Being a vital compound contributing to various cellular functions, CoQ10 dosage varies according to the type of ailment it’s intended to treat. Here is a complete reference on its recommended dosage levels.
Strong Antioxidant
CoQ10 is known to be a powerful antioxidant that negates the effects of free radicals which cause cellular damage, thus, purportedly combating aging and diseases like cancer.
Coenzyme Q10 is an important component in cell metabolism and the respiratory cycle of eukaryotic cells. It is an essential compound required by the human body. CoQ10 supplements have been touted to be capable of treating congestive heart failure, muscular dystrophy, mitochondrial disorders, hypertension, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, and many other health issues.
Though, the coenzyme is approved by the FDA as a dietary supplement, it doesn’t have approval as a heart disease medication. Although, clinical studies on the effect of CoQ10 dosage for high blood pressure and other ailments continue, there are no conclusive results.
Though, the coenzyme is assimilated through dietary sources and synthesized in the body, doctors may recommend it as a dietary supplement for its healing properties, or in case of a deficiency.
CoQ10 Dosage Recommendation
For individuals with ages 18 and below, intake of the CoQ10 supplement, without a medical practitioner’s prescription, is not recommended. Typically, the recommended daily dosage of CoQ10 for adults (19 years and above) is 30 to 90 mg. However, the maximum dosage could be as high as 200 mg per day or more, in specific cases. The dosage is generally divided into 2 to 3 small parts. It is most easily absorbed in the form of a soft gel. Since the enzyme is fat soluble, it is easily assimilated when consumed with a meal that has a dietary fat addition, particularly in the form of oils.
To reduce side effects, it would be better to administer the supplement in short doses, spread over the day. For certain ailments, higher dosage might be recommended. Based on clinical research findings, here are the dosage recommendations for various health conditions (Dosage via mouth in tablet or capsule form).
| Medical Condition | Daily CoQ10 Dosage |
| CoQ10 Deficiency | 150 mg |
| Muscular Dystrophy | 100 mg |
| HIV/AIDS | 200 mg |
| Male Infertility | 200 mg-300 mg |
| Muscular Dystrophy | 100 mg |
| Parkinson’s Disease | 300 mg/600 mg/1200 mg/2400 mg (Divided in 3-4 doses) |
| CoQ10 Deficiency | 150 mg |
| High Blood Pressure | 120 mg-200 mg |
| Heart Failure | 100 mg (Divided in 2-3 doses for adults) |
| Mitochondrial Disorders | 150 mg-160 mg (Divided in 2-3 doses for adults) |
| Myocardial Infarction | 150 mg-160 mg (Divided in 2-3 doses for adults) |
| Isolated Systolic Hypertension | 60 mg (twice) (Divided in 2-3 doses for adults) |
Recommended dosage for migraines or other such health problems is neither fixed, nor documented. The dosage may vary according to the severity of a health problem. Consult your physician before starting with coenzyme Q10 dosage, as its side effects are largely unknown. Pregnant women are advised not to opt for this dietary supplement, as its effects have not been entirely tested. Children shouldn’t be administered this supplement without prescription from a medical practitioner.
Some of the known CoQ10 side effects are rashes, diarrhea, and primarily gastrointestinal problems. If you are currently being treated with medications like chemotherapy drugs, beta blockers, blood thinners, blood pressure treatment medications, or antidepressants, consult your physician before using CoQ10 supplements, as it may cause adverse interactions.
What is CoQ10?
Coenzyme Q10 (abbreviated as CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone (because it is ubiquitous in most parts of the human body), is one of the most important compounds in the human body that help in driving its overall metabolism. It is an ever-present chemical in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells, where it assists aerobic respiration. It is used in the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency of the body.
It acts as an antioxidant, which clears out all the free radicals of the body that cause cell damage. These free radicals, whose production is supposedly enhanced by environmental toxins, can accelerate the aging process. They also play a large role in the incidence of heart diseases, as well as cancer. So CoQ10 is touted as a compound that decelerates the aging process. There has been found to be a correlation between low levels of CoQ10 and occurrence of heart diseases.
It has been suggested that external CoQ10 nutritional dosage may reduce the risk of cell damage and decrease the risk of heart diseases, as well as cancer. CoQ10 dosage has been promoted as an effective nutritional supplement, that may prevent many other health problems like diabetes, high cholesterol and periodontal gum disease. Other than these, there have been many claimed benefits of coenzyme Q10 dosage, which include immune system boost, increased sperm motility, treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, reduction in fatigue and reduced stroke damage.
CoQ10 Dietary Sources
Though coenzyme Q10 is synthesized within the body, there are some dietary sources through which it is assimilated. These include the following:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Pork
- Fish (Mackerel, Sardine, Tuna, Salmon)
- Vegetable oils like soybean, sunflower, and olive
- Hazel nuts, pistachio, almonds, peanuts
- Vegetables like broccoli, parsley, cauliflower, and spinach
- Fruits like apple, orange, strawberry, grapefruit, and avocado
The richest sources are meat and fish, followed by nuts and oils.
Though CoQ10 dosage is advertised to have many positive effects, there are no conclusive results yet, that prove its effectiveness in curing ailments. It is strongly recommended that you do not opt for this dietary supplement, without the advice of your doctor.
Disclaimer: This article is only meant to serve as a reference, and is not intended to be a substitute for advice from a certified medical practitioner.
