Coenzyme Q10 is also known as CoQ10 or ubiquinone. Like some vitamins, coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that may decrease free radical damage. Also, coenzyme Q10 may improve the function of mitochondria, the energy-producing components of the body’s cells.
Coenzyme Q10 use has been claimed to produce many different health benefits. Some of these claims are not justified. Coenzyme Q10 may have applications to neurologic disorders. This compound is currently under investigation in a clinical trial of one degenerative neurologic condition, Huntington’s disease. It may be studied in other neurodegenerative diseases in the future. Multiple studies indicate that coenzyme Q10 is beneficial for several heart problems, especially a condition known as congestive heart failure.
No large published studies have evaluated coenzyme Q10 in people with MS. As for the antioxidant vitamins (see earlier in this section), coenzyme Q10 may have beneficial effects on MS. However, like antioxidant vitamins, coenzyme Q10 stimulates T cells and macrophages, two types of immune cells, and may thereby adversely affect MS.
The effects on MS of antioxidant supplements such as coenzyme Q10 are not known. If antioxidants are taken, vitamins A, C, or E are more economical than coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 may decrease the effect of blood-thinning medication (warfarin or Coumadin™).