Feature Summary

The majority of the clinical uses for CoQ10 are founded upon its role as an antioxidant, and its role in mitochondrial bioenergetics. It is a coenzyme for numerous reactions involved in cellular respiration, and is required for the efficient formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cellular currency which drives the majority of enzymatic reactions.^1,2 It inhibits peroxidation of cell membrane lipids as well as circulating lipoproteins.^3,4 CoQ10 supports cardiac tissues by improving endothelial function and by having a direct anti-atherogenic effect, which results in lower blood pressure and improved ventricular contractility.^5,6

High-dose CoQ10, ranging up to 2400 mg per day, has been used primarily for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, though elevated doses have also been used in patients with severe cardiovascular disease or advanced breast cancer.^7-10 Clinical trials have shown benefits for a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including congestive heart failure, hypertension, and prevention of myocardial infarction.^11-12 It also had clinical benefits for a number of other conditions, including migraine, periodontal disease, gingivitis, male infertility, and statin-induced myopathy.