Aging, cancer, and heart disease is often attributed to free radicals. Antioxidants like CoQ10 can neutralize free radicals, prevent blood clots, and improve the production of energy in cells.
CoQ10 and Lower Blood Pressure
CoQ10 supplements offer a number of benefits for people suffering from heart disease. According to The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, CoQ10 may be effective in the treatment of hypertension.
Some experts believe that one of the factors in hypertension is a natural lack of sufficient CoQ10. CoQ10 may treat other heart-related conditions like high blood pressure, heart attacks, and heart failure.
CoQ10 has been found effective in lowering blood pressure levels in certain cases.
How to Take CoQ10
CoQ10 supplement intake may help you lower your dosage if you’re already taking blood pressure medication.
However, it’s important to consult your doctor before including CoQ10 in your regimen if you’re taking blood pressure medication.
Discussing it with your doctor will allow you to get the maximum benefits of CoQ10 without running into any problems. Experts recommend soft gel capsules over other forms of supplements, as they are absorbed better.
They also recommend taking it with a fat-containing meal for better absorption. Adults 19 years of age or older can take CoQ10; it’s not recommended for children.
Possible Side Effects
Currently, there has been no report of any major side effects. Some patients reported upset stomachs.
If taking CoQ10 to lower blood pressure, keep in mind that certain medications will lower CoQ10 levels in your blood.
Tricyclic antidepressants (Tofranil, Elavil, and Sinequan), statins, and Lopid or other fibric acid derivatives can all have lower levels if used simultaneously with CoQ10.
CoQ10 may also affect the efficacy of certain drugs used in chemotherapy. Daunorubicin and Doxorubicin, two chemotherapy medications used to treat cancer, may see reduced levels of cardiotoxicity and a high risk of heart damage.
CoQ10 can also make certain blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin and clopidogrel, less effective. CoQ10 may also lower blood sugar.
Currently, there are no studies indicating the effect of CoQ10 in pregnant women, so it’s not recommended for them.
If you’re currently affected by any of the conditions mentioned, talk to your doctor before adding CoQ10 supplements to your routine.