Bonakdar RA, Guarneri E: Coenzyme Q10. Am Fam Physician 2005;72(6):1065-70.
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble vitamin-like quinine necessary for activities related to energy metabolism. Recent small studies have tested its benefits in Parkinson's disease, mitochondrial cell disease, migraine attacks, diabetes, and congestive heart failure (CHF). A randomized double-blind trial in 42 patients with migraine attacks reported a significant reduction in headache frequency with 300 mg daily of coenzyme Q10 compared to placebo. Early randomized controlled trials reported improvement in clinical variables for patients with CHF, but recent trials that used more accurate techniques to calculate ejection fraction have not shown benefit. Coenzyme Q10 has shown promise, but its value has not been proven in small trials of patients with hypertension, diabetes, and is-chemic cardiac conditions. There are no known absolute contraindications, although reliable data about use in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers or in young children is not available. Adverse effects are rare but monitoring blood pressure and serum glucose is advised. Dosages used in diabetes and cardiovascular condition trials have been in the 100 mg to 200 mg per day range while divided doses up to 1,200 mg daily have been used in Parkinson's disease. Cost varies from $30 a month for 100 mg daily up to $300 for 1,200 mg daily. The authors list brand products that have passed independent content verification. Coenzyme Q10 appears most promising for neurodegenerative disorders, but further research is needed regarding its benefit to other conditions. It appears to be a safe supplement with minimal side effects and a low drug interaction potential.