Recommended Use

Take one (1) capsule a day or as recommended by your healthcare professional.

What is COQ10?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble antioxidant and nutrient stored within the mitochondrion, the energy factory of our cells. This compound can naturally be found within our bodies. High levels of this compound are stored in organs with high rates of metabolism (require a lot of energy to work) such as the heart, lungs, kidney, and liver.

What is an antioxidant?

Antioxidants are molecules that mainly aim to defend us from cell deterioration or damage in the long run. Within our bodies, there are naturally-occurring molecules called free radicals, which are unstable atoms that can play a role in different kinds of illnesses and diseases. Antioxidants respond to these free radicals by destroying them.

Some of the most common antioxidants include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, lycopene, and beta-carotene. These can be found in dietary sources such as fruits, vegetables, and certain oils.

Why is CoQ10 important to my health?

CoQ10 ensures that our organs are functioning well and that our bodies are capable of performing metabolic processes. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, CoQ10 is involved with the conversion of complex energy sources such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into much simpler molecules. Although healthy people can already produce and store CoQ10 in their bodies, its levels decrease with aging. Low levels of CoQ10 are associated with certain health conditions, such as the following:

1. Diabetes
2. Cardiovascular or heart diseases
3. Neurological or brain disorders
4. Aging
5. Oxidative stress

What is oxidative stress?

Oxidative Stress occurs when the levels of free radicals and antioxidants within our bodies are not proportional or balanced. Having high levels of free radicals, for example, can overwhelm our immune system’s repair processes. In turn, this may contribute to aging and other health conditions.

This is where the importance of CoQ10 comes into play. The compound helps combat these unwanted effects—without it, we may be left at risk of cell and tissue damage.

How can I increase CoQ10 levels in my body?

One way to absorb CoQ10 is through the food that we eat. Listed below are the dietary sources of CoQ10:

1. Animal meats such as pork, beef, and chicken
2. Animal organ meats such as heart and liver
3. Fatty fish such as trout, mackerel, salmon, tuna, and sardines
4. Fruits such as oranges and strawberries
5. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach

It is worth noting, however, that these foods contain low amounts of CoQ10 compared to dietary supplements. To maximize potential health benefits, you may opt to combine a CoQ10-rich diet with a daily CoQ10 supplement. 

What is the recommended dosage for CoQ10 supplements?

The typical recommended dosage ranges from 30 milligrams to 90 milligrams per day, but the recommended amount can be as high as 200 milligrams to 300 milligrams per day. This will depend on the health condition that you wish to manage, and its severity.

Are there adverse effects I should be worried about?

Generally, our bodies can tolerate CoQ10 supplements well even when very high doses of 1,000 milligrams (or 1 gram) are consumed daily or over the course of a few days. However, caution must still be exercised as the side effects listed below may still be experienced especially when taking more than the recommended dosage:

1. Diarrhea
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Abdominal pain
4. Appetite loss
5. Fatigue
6. Headaches and dizziness
7. Skin itching or rashes
8. Irritability

Additionally, it may be ideal to take the supplements during the day—either in the morning or in the afternoon—in order to prevent possibly causing or worsening insomnia.

I have a health problem. Will taking CoQ10 benefit me?

There are existing studies suggesting that taking CoQ10 can help people with various health conditions and promote proper organ function. It is important you consult your doctor prior to taking health supplements.

Am I allowed to take CoQ10 with my medications?

According to Healthline, CoQ10 supplements can interact with some medications that are found in households. These include blood thinners, antidepressants and chemotherapy drugs.  For instance, CoQ10 intake may potentially decrease the effectiveness of blood thinning medications and thereby increase the risk of blood clotting.

Your doctor is in the best position to answer your questions and recommend what medications are most suitable for you.