TREATMENT DATABASE

CoQ10 (ubiquinone) is a fat-soluble coenzyme found in the mitochondria of most mammal cells. It was first discovered by R.A. Morton, a biochemist who gave it the name ubiquinone after its ubiquitous presence in nearly all living things. "Co" stands for coenzyme (a vitamin-like substance), "Q" for quinone (the group of organic chemicals to which CoQ belongs), and "10" for the number of isoprene units that characterize the particular coenzyme found in animal cells.

CoQ10 is vital for electron transport, the intracellular function that ultimately provides the energy necessary to sustain life. CoQ10 is also a powerful antioxidant and is important in immune system function. The Japanese have successfully used CoQ10 to treat gum disease, heart disease, and high blood pressure, and to enhance the effectiveness of the immune system. Research performed in Japan and elsewhere indicates that CoQ10 can be of benefit in treating allergies (owing to its ability to block the effects of histamine), asthma, candidiasis, obesity, diabetes, mental function diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, and can slow the aging process (CoQ10 levels decline with age).

High amounts of CoQ10 occur naturally in fatty saltwater fish, especially mackerel, salmon, and sardines.

USES IN ME/CFS: CoQ10 is one of the most frequently used supplements for the treatment of ME/CFS-related fatigue because of its importance in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cellular source of energy. In addition to reducing fatigue, CoQ10 may alleviate muscle weakness and pain. It is also one of the few supplements that seems to reduce cognitive dysfunction. Its role as a free radical scavenger may lead to improvement in immune responses in patients with ME/CFS. Although its effects as a natural antihistamine have not yet been specifically explored in ME/CFS, patients with allergies may benefit from CoQ10.

There is also evidence that CoQ10 may be deficient in ME/CFS patients. In 2009 Maes et al measured plasma CoQ10 in 58 ME/CFS patients. Compared to normal controls, the ME/CFS group had values significantly below the lowest recorded levels of the control group. Patients with very low levels of CoQ10 suffered significantly more from concentration and memory disturbances. The researchers concluded that lowered levels of CoQ10 play a role in the pathophysiology of ME/CFS and that “symptoms, such as fatigue, and autonomic and neurocognitive symptoms may be caused by CoQ10 depletion.” Their results suggested that patients with ME/CFS would benefit from CoQ10 supplementation in order to alleviate low CoQ10 symptoms.

Treatment rating for CoQ10 (ubiquinone)