Coenzymes are small organic molecules that bind to enzymes and are essential for activity. Also known as active forms of vitamins, coenzymes come in various types with specific functions, and one of these molecules is the coenzyme Q-10 conezima, which is also called vitamin 10 or simply CoQ10, which acts as a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant/supplement. While many people points out that CoQ10 brings many benefits to the body, such as helping with digestion and with other bodily processes, there are also some drawbacks to it that are difficult to ignore. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of taking this supplement:
List of Advantages of CoQ10
1. It helps with symptoms of heart failure.
It is recommended to talk to your doctor before taking any supplement if you have heart failure. Remember that there is no solid evidence that supplements and other vitamins can help treat such condition, but are used along with the treatment. As for CoQ10, some studies show that it helps with relieving heart failure symptoms.
2. It boosts energy.
By taking CoQ10 with the right dosage, it will be able to perform its function of stimulating your body to produce cellular fuel, known as adenosine triphosphate. As the muscles in your heart use huge amounts of oxygen and energy, this supplement will recharge the heart’s energy system, enabling its muscles to pump blood more efficiently. Aside from this, the supplement will help clean up harmful free radicals, which are by-products of the energy-production process.
3. It might be used in the secondary treatment of cancer.
In a 1961 research, it was found that people suffering from cancer—myeloma, lymphoma and other carcinoma—had little CoQ10 in their blood, which led to the conclusion that the coenzyme would be useful as a secondary treatment of cancer. Also, other research suggested that CoQ10 will help boost the immune system.
List of Disadvantages of CoQ10
1. It can decrease blood sugar and pressure.
Taking CoQ10 is found to decrease blood sugar levels, which means that patients with diabetes should exercise caution when taking the supplement. All the same, this coenzyme can also lower blood pressure, which means that patients taking blood pressure medications should consult their doctors before taking this supplement.
2. It can cause upset stomach.
One very common side-effect of taking CoQ10 is upset stomach. In fact, some clinical trials have found that about 1% of those people taking the supplement had developed mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Aside from this, other possible side-effects are heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and abdominal pain.
3. It can stimulate drug interactions.
It is found that this supplement can cause interactions with various types of medications, including those that are taken to lower levels of blood sugar, pressure and cholesterol. Some of the drugs that interact with this supplement are insulin and warfarin. Basically, if you are taking some kind of medication, you should consult with your doctor before taking CoQ10.
Like any other medication, it is really important to know first the benefits and drawbacks of CoQ10 before you decide to take it. It is also best to consult your doctor for the best advice on this supplement.
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.