Coenzyme Q10- What is it, exactly? We know that it provides antioxidant protection and is beneficial for cardiovascular health. Athletes use it to after a grueling workout. Vitamin Q stands for coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a valuable, if somewhat obscure, vitamin-like substance which revitalizes the whole body for optimum health.
What is coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is also known as ubiquinone and ubidecarenone; it is similar to a vitamin, and is often described as a vitamin-like substance. CoQ10 assists the body on a cellular level, and helps to maintain proper immune function.
Coenzyme Q10 is also part of a large group of enzymes which aids in digestive health and helps to maintain a healthy heart.
CoQ10 is produced by our bodies, but it is also found in food sources such as:
- Beef, chicken and eggs
- Organ meats (liver, kidneys, heart)
- Soybean and canola oils
- Fish, such as mackerel, herring and sardines
- Roasted peanuts, sesame seeds and pistachios
- Oranges and strawberries
- Broccoli and cauliflower
How is coenzyme Q10 used?
Migraines: Coenzyme Q10 is often included in dietary nutrients for migraines. Studies shown that migraine patients who include CoQ10 in their regimen often experience significant improvement in neurological health. Other essential nutrients for migraine headaches are riboflavin, magnesium and butterbur. CoQ10 is available as a capsule, sublingual tablet, powder, chewable tablet, lozenge, spray and lotion.
Parkinson’s disease: Scientists have noted fluctuated levels of CoQ10 in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients of Parkinson’s. A study which was published by the Neurology journal notes particular benefit in supplementing Parkinson’s patients with CoQ10.
Heart health: Coenzyme Q10 is used along with other nutrients for maintaining already healthy blood pressure levels.
Asthma: Corticosteroids, steroid hormones which are used to treat asthma, have been proven to diminish CoQ10 levels. Conversely, supplementing with CoQ10 aids in respiratory health, allowing asthma patients to take lower doses and thus reduce their risk for side effects associated with high steroid usage.
Studies linking CoQ10 with migraines
There have been several studies which have used placebos to test the effectiveness of CoQ10 for migraine patients.
- One study focused on 31 migraine patients; 19 participants reported positive results with CoQ10 supplement.
- A separate placebo study of 42 migraine sufferers found CoQ10 supplements to be 3 times more beneficial for neurological health than a placebo.
- A study of 1,550 migraine patients found that 33% of participants were deficient in CoQ10; of those individuals, supplementation of coenzyme Q10 for migraines resulted in dramatic results.
- Researchers have noted that improved neurological functioning occurred only after an initial 3-month period of CoQ10 supplementation.
What dosage is recommended for coenzyme Q10?
- For migraines, the typical dose of CoQ10 is 100 mg, three times per day.
- To maintain healthy CoQ10 levels, individuals are advised to take 150 mg per day.
- For cardiovascular health, 100 mg per day, divided into 2 or 3 doses are recommended.
- To maintain healthy blood pressure, take 120-200 mg per day, divided into 2 doses.
For more information about coenzyme Q10 and migraines, read Migraine and CoenzymeQ10 (CoQ10)
Sources:
Migraine.com, MedicinePlus, Patient.co.uk, American Heart Association, Mayo Clinic, Cancer.org, WebMD, Neurology
