Ubiquinone

Scientific names: Coenzyme Q-10, Ubidecarenone, mitoquinone

Common names: Ubiquinone also is known as adelir, heartcin, inokiton, neuquinone, taidecanone, and udekinon.

Efficacy rating:

ÒÒÒ...Positive clinical trials

Safety rating:

●...Little exposure or very minor concerns.

What is Ubiquinone?

Ubiquinones are a class of lipid-soluble benzoquinones that are involved in the body's mitochondrial electron transport. They are found in the majority of aerobic organisms, from bacteria to mammals, hence the name “ubiquinone” (“ubiquitous quinone”).

What is Ubiquinone used for?

Overview

The first ubiquinone was isolated in 1957. Since that time, ubiquinones have been extensively studied in Japan, Russia, and Europe with research in the US having begun more recently. Lay press accounts claim roughly 12 million Japanese use ubiquinones as the medication of choice for management of cardiovascular diseases, supplying the demand for more than 250 commercially available preparations. Ubiquinone is touted as an effective treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF), cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, and in the reduction of hypoxic injury to the myocardium. Other claimed effects include the increase of exercise tolerance, stimulation of the immune system, and counteracting the aging process. Clinical uses have included the treatment of diabetes, obesity, and periodontal disease. Ubiquinone has not been approved for therapeutic use in the US, but it is available as a food supplement.

Miscellaneous uses

Ubiquinone may have applications in treating ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, toxin-induced cardiopathy and hypertension, and protects ischemic myocardium during surgery. Ubiquinone's role in cardiac treatment using human subjects is promising. Limited data is available to support the use of ubiquinone.

What is the dosage of Ubiquinone?

Ubiquinone has been studied in clinical trials at doses of 90 to 200 mg/day for heart failure, cirrhosis, and antioxidant properties.

Is Ubiquinone safe?

Contraindications

Use is not recommended in pregnancy and lactation and in people with demonstrated hypersensitivity.

Pregnancy/nursing

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions

Findings are conflicting. Ubiquinone may decrease the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Because warfarin has a narrow therapeutic index, caution patients taking warfarin to avoid use of ubiquinone and advise them to consult a health care provider before using dietary supplements.

Side Effects

Rare side effects include epigastric discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea. Use is not recommended in pregnancy and lactation and in people with demonstrated hypersensitivity.

Toxicities

Research reveals little or no information regarding toxicology with the use of this product.

References