Coenzyme Q10 on Steroids Rx.com
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 | Coenzyme Q10 is a health supplement widely used by many people. CoQ10 is also known as Kaneka Q10, Ubiquinone, vitamin q10, Solu Q10. Some individuals use Coenzyme Q10 to prevent medical diseases, others use it to cure medical disorders and others use it to boost their exercise performance.
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Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring compound manufactured in the body. It is essential in the functioning of the cell at molecular level. What is not well understood is what it exactly does. There is a lot of evidence that it is a potent compound and plays a role in the generation of energy. That is why it is found in the highest concentrations in the liver, brain, heart and kidneys. Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 for short has been claimed to cure many diseases and prevent others. The puzzling feature about this compound is that it is known that levels do decline as we age. However, this decline in levels is not consistent and not directly linked to any diseases. Some individuals have low levels and have no diseases; where other individuals have high levels of CoQ10 and have some type of disease. CoQ10 deficiencies may occur if the body does not manufacture the substance or if there is impaired synthesis. Some people may have CoQ10 deficiency due to poor dietary intake. Levels of CoQ10 can definitely be increased by taking supplement of this substance, but it is not known what really happens to this extra supplement. Dealers who sell CoQ10 recommend if for the treatment of many medical disorders but there is little evidence that it does anything. CoQ10 has been widely tested in humans and animals. For short term use it is pretty safe. Long term data on the safety of CoQ10 are not available. | ||
CoQ10 and exercise performance
| Over the years many athletes have been taking CoQ10 to boost their performance in sports. CoQ10 is widely available without a prescription. There have also been many studies conducted on the benefits of CoQ10 in exercise performance. While some studies have shown little benefit, there are others which have shown moderate benefit, especially when it comes to activities that require spontaneous bursts of activity. Many athletes who have taken CoQ10 claim that they have performed well when taking CoQ10 supplements. |  |
In some medical disorders like muscular dystrophies, CoQ10 supplements have also shown some improvement. Why some individuals improve and build muscle and others do not is not really well understood. In some long distance sports, CoQ10 supplements have been shown to improve endurance and performance. How long one needs to take CoQ10 to get the exercise benefits is not known. Most studies indicate that at least 4-6 weeks of daily consumption is required. | |
Dosing
 | For individuals who want to build their bodies, it is recommended that one take about 200 mg/4 times a day. The total should not exceed 1200mg. CoQ10 is also available as a Soya bean oil suspension which can be pasted on the skin or gums. |
| The pills are available in most health food stores. Because there is concern about the quality and quantity of CoQ10 in each formulation, it is highly recommended that one go to a reputable dealer. Fakes and contaminants in health supplements are not unheard off. | |
Side effects
CoQ10 is generally regarded as a safe supplement. However, there is not enough scientific data to recommend its use in children, pregnant females or those who are breast feeding. The most common side effects of CoQ10 are an itch or a rash. This resolves when the supplement is discontinued. Other rare side effects of CoQ10 include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea and headaches. |  |
Diabetic should be warned that CoQ10 can lower levels of blood sugars and they need to monitor the sugar levels more closely when taking this supplement. CoQ10 has also been found to lower the blood pressure in some individuals. | |
References
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Hodgson JM, Watts GF, Playford DA, et al. Coenzyme Q(10) improves blood pressure and glycemic control: a controlled trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002; 56(11):1137-1142.
Kon M, Kimura F, Akimoto T, Tanabe K, Murase Y, Ikemune S, Kono I. Effect of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on exercise-induced muscular injury of rats. Exerc Immunol Rev. 2007; 13:76-88.
Mizuno K, Tanaka M, Nozaki S, Mizuma H, Ataka S, Tahara T, Sugino T, Shirai T, Kajimoto Y, Kuratsune H, Kajimoto O, Watanabe Y. Antifatigue effects of coenzyme Q10 during physical fatigue. Nutrition. 2008 Apr; 24(4):293-9. Epub 2008 Feb 13.
Nielsen AN, Mizuno M, Ratkevicius A, Mohr T, Rohde M, Mortensen SA, Quistorff B. No effect of antioxidant supplementation in triathletes on maximal oxygen uptake, 31P-NMRS detected muscle energy metabolism and muscle fatigue. Int J Sports Med. 1999 Apr; 20(3):154-8.
O’Dea JA. Consumption of nutritional supplements among adolescents: usage and perceived benefits. Health Educ Res. 2003 Feb; 18(1):98-107.
Weston SB, Zhou S, Weatherby RP, Robson SJ. Does exogenous coenzyme Q10 affect aerobic capacity in endurance athletes? Int J Sport Nutr. 1997 Sep; 7(3):197-206.
Williams MH. Ergogenic and ergolytic substances. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1992 Sep; 24(9 Suppl):S344-8.
Ylikoski T, Piirainen J, Hanninen O, Penttinen J The effect of coenzyme Q10 on the exercise performance of cross-country skiers.. Mol Aspects Med. 1997;18 Suppl:S283-90.
