Top critical review
2.0 out of 5 starsDoes it work?
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2024
I have read some of the research available (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, WebMD) and for me, the jury is still out but I am leaning toward it being ineffective and here's why.
I began taking this one as a I am on statins and since being on both I have seen no difference in any of the often over hyped claims made about this particular neutraceutical relieving muscle and bone pain. The research I have read shows the "possible effects" are not clear or the other phrase commonly used, "it helps heart health" or "boosts this or that" which really have no clinical much less provable quantifiable results.
As stated by the Cleveland Clinic, "Although studies about the effectiveness of CoQ10 have drawn differing conclusions, supplements are generally thought to be helpful for a few specific conditions. Those are heart disease and the reduction in future cardiac events" (whatever that means). However, the studies were of small sample sizes and further research was needed. Not a convincing argument for taking this stuff especially since our cells make it which leads me to yet another question. If this is taken as a pill what happens to it when it enters the highly acidic environment of one's stomach?
Another interesting bit also from the Cleveland Clinic regarding taking this with statins states, "A 2018 study found that CoQ10 supplements used in tandem with other treatments reduced muscle pain and weakness. In addition, a 2013 study found that CoQ10 supplements reduced inflammation in people living with coronary artery disease who took statins. A review of existing trials published in early 2020 recommended additional research and larger clinical trials to draw definitive conclusions on CoQ10 supplements in helping reduce statin-induced symptoms." My next question about this claim is, what other treatments do they refer? They do not say which, again, leave me wondering.
Personally, I haven't had any reduction in muscle and joint pain at all but as a coronary bypass patient from 2018 I will keep taking them but I continue to be skeptical.
Will it improve future echocardiograms, EKG's or the results of nuclear stress tests? I remain skeptical given the most recent medical opinions. Will it reduce the internal inflammation that contributes to atheroschlerosis and other inflammatory responses? How does one even measure that? I will continue taking it but remain quite skeptical.
All these articles I reviewed stated first that most all of your CoQ10 needs are met by what you make in your body. You will get some CoQ10 from foods we eat. However, a balanced and proper diet with sources of oily fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel and sardines, eggs, nuts, chicken, organ meats like livers, and hearts, and whole grains will more than suffice in taking care of your CoQ 10 needs.