Coenzyme Q10 and Your Cancer

Coenzyme Q10 is a substance that helps enzymes, or proteins, function in the body. It is also an antioxidant, a substance that protects cells from damage by unstable molecules, or free radicals. Coenzyme Q10, also called CoQ10, helps cells use energy and stimulates the immune system. CoQ10 may help decrease the heart damage caused by some chemotherapy drugs, particularly AdriamycinÒ. If you are taking or scheduled for chemotherapy with Adriamycin, ask your doctor before taking CoQ10.

How is it Used?

Coenzyme Q10 is sold as a dietary supplement in tablets, capsules, and gelcaps containing 30 to 200 milligrams each. Typical daily doses range from 90 to 400 milligrams.

Does it Work?

Several scientific studies have shown that CoQ10 helps with heart disease, especially chronic heart failure. CoQ10 may also help decrease the heart damage caused by some chemotherapy drugs, such as AdriamycinÒ. There is hope that CoQ10 can be used to treat cancer by stimulating the immune system, but there is currently no scientific proof that this works.

Is it Safe?

Coenzyme Q10 is relatively safe. Side effects sometimes appear when CoQ10 is first started, then fade away. These include difficulty sleeping, skin rashes, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, visual sensitivity to light, irritability, headache, heartburn, and fatigue. If you are taking CoQ10 during chemotherapy it may be difficult to sort out side effects from CoQ10 from those of chemotherapy.

Because CoQ10 is an antioxidant, there is a possibility that it may interfere with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If the patient is undergoing cancer treatment, they need to check with their doctor before taking coenzyme Q10.

CoQ10 also interacts with some medications, including statins, beta-blockers, and warfarin, a blood thinner. It may also decrease the amount of insulin needed by people with diabetes, so if the patient is diabetic it is important that they monitor your blood sugar closely as they begin taking CoQ10. CoQ10 appears to lower blood pressure. As with all supplements, the patient should consult with their doctor about taking CoQ10 if they have either low or high blood pressure.

Practitioner Qualifications

For information about CoQ10, consult with a nutritionist who is a registered dietitian. Many registered dietitians specialize in nutrition for people with cancer, though not all are trained in complementary care.

Cost in Time and Money

Coenzyme Q10 is relatively expensive. A typical price is $10 to $30, depending on potency, for a bottle of 30 tablets, capsules, or gelcaps.