of Q10 on immune function and physical performance is also reviewed.

The Role of Coenzyme Q10 in Clinical Medicine: Part II
Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus and Infertility
Alternative Medicine Review 1996 (Sep); 1 (3): 168–175 ~ FULL TEXT
Enhancing myocardial function is an important, though frequently overlooked component of the overall prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. CoQ10 plays a key role in energy production, and is therefore essential for all energy-dependent processes, including heart-muscle contraction. CoQ10 deficiency has been documented in patients with various types of cardiovascular disease. It is not clear whether a decline in CoQ10 levels is a primary cause or a consequence of heart disease. However, given the fundamental involvement of CoQ10 in myocardial function, it is not unlikely that CoQ10 deficiency would exacerbate heart disease and that correction of such a deficiency would have therapeutic value.

Co-Q10 Energizes the Heart and Brain
Nutrition Science News (July 1999)
Co-Q10 has a dual function. On one hand, it is essential for generating energy in mitochondria, the energy centers of virtually every cell. On the other hand, it is part of the cell antioxidant defense system, which protects against toxic oxygen by-products made during metabolism. [3] Co-Q10 is made in human cells and is found in the cells of animals and plants that comprise our daily diet. Because of its widespread and ubiquitous presence, Co-Q10 is also called ubiquinone.

Innovative Research And Applications For Coq10
LE Magazine (August 2004)
Ubiquinone, commonly referred to as coenzyme Q10, was originally so named because of its omnipresence in virtually every cell of the human body. According to Dr. Karl Folkers, a pioneer in the CoQ10 fermentation synthesis, CoQ10 should be properly renamed “vitamin Q,” and thus take its rightful place in the pantheon of essential nutrients.

The Co-Q10 - Cancer Connection
Nutrition Science News (July 2001)
Coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the heart's ability to endure stress and supports mitochondria-cellular structures that produce energy from food. Recent research suggests that low Co-Q10 levels are linked to certain cancers. One U.S. study compared 27 women with normal Pap smears with 75 women with cervical cancer and its precursor-cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Women with cervical cancer and neoplasia had lower concentrations of cervical/vaginal cell Co-Q10 and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) compared to women with normal Pap smears.

How Co-Q is Being Used to Fight Cancer
Nutrition Science News (April 1999)
The data on actually treating cancer are exciting but preliminary. Research suggests a relationship between various cancers and the level of Co-Q10 in the blood. [4] One human trial studied the effect of 90 mg/day of Co-Q10 on breast cancer patients. The results showed that after two years, the women who took Co-Q10 lived longer. Because there was no placebo in this trial, the researchers calculated that on standard therapy, a percentage of these women would have died in this time period. With the nutritional protocol, none of them did. [5]

Coenzyme Q10 Monograph Update
Alternative Medicine Review 2007 (Jun); 12 (2):159–168 ~ FULL TEXT
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound found naturally in virtually every cell in the human body. Because of its ubiquitous presence in nature and its quinone structure (similar to that of vitamin K), CoQ10 is also known as ubiquinone. CoQ10 is a fat-soluble substance whose primary role is as a vital intermediate of the electron transport system in the mitochondria. Adequate amounts of CoQ10 are necessary for cellular respiration and ATP production. CoQ10 also functions as an intercellular antioxidant. True deficiency states are rare but often present with severe health consequences. Numerous disease processes, linked to low levels of CoQ10, can benefit from CoQ10 supplementation including cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, breast and other cancers, diabetes mellitus, male infertility, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), asthma, thyroid disorders, and periodontal disease.

Coenzyme Q10 Concentrations and Antioxidant Status
in Tissues of Breast Cancer Patients
Clin Biochem 2000 (Jun);33 (4):279–284
An increasing amount of experimental and epidemiological evidence implicates the involvement of oxygen derived radicals in the pathogenesis of cancer development. These findings may support that reactive oxygen species increased in malignant cells, and may cause overexpression of antioxidant enzymes and the consumption of coenzyme Q10. Administration of coenzyme Q10 by nutrition may induce the protective effect of coenzyme Q10 on breast tissue.

