Physiological effect of Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance found throughout the body, but especially in the heart, liver, kidney, and pancreas. It is eaten in small amounts in meats and seafood. Coenzyme Q10 can also be made in a laboratory.CoQ10 is found in most body tissues. The lowest amounts are found in the lungs. CoQ10 decreases in the body as people get older.

Physiological effect

A coenzyme helps an enzyme do its job. An enzyme is a protein that speeds up the rate at which chemical reactions take place in cells of the body. The body's cells use CoQ10 to make energy needed for the cells to grow and stay healthy. The body also uses CoQ10 as an antioxidant. An antioxidant protects cells from chemicals called free radicals.
Coenzyme Q10 is most commonly used for conditions that affect the heart such as heart failure and fluid build up in the body (congestive heart failure or CHF), chest pain (angina), and high blood pressure. It is also used for preventing migraine headache, Parkinson disease, and many other conditions.

Correlational studies

In laboratory studies, tumor cells are used to test a substance to find out if it is likely to have any anticancer effects. In animal studies, tests are done to see if a drug, procedure, or treatment is safe and effective in animals. Laboratory and animal studies are done before a substance is tested in people.

Side effects

Reported side effects from the use of CoQ10 include the following:

High levels of liver enzymes.
Nausea.
Heartburn.
Headache.
Pain in the upper part of the abdomen.
Dizziness.
Rashes.
Unable to fall sleep or stay asleep.
Feeling very tired.
Feeling irritable.
Sensitive to light.

It is important to check with health care providers to find out if CoQ10 can be safely used with other drugs. Certain drugs, such as those that are used to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood sugar levels, may decrease the effects of CoQ10. CoQ10 may change the way the body uses warfarin (a drug that prevents the blood from clotting) and insulin.