Side Effects Of CoQ10

Otherwise known as Coenzyme Q10, CoQ10 is necessary for every cell in your body. There are two types of CoQ10, Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol that can be purchased as supplements but you can also supplement CoQ10 through diet with foods like organ meat and lentils.  It is stored in your mitochondria, the part of the cell that produces energy, and it has been shown to have a variety of health benefits. Some of those benefits include cancer prevention, cardiovascular health and cognitive function. This article is going to take an in-depth look at the risks and benefits that CoQ10 has to offer. Continue reading to learn more.

Blood Pressure

Studies have found that CoQ10 has the ability to lower isolated systolic hypertension by around 26%. Isolated systolic hypertension is elevated blood pressure that is over 140 mm. It can cause harm to your kidneys, brain, heart and can increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. Changing your diet, balancing your weight and limiting sodium intake can help improve your blood pressure levels but supplementing with CoQ10 has been found to lower regulate your blood pressure. If you are already on medication for high blood pressure, taking a CoQ10 supplement can decrease your necessary dose.

Cardiovascular Health

CoQ10 protects your cells from oxidative stress. Conditions like heart failure generally occur from other cardiovascular conditions like unregulated blood pressure levels. By protecting from oxidative stress, CoQ10 can decrease your risk of dying from a heart problem and can improve the symptoms of heart disease. Studies have found that taking CoQ10 within 72 hours from experiencing a heart attack and continuing supplementation for a year after can significantly decrease your chances of suffering a subsequent heart attack.

Preventing Parkinson’s Disease

Your levels of CoQ10 decrease with age so to mitochondrial function decreases as you age. Mitochondrial dysfunction increases the chances of killing off brain cells which can lead to diseases like Parkinson’s Disease or Alzheimer’s. The brain has a high fatty acid content and a high need for oxygen which makes it especially susceptible to damage caused by oxidative stress. Supplementing with CoQ10 can restore mitochondrial function and slow the decline in people in the beginning stages of Parkinson’s Disease.

Migraine Headaches

Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to cellular calcium uptake that causes migraines and low brain energy. Taking a CoQ10 supplement can decrease inflammation that occurs during a migraine. Studies have found that patients who supplement with CoQ10 experience 30 percent fewer migraines than those taking a placebo. It is expected to take approximately three months to see a change in headache and migraine frequency.

Risks and Side Effects

Minor side effects reported by patients taking a CoQ10 supplement include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and allergic reaction. Dividing the dose can help prevent experiencing these side effects. The effects of CoQ10 on pregnant or nursing women are unknown and you should talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing before taking this supplement. CoQ10 may lower blood pressure. Make sure to talk to your doctor about CoQ10 to proceed with caution before beginning a supplementation regimen.

CoQ10 has a myriad of health benefits. Although you can supplement through your diet, talk to your doctor about supplementing in order to ensure that you are taking an effective and safe amount.