In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleHealth Benefits of CoQ10Recommended DosageSide Effects and PrecautionsFrequently Asked Questions
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
Health Benefits of CoQ10
Recommended Dosage
Side Effects and Precautions
Frequently Asked Questions
Close
Photo:Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Getty Images
Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Getty Images
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)—also known as ubiquinone—is an essential compound required for energy production within your cells.But is it safe to take CoQ10 daily—and should you? And what happens to your body when you do?
Here, we’ll explore the effects of CoQ10 on your body and its numerous potential health benefits. We’ll also discuss the recommended dosage, potential side effects and risks of taking it daily. Read on to discover how this compound works and how it can impact your health.
What Happens to Your Body When You Take a Multivitamin Every Day
With that said, if you decide to take CoQ10, here’s a look at four ways it may affect your well-being:
1. It May Support Your Heart Health
2. It May Give You a Little Energy Boost
CoQ10 may play a role in carbohydrate metabolism, which is needed to produce ATP to energize your cells.“CoQ10 supplementation has been associated with improved energy levels and reduced fatigue in some individuals,” says Best. That’s no guarantee, of course. Rather than looking at a supplement as a bandage, if you’re having energy issues, you’ll want to assess your daily habits and see what you may be able to change, such as getting at least seven hours of sleep per night,drinking waterthroughout the day, exposing yourself tomorning sunlight, and eating certain foods (likethese fruits!) that provide a natural pick-me-up. If you’re still feeling sluggish after some tweaks, consult your medical provider.
8 Sneaky Reasons You’re Tired That Have Nothing to Do with Sleep
3. It May Help Reduce Inflammation
4. It Can Support Immune Function
Vitamins C and D, zinc and protein can all help keep colds and other illnesses at bay—and you may be able to add CoQ10 to that list. According to a research review, CoQ10 may rev up the activity of immune cells that help the body defend itself against infection.“Immune cells, such as T and B cells, require energy to carry out their functions effectively, including identifying and combating pathogens like bacteria and viruses,” says Best. “CoQ10 helps ensure that immune cells have the energy they need to perform their roles efficiently,” she explains.
Recommended Dosage and Supplements
While there is no established ideal dose for CoQ10, it’s considered a safe dietary supplement and the generally recommended dosage for adults is 100 to 200 milligrams per day.However, some studies have used higher doses, up to 300 to 400 milligrams daily, for certain conditions, such as congestive heart failure and hypertension, so talk to your doctor about the ideal dosage for you depending on your health background.
Look for supplements that have independent verification, such as from the NSF, which reviews the label to ensure that what’s listed is in the bottle and the formula is free from contaminants.
These 7 Supplements Can Be Toxic If You Take Too Much
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
CoQ10 is considered generally safe when you take a recommended dose. However, mild side effects like insomnia or digestive issues may occur. Additionally, CoQ10 may interact with certain medications, such asblood thinnerslike warfarin (Coumadin), insulin and some cancer treatments.Even though supplements like CoQ10 are easily available to buy over-the-counter, it’s a good idea to ask your pharmacist if adding CoQ10 to your current lineup of medications will cause any interactions.
The Bottom Line
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a popular supplement that offers potential health benefits for heart health, energy production, antioxidant support and immune function. It is considered generally safe, though it can lead to minor side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and insomnia. As always, consult with a health care professional before starting any new supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Frequently Asked Questions“CoQ10’s side effects are relatively uncommon, and most people can tolerate CoQ10 supplementation well,” says Best. However, some people may experience mild side effects, such as insomnia or digestive issues. “If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms after taking CoQ10, discontinue use and consult with a health care professional,” she says.Like any supplement, avoid taking high doses of CoQ10 without medical supervision, as this may lead to potential side effects. Additionally, CoQ10 may interact with certain medications like blood thinners, so talk to your health care provider if you’re taking any medications.Since CoQ10 is essential for energy production within cells, it primarily helps organs that require a lot of energy, such as the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas.
“CoQ10’s side effects are relatively uncommon, and most people can tolerate CoQ10 supplementation well,” says Best. However, some people may experience mild side effects, such as insomnia or digestive issues. “If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms after taking CoQ10, discontinue use and consult with a health care professional,” she says.
Like any supplement, avoid taking high doses of CoQ10 without medical supervision, as this may lead to potential side effects. Additionally, CoQ10 may interact with certain medications like blood thinners, so talk to your health care provider if you’re taking any medications.
Since CoQ10 is essential for energy production within cells, it primarily helps organs that require a lot of energy, such as the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas.
Read Next:5 “Bad” Things You Should Be Doing for Better Immune Health, According to Health Experts
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Sood B, Patel P, Keenaghan M.Coenzyme Q10.In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.Rabanal-Ruiz Y, Llanos-González E, Alcain FJ.The Use of Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular Diseases.Antioxidants. 2021;10(5):755. doi: 10.3390/antiox10050755Barcelos IP, Haas RH.CoQ10 and Aging.Biology (Basel). 2019;8(2):28. doi:10.3390/biology8020028Di Lorenzo A, Iannuzzo G, Parlato A, et al.Clinical Evidence for Q10 Coenzyme Supplementation in Heart Failure: From Energetics to Functional Improvement.Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020;9(5):1266. doi:10.3390/jcm9051266Zhao D, Liang Y, Dai S, et al.Dose-Response Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Blood Pressure among Patients with Cardiometabolic Disorders: A Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE)-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Advances in Nutrition. 2022;13(6):2180-2194. doi:10.1093/advances/nmac100Fernandes MSS, Fidelis DEDS, Aidar FJ, Badicu G, Greco G, Cataldi S, Santos GCJ, de Souza RF, Ardigò LP.Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review.Nutrients. 2023;15(18):3990. doi:10.3390/nu15183990Cirilli I, Damiani E, Dludla PV, et al.Role of Coenzyme Q10 in Health and Disease: An Update on the Last 10 Years (2010-2020).Antioxidants. 2021;10(8):1325. doi:10.3390/antiox10081325Mantle D, Heaton RA, Hargreaves IP.Coenzyme Q10 and Immune Function: An Overview.Antioxidants. 2021;10(5):759. doi:10.3390/antiox10050759National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Coenzyme Q10.National Sanitation Foundation.Supplement and Vitamin Certification.
