All organs and tissues of the body contain coenzyme Q10. The substance is necessary for the normal functioning of the central nervous system, the health of the heart and blood vessels, and the functioning of the respiratory system.
Upon reaching 30 years of age, the level of coenzyme (coenzyme) in the body begins to fall, so it is advisable to take special dietary supplements.
special instructions
If symptoms persist or the condition worsens, you should consult your doctor. carefully administer the drug to patients with hypersensitivity to vitamin B1. Taking into account the course of the disease and the patient’s condition, the doctor can change the duration of the course of treatment and the method of administration.
Use during pregnancy and lactation. The question of the advisability of using the drug in pregnant and breastfeeding women is decided by the doctor individually, taking into account the benefit/risk ratio.
Children. The drug is recommended for use in children aged 3 years and older.
The ability to influence reaction speed when driving vehicles or working with other mechanisms. Cases of exposure are unknown.
Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10). Clinical aspects
Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10, CoQ10) is an extremely common coenzyme that is present in all living cells of animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms. Hence its second name - “ubiquinone”, or “ubiquitous quinone”.
Ubiquinone is a vitamin-like substance and is synthesized in the body from the amino acid tyrosine with the participation of vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, C, folic and pantothenic acids, as well as a number of trace elements. This is a complex, multi-step process regulated by several enzyme systems. With a deficiency of vitamins and microelements, with violations of regulatory enzyme systems, even outside of any pathology, the endogenous biosynthesis of CoQ10 does not meet the body's needs [28]. Its deficiency can be compensated, however only partially, by the intake of coenzyme Q10 with food.
Inside cells, ubiquinone is localized mainly in mitochondria. Its largest amount is found in the mitochondria of cells of energy-consuming organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas [28].
The most important function of ubiquinone is coenzyme [28]. As an obligatory component of the respiratory chain, KoQ10 carries out the transfer of electrons from membrane dehydrogenases to cytochromes in mitochondria.
No less important is another function of ubiquinone - antioxidant. Ubiquinone is one of the most important antioxidants because it is produced in the body itself. The peculiarity of CoQ10 is the ability to constantly and independently restore its antioxidant activity.
The implementation of the antioxidant and coenzyme functions of KoQ10 determines its key importance in increasing the contractility of the myocardium and striated muscles; improving blood flow in the myocardium; antiarrhythmic and hypotensive effects; increasing tolerance to physical activity, anti-atherosclerotic effect; apoptosis and slowing down the aging process [14, 36–38, 42–45].
The normal blood level of coenzyme Q10 in adults is about 1 mg/ml. To obtain a therapeutic effect, adults need to take at least 100 mg/day, which will increase the coenzyme level in the blood to approximately 2 mg/ml or more. It is difficult to consume such amounts of coenzyme Q10 in foods [30, 38].
This problem is especially relevant for children. Numerous studies confirm the prevalence of deficiency in children of most vitamins, minerals, essential microelements and dietary fiber. It is necessary to take into account that ubiquinone consumption progressively increases during physical and emotional stress, with frequent colds in children and with chronic stress, causing a high probability of developing its deficiency [3].
The effect of CoQ10 on the cardiovascular system has been most studied. Almost 30 years of experience in clinical studies of its use in thousands of patients convincingly proves the significant role of ubiquinone deficiency in the development of cardiac pathology. It has been shown that if the level of CoQ10 drops by 25%, then the cells experience an energy deficiency and the bioenergetic metabolism of the heart muscle worsens. A decrease in CoQ10 content by 75% leads to cell death [1, 14, 36, 37]. The work of H. Langsjoen et al in 424 patients with various forms of cardiovascular pathology showed a statistically significant improvement in myocardial function when using CoQ10 at a dose of 75 to 600 mg per day [25]. The authors believe that CoQ10 is a safe and effective additional agent, the use of which not only improves clinical results, but also reduces the total costs of treatment.
FL Rosenfeldt et al [36, 37] believe that CoQ10 improves energy production in mitochondria, bypasses defective components of the respiratory chain and reduces the effects of oxidative stress. They hypothesize that pretreatment with CoQ10 before stress may improve myocardial recovery after stress. Taking into account the data on a significant correlation between the severity of circulatory failure and a decrease in CoQ10 levels, SA Mortensen suggested the advisability of its use in the treatment of chronic heart failure [31]. Subsequently, a significant number of experimental and clinical studies were carried out on the use of CoQ10 in the treatment of chronic heart failure. The meta-analysis by SA Mortensen [32] included 13 double-blind randomized trials. Only 10% of the 1000 patients participating in the study reported neutral results. In all the rest, reliable evidence was recorded of improving the functional class of patients, increasing exercise tolerance, and reducing the frequency of hospitalizations.
Some experience has also been gained in the use of CoQ10 (Kudesan) in children with chronic tachyarrhythmias, long QT syndrome, cardiomyopathies, extrasystole, and sick sinus syndrome. The indication for prescribing Kudesan in 386 children with the listed diseases was the presence of disturbances in myocardial repolarization processes according to standard electrocardiography. Kudesan was prescribed for 1 month against the background of basic therapy (without the use of other cardiotrophic drugs) as an additional drug, and in some children as monotherapy. A positive effect in the form of normalization of repolarization processes was detected in 30% of children. Another 40% showed a significant improvement in repolarization processes. In no case was there a worsening of ST-T disorders. The heart rate did not change significantly while taking the drug [5, 7].
