Our Services
COENZYME Q 10 HOPE OR HYPE
March 02, 2010
By: Barry W. Ramo, MD
- Cardiologist, New Mexico Heart Institute
- Clinical Professor of Medicine and Emergency Medicine,
- Consulting Professor of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine
Q: I have read your columns and I know that you don't feel that taking a lot of vitamins does any good. But recently, I learned about Coenzyme Q10 from some friends who are taking it. Is this a new Vitamin and does it work?
A: It does exist and it is a vitamin like substance that is found normally in our bodies where it is made. CoQ10 is essential for normal metabolism. Interest in CoQ10 arose because the levels in the blood are low in a variety of conditions. The levels of CoQ10 get lower as we age and are reduced in chronic illnesses like Parkinson's, cancer and diabetes. So without scientific evidence, people started taking CoQ10 supplements, which are available at the local health food store.
Do they do anything helpful? There is no definitive data to suggest that it provides more than expensive urine. Because the levels go down in Parkinson’s disease, CoQ10 has been used and a small study suggested that the symptoms of the disease have improved but no signal that it actually changes the natural course of the disease. Other studies have not shown any benefit in people with Parkinson’s.
The only possible role for cardiac patients is in connection with statin drugs like Lipitor or creator. These drugs cause muscle pain and weakness in a small percentage of patients who take them. CoQ10 supplements have been tried to help the pain but the results are not conclusive.
I am not convinced that taking this substance has any medical benefit but we should continue to study the subject.
If you have questions for Dr. Barry Ramo, you can submit them to askdrramo@gmail.com