context: Coenzyme Q10 ( Co Q10) is a nutrient that occurs naturally in the body. Co Q10 is also in many foods we eat. Co Q10 acts as an antioxidant, which protects cells from damage and plays an important part in the metabolism. var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } Although Co Q10 plays a key role in the body, most healthy people have enough Co Q10 naturally. There is some evidence that adding more -- in the form of Co Q10 supplements -- may be beneficial. Increasing age and some medical conditions are associated with dropping levels of Co Q10. But in these cases, it's uncertain that adding Co Q10 will have an effect. Co Q10 has been used to treat many different conditions. There's evidence that Co Q10 supplements can lower blood pressure slightly. Co Q10 is also used to treat heart failure and other heart conditions, possibly helping to improve some symptoms and lessen future cardiac risks when combined with regular medications, but the evidence is conflicting. Though still controversial, some preliminary evidence suggests that Co Q10 may help to prevent or treat the adverse effects, such as muscle pains and liver problems, of taking statin-type cholesterol drugs. Preliminary studies have shown that Co Q10 may slow, but not stop, the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Additional research is needed to confirm this effect. Co Q10 has also been studied as a preventive treatment for migraine headaches, though it may take several months to work. It was also been studied for low sperm count, cancer, HIV, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, gum disease, and many other conditions. However, the research has not found any conclusive benefits. Although Co Q10 is sometimes sold as an energy supplement, there is no evidence that it will boost energy in a typical person. There is no established ideal dose of Co Q10. Studies have used doses of Co Q10 ranging from 50 milligrams to 1,200 milligrams in adults, sometimes split into several doses over the course of a day. A typical daily dose is 100 milligrams to 200 milligrams. Follow the instructions on the bottle or get advice from your doctor or a dietitian. Keep in mind that different supplement brands might have different ingredients and strengths. The amounts of Co Q10 in found naturally in food is much lower than that found in supplements. Good food sources of Co Q10 include: Cold water fish, like tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines Vegetable oils Meats Side effects from Co Q10 seem to be rare and mild. They include diarrhea, nausea, and heartburn. Risks. People with chronic diseases such as heart failure, kidney or liver problems, or diabetes should be wary of using this supplement. Co Q10 may lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Doses of more than 300 milligrams may affect liver enzyme levels. Interactions. People taking blood thinners and thyroid medications as well as chemotherapy should check with their doctors before using Co Q10 supplements. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, Co Q10 supplements are not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.