This supplement has grown so popular that it gets its own section in some pharmacy spaces—but a renowned cardiologist speaks to red flags, including a note for statin-takers.
About the expert
|
Highlights
|
Coenzyme Q10—often called CoQ10—has become one of the most popular supplements for people looking to boost their wellness. Best known for its role in heart health, CoQ10 helps the body produce energy at the cellular level and acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage. It’s also drawn interest for other potential benefits, such as reducing migraine frequency and supporting fertility.
But even if you’re taking CoQ10 for reasons unrelated to your heart, it’s important to know that the supplement may affect your blood pressure.
Ahead, Frederick St. Goar, MD, a board-certified cardiologist with El Camino Health, explains how CoQ10 works in the body, the possible side effects to watch for, and when to talk to your doctor before adding it to your routine.
What is CoQ10, and how does it affect blood pressure?
“CoQ10 is an enzyme that the body naturally makes,” Dr. St. Goar explains. “It acts as an antioxidant and has effects on various cells, including the endothelium, or lining, of your blood vessels.” Dr. St. Goar adds CoQ10 “may protect and preserve [the endothelium] from damage or deterioration.”
The endothelium plays a major role in keeping your blood vessels flexible. When it’s healthy, your arteries can expand and contract as needed to maintain normal blood pressure. “The health of your endothelium is one of many factors that keep your arteries compliant, and thus your blood pressure within a normal range,” he adds.
As we age, the body’s natural production of CoQ10 declines, which may contribute to endothelial dysfunction and rising blood pressure. Some research suggests that supplementing with CoQ10 can help offset this effect, though results have been mixed.
Dr. St. Goar says CoQ10 supplement has been extensively studied as a method to lower the detrimental increase in blood pressure that occurs with age, but the data has not been consistent. He adds, “While it may be beneficial in some patients, there are presently no predictors as to whom that might be. For this reason it is not routinely recommended by physicians for this purpose.”
CoQ10 side effects: What to know before taking it
Overall, CoQ10 is considered safe for most people. However, like any supplement, it’s not completely without side effects.
“As a supplement, CoQ10 has no well-documented risks, and is usually well-tolerated by patients,” says Dr. St. Goar. “On a rare occasion I have had patients complain that it can be tough on the GI tract causing nausea, cramping and diarrhea.”
These digestive issues are uncommon but can happen, particularly when CoQ10 is taken on an empty stomach or in higher doses. Taking your supplement with food—or splitting your daily dose into two smaller servings—can often help minimize discomfort.
Because CoQ10 may lower blood pressure, those who already have low blood pressure (also known as hypotension) should use it cautiously and only under medical supervision.
It’s also important to know that dietary supplements aren’t strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That means the strength or purity of CoQ10 can vary from one brand to another. For that reason, it’s best to choose products that have been third-party tested for quality and safety—when in doubt, look for the USP seal on the label to signal United States Pharmacopeia verification. Also, discuss any new supplement with your doctor before starting.
How much CoQ10 should you take?
“There is no data or information at this point supporting or confirming an ‘ideal’ or ‘effective’ dose, though well-tolerated dosing ranges in the 100 milligrams (mg) to 200 milligrams a day,” Dr. St. Goar says.
Most CoQ10 supplements fall within this general range, but the right dose can vary depending on your health status and reason for taking it. People using CoQ10 for heart support, fertility, or other conditions should always check with their healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
CoQ10 and statins: Things to know
Many people who take statins for high cholesterol also reach for CoQ10 supplements. That’s because statins can lower your body’s natural CoQ10 levels, potentially leading to side effects like muscle soreness.
“Statins, the most commonly prescribed medication for managing elevated cholesterol, can, on a rare occasion, have the side effect of muscle soreness due to low level inflammation,” Dr. St. Goar notes. In some patients, this discomfort can be eased by the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of CoQ10 supplements. “There is limited harm in trying this though it is hard to predict in whom it will be effective and beneficial,” he adds.
Who should avoid CoQ10?
While CoQ10 is generally safe, Dr. St. Goan says some people should use extra caution.
“CoQ10 should not be considered a replacement for prescribed blood pressure medications, and its use—especially in patients with heart conditions—should be discussed with one’s physician,” explains Dr. St. Goar. “It is contraindicated in patients taking the blood thinner warfarin, as it may impact its effect.” (In medical terms, “contraindicated” means that something should be avoided because it could interfere with another medication or cause harm.)
If you’re thinking about taking CoQ10, it’s best to check with your doctor first. Licensed healthcare professionals can help determine whether it’s safe for you, recommend the right dosage, and ensure it won’t interact with any other medications or supplements you are currently take.
For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:
