Reasons to consider taking CoQ10
I have been approached by two people, one taking a statin for high cholesterol, the other concerned about a parent with cardiovascular disease. An excellent review of CoQ10 in disease management is available at http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050915/1065l, published in American Family Physician. Although this appears to be a traditional, conservative medical journal, it provides a thorough review of clinical trials, dosages, and specific products. Reviewing the data at this site, I am able to see that coQ10 may be appealing to many, and it is unclear whether it may be helpful or not.
I recommend that anyone considering the use of CoQ10 ought to read the review . In the two instances I was asked to explore, I highlight the following statements.
1. Studies supporting the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 appear most promising for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and certain encephalomyopathies for which coenzyme Q10 has gained orphan drug status. Results in other areas of research, including treatment of congestive heart failure and diabetes, appear to be contradictory or need further clarification before proceeding with recommendations. Coenzyme Q10 appears to be a safe supplement with minimal side effects and low drug interaction potential.
2. Coenzyme Q10 has been cleared for treatment indications in other countries, such as for congestive heart failure (CHF) in Japan since 1974.
