Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is an essential enzyme. It is found in a wide range of foods and can also be synthesized by the body. The compound is at the center of certain metabolic processes and is a potent antioxidant. Supplemental CoQ10 might be beneficial for many disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular disorders and periodontal disease. The dosage of CoQ10 typically depends on the underlying disorder that a person has, with certain neurological disorders generally requiring much higher doses of the compound than cardiovascular disorders.
Several enzymes are dependent on adequate quantities of CoQ10 in the body to function optimally. The compound is a catalyst for energy production and energy metabolism in cells and plays an important role in improving tissue oxygenation. Supplements might be used by people who have certain degenerative neurological disorders, cardiovascular disorders or periodontal disease and by people who are on cholesterol-lowering medications.
Deficiencies of CoQ10 are possible, though generally not very common. They are easily corrected with supplements. Generally, CoQ10 dosage that is aimed at correcting an underlying deficiency in otherwise healthy adults is 150 milligrams once a day.
People who have cardiovascular disease typically take CoQ10 supplements two to three times a day. Supplement dosage rages from 100 to 200 milligrams daily, depending on the severity of symptoms and type of disorder. Patients who have severe symptoms or heart disorders generally are on higher therapeutic dosages than patients who have high blood pressure. There are indications that CoQ10 supplementation might protect the heart muscle during bypass surgery. An intravenous infusion given to the patient a few hours before surgery might offer optimal protection, at a CoQ10 dosage of 5 milligrams per 2.2 pounds (1.0 kg) of body weight.
Medical studies show that supplemental CoQ10 is generally effective at slowing the progression of degenerative neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Clinical benefits typically are seen with intake of very high dosages of the compound. In Parkinson’s disease, the most effective CoQ10 dosage appears to be 1,200 milligrams daily, and Huntington’s disease patients might experience improvements with a CoQ10 dosage of 600 milligrams a day.
A daily low dose oral CoQ10 supplement can be helpful in the treatment of severe periodontal disease. Adult CoQ10 dosage for periodontal disease is 30 milligrams daily. Alternatively, a coenzyme Q10 paste can be applied directly onto affected areas once a week.
People who have diabetes must discuss CoQ10 dosage with their physician because the compound can significantly lower blood sugar levels at high doses. The drug is believed to be safe with very few documented side effects, including gastrointestinal upset, rash and fatigue. Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble compound, and supplements must therefore be taken with food for better absorption.