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Is there any downside to taking CoQ10?

CoQ10 supplements appear to be safe and to produce few side effects when taken as directed. Mild side effects might include digestive problems such as: Upper abdominal pain. Loss of appetite.

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Overview

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that your body produces naturally. Your cells use CoQ10 for growth and maintenance. Levels of CoQ10 in your body decrease as you age. CoQ10 levels have also been found to be lower in people with certain conditions, such as heart disease, and in those who take cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins. CoQ10 is found in meat, fish and nuts. The amount of CoQ10 found in these dietary sources, however, isn't enough to significantly increase CoQ10 levels in your body. CoQ10 dietary supplements are available as capsules, chewable tablets, liquid syrups, wafers and by IV. CoQ10 might help prevent or treat certain heart conditions, as well as migraine headaches.

Evidence

Research on CoQ10 use for specific conditions and activities shows:

Heart conditions. CoQ10 has been shown to improve symptoms of congestive heart failure. Although findings are mixed, CoQ10 might help reduce blood pressure. Some research also suggests that when combined with other nutrients, CoQ10 might aid recovery in people who've had bypass and heart valve surgeries. has been shown to improve symptoms of congestive heart failure. Although findings are mixed, might help reduce blood pressure. Some research also suggests that when combined with other nutrients, might aid recovery in people who've had bypass and heart valve surgeries. Diabetes. Although more studies are needed, some research suggests that CoQ10 may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels in people with diabetes, lowering their risk of heart disease. Although more studies are needed, some research suggests that may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels in people with diabetes, lowering their risk of heart disease. Parkinson's disease. Recent research suggests that even high doses of CoQ10 don't seem to improve symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease. Recent research suggests that even high doses of don't seem to improve symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease. Statin-induced myopathy. Some research suggests that CoQ10 might help ease the muscle weakness and pain sometimes associated with taking statins. Some research suggests that might help ease the muscle weakness and pain sometimes associated with taking statins. Migraines. Some research suggests that CoQ10 might decrease the frequency of these headaches. Some research suggests that might decrease the frequency of these headaches. Physical performance. Because CoQ10 is involved in energy production, it's believed that this supplement might improve your physical performance. However, research in this area has produced mixed results.

Our take

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Generally safe

CoQ10 supplements might be beneficial for treating conditions such as congestive heart failure and preventing migraines. CoQ10 is considered safe, with few side effects. However, be sure to take this supplement under your doctor's supervision.

Safety and side effects

CoQ10 supplements appear to be safe and to produce few side effects when taken as directed.

Mild side effects might include digestive problems such as:

Upper abdominal pain

Loss of appetite

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea

Other possible side effects may include:

Headaches and dizziness

Insomnia

Fatigue

Skin itching or rashes

Irritability or agitation

The safety of use of CoQ10 during pregnancy and breast-feeding hasn't been established. Don't use CoQ10 if you're pregnant or breast-feeding without your doctor's approval.

Interactions

Possible interactions include:

Anticoagulants. CoQ10 might make blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin (Jantoven), less effective. This could increase the risk of a blood clot. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Email ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry

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