CoQ10 Supplementation - What Does the Science Say?

No doubt, you have seen a lot of information on supplementing with CoQ10.  At Vitopia Health, we strive to provide you with the most current scientific reviews so you can make informed decisions about your health and spend your money on the supplements that have the greatest impact.  Because a high quality CoQ10 is one of the more expensive supplements, many people have asked us whether it is worth the money and what dosage is enough. The answer is YES.

• Blood sugar. In one randomized controlled trial of overweight and diabetic patients with coronary heart disease (aged 40-85 years), 30 patients received 100mg of CoQ10/day for eight weeks and 30 received a placebo. The results showed that CoQ10 supplementation reduced serum insulin levels, improved insulin resistance and enabled more efficient insulin production. Excess glucose and insulin contribute to virtually every degenerative disorder, including diabetes, kidney disease, dementia, cancer and many others. Normal aging, diabetes, and obesity contribute to cellular insulin resistance.
• CoQ10 also affects cholesterol.  A sophisticated blood test, lipoprotein(a), measures a type of cholesterol beyond LDL and HDL. The Copenhagen City Heart Study found that individuals with Lp(a) above 104 nmol/L had an increased risk for heart attack.  In a systematic review of seven randomized controlled trials, CoQ10 supplementation led to a statistically significant reduction in Lp(a) levels.  The review also found that higher doses of CoQ10 corresponded to greater Lp(a) lowering.
• Not only does CoQ10 supplementation improve various scores, it has been shown to increase lifespan. The meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials involving 2,149 heart failure patients revealed that CoQ10 supplementation decreased mortality by 31% compared with placebo.

It is important to know that the body's CoQ10 levels decline with age and that many drugs deplete CoQ10, especially statin drugs.

Unfortunately, many physicians and patients expect an immediate response from CoQ10 supplementation.  A study published in December 2014 showed that it takes six months to a year for conventional CoQ10 supplements to build up in the heart and for significant clinical benefits to occur. People with chronic disease may need to start with a higher loading dose. Note: this study of CoQ10 supplementation demonstrated a 42% reduction in all-cause mortality.

Perhaps you are now wondering how much and what type to take?

• Loading dose.At Vitopia Health, we follow the recommendations of Dr. Langsjoen, who is one of the world's foremost experts in the use of CoQ10 to treat cardiac disease.  Dr. Langsjoen suggests starting with 300mg per day for the first month to fully saturate your cells.  After the first month, you can go to 100-200mg per day as the maintenance dose. 
• Form. CoQ10 comes in two forms: ubiquinol, the more readably useable antioxidant form, and ubiquinone, used for cellular energy production (which partially converts to ubiquinol).  Langsjoen’s studies did show that ubiquinolhas dramatically improved absorption in patients with severe heart failure. Based on this information, Dr. Langsjoen recommends that younger people with healthy digestive tracts can probably benefit equally with ubiquinoneor ubiquinol, but as one ages people should consider ubiquinolas it absorbs into the bloodstream better. For patients with congestive heart failure, Dr. Langsjoen recommends continuous high doses of ubiquinolto improve cardiac function. 
• Quality. We should also point out that CoQ10 quality makes a difference. The source of raw ingredients, presence of fillers, and differences in the manufacturing process can all affect your body’s ability to absorb and metabolize the active ingredient.
• Combine with B6. Recent studies have shown that combining CoQ10 with vitamin B6 (specifically the bioactive form known as pyridoxal 5'-phosphate or P5P) adds additional protection against coronary artery disease.This combination boosts blood levels of CoQ10 and improves CoQ10 bioavailability in the body.

In summary, CoQ10 has been widely studied, with no reported negative side effects, and offers the potential to reduce cardiovascular risks. As always, if you have specific questions about the scientific content, the pharmaceutical grade supplements that Vitopia Health carries, or specific supplement recommendations, please contact us at customercare@vitopiahealth.com 

Your Partner For Optimal Health!

Mike Woodley, R.Ph., FAARM, FMNM, ABAAHP

Chief Health Officer

Vitopia Health