What Is CoQ10?

While researchers continue to learn more about the benefits of CoQ10 supplements and the various ways in which antioxidant-rich CoQ10 can improve the health and wellness of people who take it, studies are also revealing some CoQ10 limitations.

In order to understand CoQ10 limitations, it is important to know what this substance is. This naturally-occurring substance is a fat-soluble cellular enzyme and antioxidant that is found throughout the human body. It can also be manufactured in a laboratory environment for inclusion in CoQ10 supplements like Ubiquinone. This enzyme works within the body, helping to break down food into usable energy while the antioxidant part of CoQ10 combats the negative effect of free radicals within the body by neutralizing them.

CoQ10 Effects on Cholesterol

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, CoQ10 is "Possibly ineffective" for reducing high cholesterol. This CoQ10 limitation is important to note, since many people associate this vitamin-like supplement with reducing cardiovascular issues and therefore assume it also works to reduce high cholesterol, a known risk factor for heart disease, stroke and heart attacks.

While taking a CoQ10 dietary supplement has been proven to reduce the negative side effects of prescription medications that are designed to lower cholesterol levels (known as statins), the actual supplement has not been shown to have any impact whatsoever on cholesterol levels.

Other CoQ10 Limitations

As doctors and scientists continue to explore the benefits of taking a CoQ10 dietary supplement daily, regularly monitoring which conditions can be effectively treated with CoQ10 products like Ubiquinone is important. The U.S. National Library of Medicine has listed a number of medical conditions, illnesses and diseases for which CoQ10 may be effective, however, there is insufficient evidence right now to actually rate this effectiveness.

Some of the conditions that CoQ10 has been used for include fibromyalgia, fatigue and lyme disease. Researchers believe that the supplement may help to support cellular health and counteract the inflammatory effect of free radicals within the body, leading to a reduction in overall pain-causing inflammation.

Using CoQ10 supplements as a treatment continues to be controversial for a number of health conditions such as breast cancer, male infertility and angina. It is also being used on an experimental level to help cocaine addicts reduce their drug dependence and some athletes have used CoQ10 products in an effort to improve their athletic performance.

In spite of these CoQ10 limitations, researchers agree that this powerful supplement is effective in both the prevention and treatment of migraine headaches. It has also shown promise in the reduction of symptoms of neurological diseases like Parkinson's, while some patients with muscular dystrophies report an overall improvement in their health and wellness when taking CoQ10 supplements. It is important to note that CoQ10 is widely considered to be a safe product, with very few negative side effects reported by those who use CoQ10 supplements. As with all medications, it is important to consult with a medical provider before choosing to take CoQ10.