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Coenzymes Q-10 is a small organic molecule that acts as a powerful supplement or fat-soluble antioxidant. It is also called vitamin 10 or CoQ10 and it brings a lot of benefits to the body.
Just like any other medication or supplement, you need to know the pros and cons of CoQ10 before taking it.
Pros:
1. Boost energy: The coQ10 supplement stimulates the body to produce the cellular fuel needed for energy production. It recharges the heart energy by enabling the heart muscle to pump blood efficiently.
2. Improve immune system: The compound has antioxidants that are used to boost the immune system and help to fight diseases like heart diseases, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, improve symptoms of Parkinson’s, depression, and improve overall health.
3. Firm skin: The supplement contains collagen which makes our skin firm and elastin for skin flexibility. The antioxidant helps in rejuvenating and energizing your skin making you look young and healthy. It also protects against skin aging
4. Painful erection: A research shows that the antioxidant can improve erectile function in those who have painful erections.
5. Relieve symptoms of heart failure: Taking this supplement in combination with other vitamins helps in relieving symptoms of heart failure. It also reduces the chances of heart-related death in elderly people.
6. Reduce migraines: Coenzyme Q10 antioxidant can play a role in reducing the severity of migraines or frequent headaches.
7. Cancer treatment: From research done on cancer patients, those who took CoQ10 had a high immune system compared to those who never took the supplement. Therefore, coenzymes can be useful for the secondary treatment of cancer cells.
8. Improve vision: Coenzyme q10 is used to improve vision in people experiencing age-related vision loss.
9. Improve coenzyme Q10 deficiency: It improves fatigue, seizures, and weakness symptoms which are a result of coenzyme Q10 deficiency.
10. Reduce mitochondrial disorders: People suffering from mitochondrial disorders use the supplement to improve energy production in the body cells.
Cons:
1. Side effects: One of the common side effects of CoQ10 is an upset stomach. 1% of people who take the supplement experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Other side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, and loss of appetite.
2. Allergic reaction: CoQ10 supplement can cause some allergic reactions like swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.
3. Surgery: CoQ10 affects the control of blood pressure during and after the surgery, therefore, if you’re scheduled for surgery you should stop taking the supplement two weeks before.
4. Reduced blood sugar and pressure: Patients with diabetes should be cautious when taking the supplement since it lowers blood sugar levels. The coenzyme can also reduce blood pressure and patients taking blood pressure medication should consult the doctor before taking the supplement.
5. Drug interaction: The supplement interacts with insulin, cancer medicine, and warfarin drugs among other drugs. If on medication, consult your doctor before taking CoQ10.
6. Smoking: The level of coenzyme Q10 stored in the blood is affected by cigarette smoking.
7. Chemotherapy: If undergoing chemotherapy and using alkylating agents, you should take CoQ10 with caution since it can lower the effectiveness of the drugs.
8. Sleeplessness: Taking more than the recommended dosage can cause sleeplessness and pain in the upper abdomen.
9. Bleeding disorder: CoQ10 is a dietary supplement and caution should be taken if you have a bleeding disorder or taking drugs like aspirin which increases the risk of bleeding.
10. Pregnant and breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking this supplement since not enough evidence on its effects on the child.
