(mitoquinone, ubidecarenone, ubiquinone)
Brand
Co-Q10, Vitamin Q10, Neuquinone, Taidecanone, Heartcin, Ubiquinone (to name a few)
Availability
- Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg
- Capsules: 10 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg
Pharmacology
Coenzyme Q10 is a compound that is made naturally in the body. A coenzyme is a substance that is required for an enzyme to work properly. It is a protein that speeds up chemical reactions that take place in the body. The Q and the 10 in coenzyme Q10 refer to parts of the compound’s chemical structure.
A component of coenzyme Q10 are ubiquinones which are lipid-soluable, and involved in energy transport within the mitochondria of cells. Coenzyme Q10 is similar to many vitamins in that it is fat-soluable. Its chemical structure is like that of vitamin K.
Coenzyme Q10 is used by the cells to produce energy for maintenance and growth of the cell. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from chemicals called free radicals that can harm the cell’s membrane and DNA. Very simply, it protects tissues from ischemic cellular damage.
Coenzyme Q10 is found in the organs of most mammals. The highest concentrations have been found in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. The lowest amounts are found in the lungs.
Animal studies have found that coenzyme Q10 stimulated the immune system and increased resistance to disease.
Coenzyme Q10 is classified as a nutritional supplement. The classification is defined by the U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, Oct. 25, 1994 — Archived page from 2013-08-27 (via the Wayback Machine), and states that to be a nutritional supplement it should contain one or more of the following dietary ingredients: a vitamin, mineral, amino acid, herb or other botanical; and that it be intended for ingestion in the form of a pill, capsule, tablet, gel-cap or liquid form. Also, that it not be represented as a conventional food or as a sole item of a meal or the diet, and that it is labeled as a dietary supplement.
Indications
Used as supplemental treatment in heart failure, ischemic heart disease, immunodeficiency, and some neurodegenerative diseases.
Drug Interactions or Contraindications
- Oral antidiabetic agents may inhibit some coenzyme Q10 enzymes. Use together cautiously.
- Coenzyme Q10 may be reduced when administered with Warfarin.
- Coenzyme Q10 may increase the effects of: diltiazem, metoprolol, enalapril, and nitrate, use together cautiously.
- The beta-blockers like atenolol, labetolol, metoprolol, and propranolol may reduce effects of coenzyme Q10.
- Tricyclics like amitriptyline, amoxapine, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, protriptyline, and trimipramine may also reduce effects of coenzyme Q10.
- Coenzyme Q10 may help reduce toxic effects of cancer chemo agents’ doxorubicin and daunorubicin.
Adverse Reactions
No significant side effects reported at this time.
Dosage Recommendations
Considerations
- Always check with veterinarian prior to giving coenzyme Q10, if your rat is currently on other medications.
References
- Borek, C. (1999, July 1). Co-Q10 Energizes the Heart and Brain. Retrieved December 15, 2008, from https://www.newhope.com/nutritionsciencenews/nsn_backs/Jul_99/nutrientreview.cfm.
- Matthews, R., Yang, L., Browne, S., Baik, M., & Beal, M. (1998). Coenzyme Q10 administration increases brain mitochondrial concentrations and exerts neuroprotective effects. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 95(15), 8892-7. Retrieved December 15, 2008, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9671775&dopt=Abstract.
- Stocker, R. (2002, November 1). Possible Health Benefits of Coenzyme Q10. Retrieved December 15, 2008, from http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/f-w02/coenzymeq10.html.