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Sood B, Patel P, Keenaghan M.Coenzyme Q10.In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.Rabanal-Ruiz Y, Llanos-González E, Alcain FJ.The Use of Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular Diseases.Antioxidants. 2021;10(5):755. doi: 10.3390/antiox10050755Barcelos IP, Haas RH.CoQ10 and Aging.Biology (Basel). 2019;8(2):28. doi:10.3390/biology8020028Di Lorenzo A, Iannuzzo G, Parlato A, et al.Clinical Evidence for Q10 Coenzyme Supplementation in Heart Failure: From Energetics to Functional Improvement.Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020;9(5):1266. doi:10.3390/jcm9051266Zhao D, Liang Y, Dai S, et al.Dose-Response Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Blood Pressure among Patients with Cardiometabolic Disorders: A Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE)-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Advances in Nutrition. 2022;13(6):2180-2194. doi:10.1093/advances/nmac100Fernandes MSS, Fidelis DEDS, Aidar FJ, Badicu G, Greco G, Cataldi S, Santos GCJ, de Souza RF, Ardigò LP.Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review.Nutrients. 2023;15(18):3990. doi:10.3390/nu15183990Cirilli I, Damiani E, Dludla PV, et al.Role of Coenzyme Q10 in Health and Disease: An Update on the Last 10 Years (2010-2020).Antioxidants. 2021;10(8):1325. doi:10.3390/antiox10081325Mantle D, Heaton RA, Hargreaves IP.Coenzyme Q10 and Immune Function: An Overview.Antioxidants. 2021;10(5):759. doi:10.3390/antiox10050759National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Coenzyme Q10.National Sanitation Foundation.Supplement and Vitamin Certification.
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Sood B, Patel P, Keenaghan M.Coenzyme Q10.In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.Rabanal-Ruiz Y, Llanos-González E, Alcain FJ.The Use of Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular Diseases.Antioxidants. 2021;10(5):755. doi: 10.3390/antiox10050755Barcelos IP, Haas RH.CoQ10 and Aging.Biology (Basel). 2019;8(2):28. doi:10.3390/biology8020028Di Lorenzo A, Iannuzzo G, Parlato A, et al.Clinical Evidence for Q10 Coenzyme Supplementation in Heart Failure: From Energetics to Functional Improvement.Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020;9(5):1266. doi:10.3390/jcm9051266Zhao D, Liang Y, Dai S, et al.Dose-Response Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Blood Pressure among Patients with Cardiometabolic Disorders: A Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE)-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Advances in Nutrition. 2022;13(6):2180-2194. doi:10.1093/advances/nmac100Fernandes MSS, Fidelis DEDS, Aidar FJ, Badicu G, Greco G, Cataldi S, Santos GCJ, de Souza RF, Ardigò LP.Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review.Nutrients. 2023;15(18):3990. doi:10.3390/nu15183990Cirilli I, Damiani E, Dludla PV, et al.Role of Coenzyme Q10 in Health and Disease: An Update on the Last 10 Years (2010-2020).Antioxidants. 2021;10(8):1325. doi:10.3390/antiox10081325Mantle D, Heaton RA, Hargreaves IP.Coenzyme Q10 and Immune Function: An Overview.Antioxidants. 2021;10(5):759. doi:10.3390/antiox10050759National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Coenzyme Q10.National Sanitation Foundation.Supplement and Vitamin Certification.
Sood B, Patel P, Keenaghan M.Coenzyme Q10.In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
Rabanal-Ruiz Y, Llanos-González E, Alcain FJ.The Use of Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular Diseases.Antioxidants. 2021;10(5):755. doi: 10.3390/antiox10050755
Barcelos IP, Haas RH.CoQ10 and Aging.Biology (Basel). 2019;8(2):28. doi:10.3390/biology8020028
Di Lorenzo A, Iannuzzo G, Parlato A, et al.Clinical Evidence for Q10 Coenzyme Supplementation in Heart Failure: From Energetics to Functional Improvement.Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020;9(5):1266. doi:10.3390/jcm9051266
Zhao D, Liang Y, Dai S, et al.Dose-Response Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Blood Pressure among Patients with Cardiometabolic Disorders: A Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE)-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Advances in Nutrition. 2022;13(6):2180-2194. doi:10.1093/advances/nmac100
Fernandes MSS, Fidelis DEDS, Aidar FJ, Badicu G, Greco G, Cataldi S, Santos GCJ, de Souza RF, Ardigò LP.Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review.Nutrients. 2023;15(18):3990. doi:10.3390/nu15183990
Cirilli I, Damiani E, Dludla PV, et al.Role of Coenzyme Q10 in Health and Disease: An Update on the Last 10 Years (2010-2020).Antioxidants. 2021;10(8):1325. doi:10.3390/antiox10081325
Mantle D, Heaton RA, Hargreaves IP.Coenzyme Q10 and Immune Function: An Overview.Antioxidants. 2021;10(5):759. doi:10.3390/antiox10050759
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Coenzyme Q10.
National Sanitation Foundation.Supplement and Vitamin Certification.
