Coenzyme Q10 is a critical compound made naturally in the body that 1) improves ATP production in the heart muscle (oxidized form, ubiquinone) and helps protect the mitochondria in the heart muscle from free radical damage (ubiquinol or reduced form) by acting like an antioxidant.
The ubiquinol form is the most absorbable. CoQ10 in any form should be taken with meals, preferably fatty meals, in divided doses three times daily. Use the ubiquinol form, especially if you are not getting blood levels checked. A reasonable starting dose is 200 mg three times daily. CoQ10 levels are reduced with statin drugs which block its production which can lead to not only a weakened heart and worse failure, but also may cause muscle aches, fatigue and reduced mental acuity.
Blood levels of CoQ10 can and should be checked, especially in heart failure patients. Levels at or above 3.5 ug/ml are desired to have benefit in heart failure (well above the normal range). Negative study results in the past with CoQ10 supplementation in heart failure may be due to a 1) poorly absorbable form of CoQ10, 2) not taking it with meals, and 3) not reaching therapeutic levels above 3.5 ug/ml.
Read my interview with Peter Langsjoen, MD “Congestive Heart Failure and Ubiquinol (CoQ10)” for a detailed discussion of this topic.
Call Kirk Hamilton PA-C between 8-9 a.m. PST Mon-Friday to ask a brief medical question or set up a time to have a consult with him at 800-675-4515 or 916-489-4400.
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