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“Coenzyme Q10 is a natural compound produced by the body… On a cellular chemistry level, this antioxidant helps convert food into energy.”
- Cooper and Miller, 2010
CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, is a fat-soluble supplement that is believed to help with many things from heart failure to cancer. But, for this post we will focus on how it might help fibromyalgia, ME/CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), migraine, and related symptoms.
Effects of CoQ10 on Gene Expression and Human Cell Signaling
CoQ10 affects expression of genes in mice, and gene expression in human cell signaling, metabolism and transport. It is thought that the effects of CoQ10 supplementation may be due to this property.
The Mitochondria and CoQ10
“In order to understand how CoQ10 works, it is first necessary to understand mitochondria. Imagine that each cell in your body is a car. Mitochondria are the engines – or energy producers – in each cell that make your “car” run. It is the job of the mitochondria to supply this energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This is where CoQ10 comes in. To continue the car analogy, it is the oil that enables the engine to work. [It] is the catalyst that makes it possible for the mitochondria to produce ATP, the molecule upon which all cellular functions in the body depend.”
Coenzyme Q10 is essential to the functioning of the cells in our body, and deficiency has been related to several serious health consequences. This does not mean it comes without precautions and side effects, or drug interactions. So, if you decide to try it, please make sure your doctor and pharmacist have a complete list of all your medications and all the over-the-counter supplements and remedies you use. You can review tips for medication safety on my website.
Could CoQ10 Help Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS?
According to the Mayo Clinic, early study suggests CoQ10 may be helpful for fibromyalgia and related symptoms of dry mouth, muscle weakness and dystrophies, nerve pain, tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
One study on mitochondrial dysfunction shows that CoQ10 could help. Interestingly, in this study IL-8 (a proinflammatory cytokine) was elevated. This was also found in another study relating neuroinflammation to heart rate variability (an autonomic effect) in fibromyalgia. This begs the question,
“Could coQ10 also help fibromyalgia patients
with autonomic nervous system involvement?"
“It is argued that mitochondrial dysfunctions, e.g. lowered ATP production, may play a role in the onset of ME/cfs symptoms, e.g. fatigue and post exertional malaise, and may explain in part the central metabolic abnormalities observed in ME/cfs, e.g. glucose hypometabolism and cerebral hypoperfusion.” (Morris and Maes, 2014.) Though further trials are suggested, it was found in another study that CoQ10 along with NADH, might be beneficial in treating ME/CFS. The results of another study showed “lowered levels of CoQ10 play a role in the pathophysiology of ME/CFS and that symptoms, such as fatigue, and autonomic and neurocognitive symptoms may be caused by CoQ10 depletion.”
Mitchondria, CoQ10
and Migraine
In a literature review published in the journal Headache (Markley,
2012), it was concluded,
"Arising from these extensive neurophysiological studies, the
treatment of metabolic encephalomyopathies with pharmacological doses of
riboflavin and coenzyme Q10 has shown positive benefits. The same treatment has
now been applied to migraine, adding clinical support to the theory that
migraine is a mitochondrial disorder.”
According to a Health Central Clinician, CoQ10 is showing promise for preventing
migraine. Research was presented at an American Headache Society meeting,
showing 300 mg per day to be effective. It is also reported that gel capsules
are absorbed and utilized best by the body.
Taking CoQ10
As with all supplements, CoQ10 is not regulated by the FDA, so please check the manufacturers safety and purity standards. You can check to make sure it is USP verified.
Coenzyme Q10 should not be taken on an empty stomach because it will reduce absorption. It is absorbed best when taken with foods that have fat, such as olive oil (a healthy choice) because it is fat-soluble. Taking it in smaller doses several times a day will help maintain the level circulating in your body and provide the greatest benefit.
While CoQ10 is relatively safe, as we age, so does our metabolism and our production of CoQ10. What is a recommended dose for one person might not be so for another, that’s why having the guidance of your physician is important. If you experience common side effects, talk it over with your doctor, it could be you need to start with a lower dose.
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"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see
opportunity."
Celeste Cooper, RN
Learn more about what you can do to help your body function to its
potential in the books you can find here on Celeste's blog.
All answers and blogs are based on the author's opinions and
writing and are not meant to replace medical advice.
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