Recent Progress in Treatment and Secondary Prevention
of Breast Cancer With Supplements
Alternative Medicine Review 1997 (Jan);2 (1):4–11 ~ FULL TEXT
This article discusses five naturally occurring agents that are currently being studied to evaluate their potential in the treatment and/or secondary prevention of breast cancer. Preliminary data have been published suggesting that high dose coenzyme Q10 may have anti-cancer activity in women with node-positive breast cancer.

Relevance of the Biosynthesis of Coenzyme Q10 and of the Four Bases
of DNA as a Rationale for the Molecular Causes of Cancer
Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1996 (Jul 16); 224 (2): 358–361
Coenzyme Q10 is required to produce DNA for accurate cell replication. For the body to produce CoQ10 it requires the presence of vitamins B6, C, B2, B12, folic acid, niacin, and pantothenic acid as their coenzymes. This paper established deficiencies of Q10 and B6 in cancer. This complete biochemistry relating to biosyntheses of Q10 and the DNA bases is a rationale for the therapy of cancer with Q10 and other entities in this biochemistry.

The Co–Q10 – Cancer Connection
Nutrition Science News (July 2001)
Coenzyme Q10 (Co–Q10) is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the heart's ability to endure stress and supports mitochondria–cellular structures that produce energy from food. Recent research suggests that low Co–Q10 levels are linked to certain cancers. One U.S. study compared 27 women with normal Pap smears with 75 women with cervical cancer and its precursor–cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Women with cervical cancer and neoplasia had lower concentrations of cervical/vaginal cell Co–Q10 and vitamin E (alpha–tocopherol) compared to women with normal Pap smears.

Progress on Therapy of Breast Cancer with Vitamin Q10
and the Regression of Metastases
Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1995 (Jul 6);212 (1):172–177
Over 35 years, data and knowledge have internationally evolved from biochemical, biomedical and clinical research on vitamin Q10 (coenzyme Q10; CoQ10) and cancer, which led in 1993 to overt complete regression of the tumors in two cases of breast cancer.

Partial and Complete Regression of Breast Cancer in Patients
in Relation to Dosage of Coenzyme Q10
Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1994 (Mar 30); 199 (3): 1504–1508
Relationships of nutrition and vitamins to the genesis and prevention of cancer are increasingly evident. In a clinical protocol, 32 patients having "high-risk" breast cancer were treated with antioxidants, fatty acids, and 90 mg. of CoQ10.

Acquired Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency in Children with Recurrent
Food Intolerance and Allergies
Mitochondrion. 2011 (Jan);11 (1): 127–135
The current study evaluated 23 children (ages 2–16 years) with recurrent food intolerance and allergies for CoQ10 deficiency and mitochondrial abnormalities. Muscle biopsies were tested for CoQ10 levels, pathology, and mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) activities. Group 2 (age >10 years; n = 9) subjects had significantly decreased muscle CoQ10 than Group 1 (age <10 y; n = 14) subjects (p = 0.001) and 16 controls (p<0.05). MRC activities were significantly lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p<0.05). Muscle CoQ10 levels in study subjects were significantly correlated with duration of illness (adjusted r(2) = 0.69; p = 0.012; n = 23). Children with recurrent food intolerance and allergies may acquire CoQ10 deficiency with disease progression.

A Modified Determination of Coenzyme Q10 in Human Blood and
oQ10 Blood Levels in Diverse Patients with Allergies
Biofactors 1988 (Dec);1 (4):303–306
The biosynthesis of CoQ10 in human tissues is a complex process that requires several vitamins and micronutrients, so that countless vitamin–unsupplemented Americans may be deficient in CoQ10. The relationship of allergies to autoimmune mechanisms and immunity, and the established relationship of CoQ10 to immune states, may be a rationale for therapeutic trials of administering CoQ10 to patients with allergies who have low CoQ10 blood levels and are very likely deficient.

