Co-enzyme Q10 - an expensive placebo supplement?

nccih.nih.gov/health/coenzy...

Is there any evidence that taking Q10, which we already make and store naturally, is of any benefit?

I should say that I get mine from Tesco!

[jeanjeannie50]

That's interesting that it's not recommended to take Q10 alongside Warfarin. Didn't know that - not that I take it, but have thought about doing so.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Only been doing that for 16 years Jean and never had any problems with INR or any other issue.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to BobD]

That's good to hear Bob.

[CDreamer]

I think it’s really hard to be able to quantify benefits of nutrients as there is so little research, very little is actually known how nutrients or the lack of affects us over a lifetime and that which exists usually is looking at specifics such as - is it helpful for cardiovascular? Does it prevent migraines? Etc - which is really none sensical as it’s not a treatment for any condition.

Similar arguments apply to any food and nutrient supplement and it’s almost impossible to verify any claims for but much easier to say what any particular substance doesn’t do.

As with all things nutritional, government will not publish or recommend anything without clinical evidence and so we go round in circles.

All I can say is that I take CoQ10 because it is an antioxidant, an essential enzyme for functioning Mitochondria and it is widely accepted that levels of naturally occurring CoQ10 decline with age, as does energy levels and at my age and with my dysfunctioning body I need all the help I can get! My personal experience is that I have more energy when I take CoQ10 than when for some reason I don’t take it.

I think there have been some studies showing that it can be helpful for Alzheimer’s and other neurological conditions and there maybe some placebo affect so for those reasons - I’ll continue taking my 300mg/daily.

[pusillanimous in reply to CDreamer]

My doctor advised that if you take a statin you should always take Q10 with it.

[Auriculaire in reply to pusillanimous]

This is correct as the metabolic pathway that produces cholesterol in the liver also produces Co enzyme Q -0. Statins interfere in the pathway for both.

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

You’re absolutely right. When it comes to evidence based medicine, I am still sitting firmly, if somewhat uncomfortably, on the fence.And I am a fully paid up member of the “lack of evidence is not necessarily evidence of lack” association.

And as I say, I myself take Q10, though by the sounds of it I will have to up the dose and find a possibly better source.

[The_Lord_is_with_Us]

I've seen a lot of MD's over the years. Most of them told me I'm wasting my money on supplements. No way to get good results with them.

My experience shows that most of that mainstream medical advice was incorrect (at least for me). I've had plenty of excellent results with quality supplements.

I'm probably a lot healthier today ... then, If I would have not taken the supplements and caved in to the harsh prescription meds they pushed (always with plenty of side effects).

I take COQ10 and other supplements every day.

[secondtry in reply to The_Lord_is_with_Us]

I imaging many more of us have had the same 'waste of money' comment from GPs here in the UK. What they don't say is that I understand they have no significant training in nutrition nor do they point to research to prove their point; no doubt because there is very little reliable data out there. I continue to take CoQ10 plus 4 other supplements based on wide reading and personal belief. However, I would caution I consider supplements like medical pills and amounts have to be carefully considered.

[Auriculaire in reply to The_Lord_is_with_Us]

Medical education in nutrition is rubbish and doctors are mainly taught these days what drug to prescribe for what condition. My granddaughter's aunt who is now a consultant pulmonologist confessed this to her ! It is in Pharma's interests to rubbish supplements as a healthy population means less dosh for them. You only have to look at their profits!

[GrannyE in reply to The_Lord_is_with_Us]

So do i

[Gladstone001]

Hi Badger,CoQ10 has worked wonders for me. Please see my story:

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...............

Magnesium and Ubiquinol have significantly improved my AF.

Cheers

[Hidden in reply to Gladstone001]

An excellent OP and subsequent thread. I think you should consider bumping it, so that new and returning members get to see it. If I had known this 40 years ago when my SVT slowly started to morph towards paroxysmal AFib, I might not be permanent now, not that it bothers me overmuch. Where were you then!

Thanks very much. Look forward to seeing more OPs.

[acfxr12]

After researching CoQ10 and other supplements, magnesium, plant sterols, fish oils etc. etc. I determined that the vitamins and minerals magnesium and potassium of good quality, are extremely important in keeping the proper levels of them in your system. I also found many sites selling questionable CoQ10. I also found white papers on this subject and there is evidence that there are positive results in the few clinical "double blind trials" I found. It was also of note to me that the use of CoQ10 while on prescription blood thinners was not recommended. I am currently on Xarelto, and was taking CoQ10 at the same time. After finding the recommendation to not use at the same time as blood thinners I have decided to hold off until my EP takes me off the thinners and the half life listed X 5 has passed. Not sure if it is ok to add links so I will not hyperlink. I did a large amount of supplement research on youngagain.com. Also Harvard med and other sites for the white papers. I will say for every white paper I found with positive results, I could find another with negative results...

[Hidden in reply to acfxr12]

Your point about DOACs and Coenzyme Q10 will concern many on the forum. I can see that there are reports of Q10 affecting platelets.

Would you consider putting up your own post on this and other comments from your reply above. A new thread will likely draw more attention to this important matter.

Please add any links you feel will help us. Relevant links are always welcome

[Gladstone001 in reply to acfxr12]

My EP checked interactions of Magnesium and CoQ10 with Sotalol and Apixaban and gave me the all clear.

[GrannyE in reply to Gladstone001]

That’s good to know cos I am on Apixaban and will be for life

[Peony4575]

According to google you should avoid taking coenzymeQ10 if you take beta blockers and quite a few other medications

[Gladstone001 in reply to Peony4575]

Hi Peony4575,Google has multiple references to this issue. I prefer to ask my cardiologist/EP and go with his/her advice.

Thanks

Gladstone001