What are the main benefits of coenzyme Q10?

    Last Updated: February 19, 2024

    CoQ10 is a key endogenous antioxidant; however, its production in the body can be affected by age, underlying medical conditions, and other factors. One meta-analysis, involving healthy participants and those with cardiovascular or metabolic disease, revealed that supplementation with 30–500 mg daily of CoQ10 significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) scores and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (an oxidative stress marker) compared to the control group, although it did not significantly affect levels of another endogenous antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD).[1]

    Another meta-analysis indicated that supplementation with CoQ10 significantly lowered levels of inflammatory markers such as c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), suggesting a potential anti-inflammatory effect.[2]

    Additionally, CoQ10 demonstrated potential for reduction of migraine and non-migraine headaches in both adults[3] and children aged 6–12 years.[4]

    Furthermore, extensive research has explored the cardiovascular and metabolic benefits of CoQ10, yielding promising results. For detailed information on CoQ10's main benefits on cardiovascular and metabolic health, please refer to the question “What are coenzyme Q10’s main benefits on cardiovascular and metabolic health?”

    Finally, preliminary evidence suggests that supplementation with CoQ10 (300 mg) may be effective in reducing symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.[5]

    References

    1. ^Dai S, Tian Z, Zhao D, Liang Y, Liu M, Liu Z, Hou S, Yang YEffects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Adults: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Antioxidants (Basel).(2022-Jul-13)
    2. ^Hou S, Tian Z, Zhao D, Liang Y, Dai S, Ji Q, Fan Z, Liu Z, Liu M, Yang YEfficacy and Optimal Dose of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Inflammation-Related Biomarkers: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Mol Nutr Food Res.(2023-Jul)
    3. ^Sándor PS, Di Clemente L, Coppola G, Saenger U, Fumal A, Magis D, Seidel L, Agosti RM, Schoenen JEfficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized controlled trialNeurology.(2005 Feb 22)
    4. ^Slater SK, Nelson TD, Kabbouche MA, LeCates SL, Horn P, Segers A, Manning P, Powers SW, Hershey ADA randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover, add-on study of CoEnzyme Q10 in the prevention of pediatric and adolescent migraineCephalalgia.(2011 Jun)
    5. ^Mario D Cordero, Elísabet Alcocer-Gómez, Manuel de Miguel, Ognjen Culic, Angel M Carrión, José Miguel Alvarez-Suarez, Pedro Bullón, Maurizio Battino, Ana Fernández-Rodríguez, José Antonio Sánchez-AlcazarCan coenzyme q10 improve clinical and molecular parameters in fibromyalgia?Antioxid Redox Signal.(2013 Oct 20)