Effect of Coenzyme Q10, a Quinone Derivative, on Guinea Pig
Lung and Tracheal Tissue
Arzneimittelforschung 1985;35 (6):929–933
Co Q10 inhibits release of histamine, a major aspect of allergies. It is likely to reduce allergic reactions in humans.

Nutraceuticals and Their Preventive or
Potential Therapeutic Value in Parkinson's Disease
Nutrition Reviews 2012 (Jul); 70 (7): 373–386
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common aging-related disorder in the world, after Alzheimer's disease. It is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and other parts of the brain, leading to motor impairment, cognitive impairment, and dementia. Current treatment methods, such as L-dopa therapy, are focused only on relieving symptoms and delaying progression of the disease. To date, there is no known cure for PD, making prevention of PD as important as ever. More than a decade of research has revealed a number of major risk factors, including oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, numerous nutraceuticals have been found to target and attenuate these risk factors, thereby preventing or delaying the progression of PD. These nutraceuticals include vitamins C, D, E, coenzyme Q10, creatine, unsaturated fatty acids, sulfur-containing compounds, polyphenols, stilbenes, and phytoestrogens.

Levels of Reduced and Oxidized Coenzyme Q-10 and 8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine
in the CSF of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease Demonstrate That Mitochondrial
Oxidative Damage and/or Oxidative DNA Damage Contributes to the
Neurodegenerative Process
J Neurol 2010 (Mar); 257 (3): 399–404
To investigate the possibility that mitochondrial oxidative damage, oxidative DNA damage or both contribute to the neurodegenerative process of Alzheimer's disease (AD), we employed high-performance liquid chromatography using an electrochemical detector to measure the concentrations of the reduced and oxidized forms of coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 30 patients with AD and in 30 age-matched controls with no neurological disease.

Coenzyme Q10 Monograph Update
Alternative Medicine Review 2007 (Jun); 12 (2):159–168 ~ FULL TEXT
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound found naturally in virtually every cell in the human body. Because of its ubiquitous presence in nature and its quinone structure (similar to that of vitamin K), CoQ10 is also known as ubiquinone. CoQ10 is a fat-soluble substance whose primary role is as a vital intermediate of the electron transport system in the mitochondria. Adequate amounts of CoQ10 are necessary for cellular respiration and ATP production. CoQ10 also functions as an intercellular antioxidant. True deficiency states are rare but often present with severe health consequences. Numerous disease processes, linked to low levels of CoQ10, can benefit from CoQ10 supplementation including cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, breast and other cancers, diabetes mellitus, male infertility, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), asthma, thyroid disorders, and periodontal disease.

Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Myopathic Symptoms
in Patients Treated with Statins
Am J Cardiol. 2007 (May 15); 99 (10): 1409–1412
However, statin use is often associated with a variety of muscle-related symptoms or myopathies. Myopathy may be related in part to statin inhibition of the endogenous synthesis of coenzyme Q10, an essential cofactor for mitochondrial energy production. After a 30-day intervention, pain severity decreased by 40% and pain interference with daily activities decreased by 38% in the group treated with coenzyme Q10. In contrast, no changes in pain severity or pain interference with daily activities (-11%, p = NS) was observed in the group treated with vitamin E. In conclusion, results suggest that coenzyme Q10 supplementation may decrease muscle pain associated with statin treatment. Thus, coenzyme Q10 supplementation may offer an alternative to stopping treatment with these vital drugs.

