Coenzyme Q10 : Dosing

by MedlinePlus

(Page 2 of 3)

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Standardization

Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain chemicals in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other. It is not always known if the chemicals being measured are the "active" ingredients. CoQ10 products sold in stores have been found to contain variable amounts of claimed ingredients. Early studies used low doses, while more recent research suggests that higher doses may be safe and have greater effects.

Adults (18 years and older)

By mouth (oral):

High blood pressure: Studies have used 30 to 360 milligrams of CoQ10 per day. The ideal starting dose is not known. Some people appear to respond more than others for unclear reasons.

Alzheimer's disease: Research has used doses of CoQ10 ranging from 60 milligrams once per day up to 120 milligrams three times a day. A preliminary study reports that higher doses may be more beneficial, although these effects are have not been proven.

Angina: 60 milligrams daily for up to four weeks has been studied.

Anthracycline chemotherapy heart toxicity: Preliminary research has used 50 to 100 milligrams of CoQ10 per day in children and adults receiving doxorubicin (Adriamycin®) chemotherapy.

Breast cancer: 90 milligrams of CoQ10 per day in combination with multivitamin/multi-mineral supplementation has been studied.

Congestive heart failure/cardiomyopathy: Studies have used 100 to 200 milligrams of CoQ10 per day, or 2 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. Limited research suggests that up to 600 milligrams per day may be tolerated. CoQ10 has been tested alone or as an addition to prescription drugs for these conditions. It is recommended that patients with these conditions speak with a doctor before starting new therapies.

Exercise performance: 90 to 150 milligrams per day of CoQ10 has been studied.

Gum disease (periodontitis): 5 milliliters (1 teaspoonful) per day, concentrated to 200 milligrams of CoQ10 per milliliter of corn oil, taken by mouth in divided doses has been used in one study.

Heart attack: 120 milligrams of CoQ10 per day started three days after a heart attack has been studied, although safety and effectiveness are not known. It is recommended that patients speak with a doctor before starting new therapies.

Heart protection during surgery: Several studies in the 1980s and early 1990s used 30 to 150 milligrams of CoQ10 per day, starting one to two weeks prior to surgery, continuing for up to one month after surgery. Patients should speak with their surgeons before starting new therapies.

HIV/AIDS: 200 milligrams of CoQ10 per day has been studied, although effectiveness has not been proven.

Mitochondrial diseases: 120 to 160 milligrams per day, or 2 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, has been studied.

Muscular dystrophy: 100 milligrams of CoQ10 per day divided into three doses was used in one study.

On the skin (topical):

Gum disease (periodontitis): 85 milligrams of CoQ10 per milliliter of soybean oil suspension has been applied to the surface of affected areas once weekly using a plastic syringe, in one study.

Through the veins (intravenous):

Heart protection during surgery: Most studies of CoQ10 for heart protection during bypass surgery have used CoQ10 taken by mouth. One study used intravenous CoQ10, 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, given 2 hours prior to surgery. Safety is not clear. Any therapies used close to the time of surgery should be discussed with your surgeon.

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is not enough scientific information to recommend the safe use of Coenzyme Q10 in children. A qualified healthcare provider should be consulted before considering use. One small study used 100 milligrams of CoQ10 by mouth twice daily to reduce the heart toxicity of anthracycline (doxorubicin) chemotherapy. A different small study used 3 to 3.4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day in children with mitral valve prolapse.

About the Author

medlineplus.gov
MedlinePlus will direct you to information to help answer health questions. MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations. MedlinePlus also has extensive information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, interactive patient tutorials, and latest health news.