Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone or CoQ10, is a lipid (fatty) molecule that is active in energy generation and has antioxidant properties. It is made by the body and is available from foods. CoQ10 supplementation has been applied in mitochondrial and neurodegenerative diseases, including MS1,2.
Various studies have examined the role of CoQ10 as a neuroprotectant against ROS damage and cell death, and in the management of immunological disorders, including MS2. It might potentially act by stabilizing the membranes of mitochondria when neurons are exposed to oxidative stress3.
In an animal model of MS-like demyelination, researchers found that CoQ10 reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers and enhanced remyelination4.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in MS patients linked a CoQ10 dose of 500 mg/day with reduced fatigue, depression5, inflammation6, and oxidative stress, plus increased antioxidant activity with 12 weeks of therapy.
Of note, a clinical study found the addition of 5 mg piperine (an extract from black pepper) to increase the bioavailability of 120 mg CoQ10 by nearly a third8.
While research surrounding CoQ10 and pregnancy is limited, most studies indicate CoQ10 is generally safe to take in supplement form during pregnancy9. In a clinical study in women at risk for pre-eclampsia (severe high blood pressure during pregnancy), 100 mg per day of CoQ10 for 20 weeks was associated with less pre-eclampsia development and demonstrated adequate safety10.
CoQ10 is a normal component of human milk, highest in mothers who carry infants to term. It has no specific lactation-related uses and no data exist on the safety and efficacy of supplementation in nursing mothers or infants. However, CoQ`0 supplements are usually well tolerated with only infrequent, minor side effects11.
CoQ10 is found naturally in fatty fish (such as salmon and tuna), organ meats (such as liver), and whole grains12.
References
1.Pradhan N, Singh C, Singh A. Coenzyme Q10 a mitochondrial restorer for various brain disorders. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. Nov 2021;394(11):2197-2222. doi:10.1007/s00210-021-02161-8
2.Lopez-Pedrera C, Villalba JM, Patino-Trives AM, et al. Therapeutic Potential and Immunomodulatory Role of Coenzyme Q(10) and Its Analogues in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel). Apr 13 2021;10(4)doi:10.3390/antiox10040600
3.Somayajulu M, McCarthy S, Hung M, Sikorska M, Borowy-Borowski H, Pandey S. Role of mitochondria in neuronal cell death induced by oxidative stress; neuroprotection by Coenzyme Q10. Neurobiol Dis. Apr 2005;18(3):618-27. doi:10.1016/j.nbd.2004.10.021
4.Khalilian B, Madadi S, Fattahi N, Abouhamzeh B. Coenzyme Q10 enhances remyelination and regulate inflammation effects of cuprizone in corpus callosum of chronic model of multiple sclerosis. J Mol Histol. Feb 2021;52(1):125-134. doi:10.1007/s10735-020-09929-x
5.Sanoobar M, Dehghan P, Khalili M, Azimi A, Seifar F. Coenzyme Q10 as a treatment for fatigue and depression in multiple sclerosis patients: A double blind randomized clinical trial. Nutr Neurosci. 2016;19(3):138-43. doi:10.1179/1476830515Y.0000000002
6.Sanoobar M, Eghtesadi S, Azimi A, et al. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation ameliorates inflammatory markers in patients with multiple sclerosis: a double blind, placebo, controlled randomized clinical trial. Nutr Neurosci. May 2015;18(4):169-76. doi:10.1179/1476830513Y.0000000106
7.Sanoobar M, Eghtesadi S, Azimi A, Khalili M, Jazayeri S, Reza Gohari M. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduces oxidative stress and increases antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Int J Neurosci. Nov 2013;123(11):776-82. doi:10.3109/00207454.2013.801844
8.Badmaev V, Majeed M, Prakash L. Piperine derived from black pepper increases the plasma levels of coenzyme Q10 following oral supplementation. J Nutr Biochem. Feb 2000;11(2):109-13. doi:10.1016/s0955-2863(99)00074-1
9.Hidaka T, Fujii K, Funahashi I, Fukutomi N, Hosoe K. Safety assessment of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Biofactors. 2008;32(1-4):199-208. doi:10.1002/biof.5520320124
10.Teran E, Hernandez I, Nieto B, Tavara R, Ocampo JE, Calle A. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation during pregnancy reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. Apr 2009;105(1):43-5. doi:10.1016/j.ijgo.2008.11.033
11.Coenzyme Q10. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed(R)). 2006.
12.Saini R. Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. Jul 2011;3(3):466-7. doi:10.4103/0975-7406.84471