Neurodegeneration from Mitochondrial Insufficiency: Nutrients,
Stem Cells, Growth Factors, and Prospects for Brain Rebuilding
Using Integrative Management
Alternative Medicine Review 2005 (Dec); 10 (4):268–293 ~ FULL TEXT
One emerging focus for intervention is brain energetics. Specifically, mitochondrial insufficiency contributes to the etiopathology of many such disorders. Electron leakages inherent to mitochondrial energetics generate reactive oxygen free radical species that may place the ultimate limit on lifespan. Exogenous toxins, such as mercury and other environmental contaminants, exacerbate mitochondrial electron leakage, hastening their demise and that of their host cells. Studies of the brain in Alzheimer's and other dementias, Down syndrome, stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Friedreich's ataxia, aging, and constitutive disorders demonstrate impairments of the mitochondrial citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) enzymes.

Primary Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency and the Brain
Biofactors 2003;18 (1-4):145–152
Our findings in 19 new patients with cerebellar ataxia establish the existence of an ataxic syndrome due to primary CoQ10 deficiency and (they were) responsive to CoQ10 therapy. As all patients presented cerebellar ataxia and cerebellar atrophy, this suggests a selective vulnerability of the cerebellum to CoQ10 deficiency.

Effects of Coenzyme Q10 in Early Parkinson Disease:
Evidence of Slowing of the Functional Decline
Arch Neurol 2002 (Oct);59 (10):1541–1550
Shults, et al., present the findings of a clinical trial that demonstrates that patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease, given coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation for 16 months, showed significantly less impairment than placebo-treated patients. The efficacy of treatment was readily apparent by the eighth month, and the study showed that patients given the highest dose of CoQ10 had the best overall results.

A Possible Role of Coenzyme Q10 in the Etiology and Treatment
of Parkinson's Disease
Biofactors 1999;9 (2–4):267–272
These data suggest that CoQ10 may play a role in cellular dysfunction found in PD and may be a potential protective agent for parkinsonian patients.

Coenzyme Q10 Administration and its Potential for Treatment
of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Biofactors 1999;9 (2–4):261–266
Oral administration of CoQ10 significantly decreased elevated lactate levels in patients with Huntington's disease. These studies therefore raise the prospect that administration of CoQ10 may be useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Co-Q10 Effectively Reduces Cholesterol Levels
IUBMB Life 2011 (Jan); 63 (1):42–48 ~ FULL TEXT
This study investigated whether Co-Q10 supplementation could reduce cholesterol levels through gene expression patterns. The researchers recruited 53 healthy males with an average age of 30 and were randomly supplemented with the reduced form of Co-Q10 (ubiquinol, Q10H2) at 150 mg daily for two weeks. The results were a 4.8-fold increase in CoQ10 plasma levels after supplementation. Gene expression patterns involved in inflammation, cell death and cell differentiation was identified. A 12.7 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol levels was reported (in 2 WEEKS!). “Q10H2 induces characteristic gene expression patterns, which are translated into reduced LDL cholesterol levels and altered parameters of [red blood cell production or] erythropoiesis in humans,” the scientists concluded.

Metabolic Cardiology: The Missing Link in Cardiovascular Disease
Altern Ther Health Med 2009 (Mar); 15 (2): 48–50
The importance of supporting energy production in heart cells and the preservation of the mitochondria in these cells will be the focus of a new frontier in cardiovascular prevention, treatment, and management. Many physicians are not trained to look at heart disease in terms of cellular biochemistry; therefore, the challenge in any metabolic cardiology discussion is in taking the conversation from the "bench to the bedside." An understanding of the vital role that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) plays in the heart is critical for any physician or clinician considering therapeutic options that support ATP production and turnover in jeopardized cardiac muscle cells.

Nutrition and Heart Failure:
Impact of Drug Therapies and Management Strategies
Nutr Clin Pract 2009 (Feb); 24 (1):60–75
Nutrition impairment commonly occurs in patients with heart failure and affects disease progression. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are associated with early mortality, particularly in patients classified as cachectic. Guideline-based therapies approved for heart failure, such as loop diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, aldosterone antagonists, and beta-adrenergic blockers, can lead to electrolyte abnormalities and predispose to some vitamin and micronutrient deficits.

