Coenzyme Q10

July 25, 2023

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) is an essential cofactor in oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria and is fundamentally important to cellular energy (ATP) production. Additionally, CoQ₁₀ has direct antioxidant effects.
Cellular depletion of CoQ₁₀ is hypothesized as one pathophysiologic cause of statin-associated myopathy syndrome (SAMS) and may be a contributing factor to myocardial dysfunction in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).
Although clinical trials of CoQ₁₀ in SAMS have produced conflicting conclusions, meta-analysis supports the use of CoQ₁₀ in patients with SAMS.
In patients with chronic CHF, one randomized clinical trial, Q-SYMBIO, suggests a role for CoQ₁₀ in improving symptoms and reducing major adverse clinical events, particularly in patients with milder left ventricular dysfunction.