Coenzyme Q10 Monograph Update
Alternative Medicine Review 2007 (Jun); 12 (2):159–168 ~ FULL TEXT
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound found naturally in virtually every cell in the human body. Because of its ubiquitous presence in nature and its quinone structure (similar to that of vitamin K), CoQ10 is also known as ubiquinone. CoQ10 is a fat-soluble substance whose primary role is as a vital intermediate of the electron transport system in the mitochondria. Adequate amounts of CoQ10 are necessary for cellular respiration and ATP production. CoQ10 also functions as an intercellular antioxidant. True deficiency states are rare but often present with severe health consequences. Numerous disease processes, linked to low levels of CoQ10, can benefit from CoQ10 supplementation including cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, breast and other cancers, diabetes mellitus, male infertility, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), asthma, thyroid disorders, and periodontal disease.

Atorvastatin Decreases the Coenzyme Q10 Level in the Blood
of Patients at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke
Arch Neurol. 2004 (Jun); 61 (6): 889–892
In this group of patients beginning treatment with atorvastatin, the average concentration of coenzyme Q10 in blood plasma decreased within 14 days, and had fallen by approximately 50% after 30 days of treatment. This definitely shows the risks of taking statin drugs, as well as suggesting that those who choose to take them must supplement with Co-Q 10 to offset the side-effects.

Coenzyme Q in Cardiovascular Disease
J Assoc Physicians India 1998 (Mar);46 (3):299–306
Coenzyme Q10 deficiency has been observed in patients with congestive heart failure, angina pectoris, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, mitral valve prolapse and after coronary revascularization.

The Clinical and Hemodynamic Effects of Coenzyme Q–10
in Congestive Cardiomyopathy
Am J Ther 1997 (Feb-Mar);4 (2–3):66–72
In summary, coenzyme Q–10 therapy is associated with significant functional, clinical, and hemodynamic improvements within the context of an extremely favorable benefit–to–risk ratio. Coenzyme Q–10 enhances cardiac output by exerting a positive inotropic effect upon the myocardium as well as mild vasodilatation.

Treatment of Essential Hypertension with Coenzyme Q10
Mol Aspects Med 1994;15 Suppl:S265–272
A total of 109 patients with symptomatic essential hypertension presenting to a private cardiology practice were observed after the addition of CoQ10 (average dose, 225 mg/day by mouth) to their existing antihypertensive drug regimen. In 80 per cent of patients, the diagnosis of essential hypertension was established for a year or more prior to starting CoQ10 (average 9.2 years). Only one patient was dropped from analysis due to noncompliance. Overall New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class improved from a mean of 2.40 to 1.36 (P < 0.001) and 51% of patients came completely off of between one and three antihypertensive drugs at an average of 4.4 months after starting CoQ10.

Oxidant/antioxidant Interactions of Nicotine, Coenzyme Q10,
Pycnogenol and Phytoestrogens in Oral Periosteal
Fibroblasts and MG63 Osteoblasts
Steroids 2006 (Dec);71 (13-14):1062–1072
This investigation suggests that the catabolic effects of nicotine could be reversed by the addition of antioxidants such as CoQ or Pycnogenol and phytoestrogens.

Oxidative Injury and Inflammatory Periodontal Diseases:
The Challenge of Anti-oxidants to Free Radicals
and Reactive Oxygen Species
Crit Rev Oral Biol Med. 1999; 10 (4): 458–476
Based on a review of direct and indirect anti-oxidant host defenses, particularly in relation to the key role of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in periodontitis, we review current evidence for oxidative damage in chronic inflammatory periodontal disease, and the possible therapeutic effects of anti-oxidants in treating and/or preventing such pathology, with special attention to vitamin E and Co-enzyme Q.

Effect of Topical Application of Coenzyme Q10
on Adult Periodontitis
Mol Aspects Med 1994;15 Suppl:S241-248
These results suggest that topical application of CoQ10 improves adult periodontitis not only as a sole treatment but also in combination with traditional nonsurgical periodontal therapy.

Bioenergetics in Clinical Medicine IX. Gingival and Leucocytic
Deficiencies of Coenzyme Q10 in Patients
with Periodontal Disease
Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol 1976 (Aug);14 (4):729–738
Periodontal patients frequently have significant gingival and leucocytic deficiencies of CoQ10. The leucocytic deficiency indicates a systemic nutritional imbalance and is not likely caused by neglected oral hygiene. A gingival deficiency could predispose this tissue to periodontitis and this disease could even augment the deficiency. These results support previously suggested adjunctive use of CoQ10 with oral hygiene for improved treatment presumably through bioenergetics.

Bioenergetics in Clinical Medicine II. Adjunctive Treatment
with Coenzyme Q in Periodontal Therapy
Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol 1975 (Sep);12 (1):111–123
Treatment of periodontitis with coenzyme Q should be considered as adjunctive treatment with current dental practice.

Mitochondrial Factors in the Pathogenesis of Diabetes:
A Hypothesis for Treatment
Alternative Medicine Review 2002 (Apr);7 (2):94–111 ~ FULL TEXT
A growing body of evidence has demonstrated a link between various disturbances in mitochondrial functioning and type 2 diabetes. This basic research into the pathogenesis of diabetes has led to the awareness of natural therapeutics (such as coenzyme Q10) that increase mitochondrial functioning and avoidance of trans-fatty acids that decrease mitochondrial functioning.

Insulin Resistance: Lifestyle and Nutritional Interventions
Alternative Medicine Review 2000; 5 (2): 109–132 ~ FULL TEXT
Insulin resistance appears to be a common feature and a possible contributing factor to several frequent health problems, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary disease, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, certain hormone-sensitive cancers, and obesity. The role of nutritional and botanical substances in the management of insulin resistance requires further elaboration; however, available information suggests some substances are capable of positively influencing insulin resistance. Minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, chromium, and vanadium appear to have associations with insulin resistance or its management. Amino acids, including L-carnitine, taurine, and L-arginine, might also play a role in the reversal of insulin resistance.

Toward Practical Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes
Med Hypotheses 2000 (May); 54 (5): 786–793
Other nutrients that might prove to aid diabetic glycemic control, and thus have potential for prevention, include coenzyme Q and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA). Since the nutrients cited here - including ethanol in moderation - appear to be quite safe and (with the exception of CLA) quite affordable, supplementation with these nutrients may prove to be a practical strategy for diabetes prevention.

Coenzyme Q10 and Selenium in Statin-associated Myopathy Treatment
Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2013 (Feb); 91 (2): 165–170
In conclusion, supplementation of statin-treated patients with CoQ10 resulted in a decrease in the symptoms of statin-associated myopathy (SAM), both in absolute numbers and intensity. Additional selenium supplementation was not associated with any statistically significant decrease of SAM.

Coenzyme Q10 Reverses Mitochondrial Dysfunction in
Atorvastatin-treated Mice and Increases Exercise Endurance
J Appl Physiol. 2012 (Aug); 113 (3): 479–486
We found that atorvastatin-treated mice developed muscular mitochondrial dysfunction due to ubiquinone deficiency and a decrease in exercise endurance without affecting muscle mass and strength. Meanwhile, pravastatin at ten times higher dose of atorvastatin had no such effects. In cultured myocytes, atorvastatin-related decrease in mitochondrial activity led to a decrease in oxygen utilization and an increase in lactate production. Conversely, coenzyme Q(10) treatment in atorvastatin-treated mice reversed atorvastatin-related mitochondrial dysfunction and a decrease in oxygen utilization, and thus improved exercise endurance.