The successful use of coenzyme Q10 for the therapeutic correction of mitochondrial disorders has been described in MELAS syndrome (Mitochondrial myopathy-encephalopathy-lactic acidosis, stroke-like episodes). MELAS syndrome is a classic mitochondrial disease that occurs due to a deletion or point mutation of mitochondrial DNA [15], which leads to a deficiency of the first complex of the mitochondrial respiratory chain [16]. A 24-year-old patient with this syndrome was diagnosed with a deficiency of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex (NADH coenzyme Q reductase). The possibility of therapeutic correction of mitochondrial disorders associated with a deficiency of this complex during the use of ubiquinone has been established, which was accompanied by an improvement in the clinical condition of the patient [17].
It should be noted that today interest in metabolic (energy-tropic) therapy is not limited to cardiac and primary mitochondrial diseases.
A study by J. Kaikkonen and K. Nyyssonen found that CoQ10 is an effective plasma antioxidant that regenerates plasma vitamin E. Slovak scientists F. Gazdik and A. Gvozdjakova studied the levels of CoQ10, α-tocopherol, β-carotene and malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with bronchial asthma. Plasma α-tocopherol and CoQ10 levels were significantly reduced compared to healthy volunteers, and MDA was increased. The authors concluded that CoQ10 plays an important role in the antioxidant balance and its use in bronchial asthma may be rational [cit. according to 5].
CoQ10 affects energy metabolism in the muscles of polio patients, although the mechanism for this effect is unclear. Possible effects of CoQ10 on peripheral blood circulation in muscles, mitochondrial phosphorylation and/or the antioxidant effect of CoQ10 [46].
Particularly noteworthy is the ability of CoQ10 to “reduce” the toxicity of drugs. Many drugs used in modern medicine have an undesirable inhibitory effect on the mitochondrial respiratory chain. It has been established that the site of action of such pharmacologically active compounds is usually the same parts of the respiratory chain in which electron transfer occurs between Q10 and other electron carriers. Therefore, if additional amounts of CoQ10 are introduced into the body, the toxicity of drugs can be significantly reduced. An example is the randomized study by Larussi et al, who examined the protective effect of coenzyme Q10 (100 mg/day) during cardiotoxic anthracycline therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It was found that after completion of the course of antitumor therapy, the thickness of the walls of the interventricular septum decreased only in the control group (p < 0.01) [26].
The use of CoQ10 in pediatrics has long been limited to a rather narrow list of cardiac diseases [5, 7]. This was also due to the absence, until recently, of a water-soluble form of ubiquinone, which undoubtedly reduced the possibility of its widespread use in children.
According to our observations, in frequently ill preschool children, the use of CoQ10 (Kudesan) for a month at a daily dose of 15 mg can significantly improve their health (minimization of complaints and emotional lability, normalization of sleep and appetite, increased resistance to stress, etc.). At the same time, all children showed normalization of the mechanisms of autonomic regulation of the body and stabilization of cellular energy exchange [2].
In the USA, a study was conducted of the relationship between CoQ10 deficiency and the response to its additional administration in children and adolescents suffering from migraines. Studies have shown the widespread prevalence of CoQ10 deficiency in children with migraine-type headaches - 32.9%. Coenzyme Q10 1–3 mg/kg per day was recommended for these patients. After completing the course of treatment (on average after 97 days), the total level of coenzyme Q10 increased to 1.20 ± 0.59 mg/ml, while the frequency of headaches decreased from 19.2 ± 10.0 to 12.5 ± 10.8, and weakness associated with migraine - from 47.4 ± 50.6 to 22.8 ± 30.6 [21]. The possibility of treating migraine in adults with CoQ10 (300 mg per day) was demonstrated in 2005 in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Switzerland [39].
Thus, an analysis of modern literature data indicates that coenzyme Q10 plays an important role in the processes of cellular energy exchange, performing coenzyme and antioxidant functions, and can be successfully used in treatment and preventive programs for various diseases in adults and children.
For questions regarding literature, please contact the editor.
S. O. Klyuchnikov, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor E. S. Gnetneva Russian State Medical University, Moscow
Note!
Description of the drug Coenzyme Compositum solution d/in. amp. 2.2ml No. 5 on this page is a simplified author’s version of the apteka911 website, created on the basis of the instructions for use.
Before purchasing or using the drug, you should consult your doctor and read the manufacturer's original instructions (attached to each package of the drug). Information about the drug is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to self-medication. Only a doctor can decide to prescribe the drug, as well as determine the dose and methods of its use.
What is coenzyme and why does the body need it?
Coenzyme Q10 is a unique substance necessary for metabolism and providing energy for all vital processes in the body.
The main benefits are expressed in:
- reducing the harmful effects of free radicals on cells and protecting cells from harmful destruction;
- maintaining energy production for reactions in the body, coordinated operation of all systems;
- maintaining the heart muscle in working condition by improving energy exchange and normalizing rhythm;
- increasing the ability to bear children in adulthood, improving the quality of eggs and sperm;
- slowing down the aging process, maintaining the external beauty and elasticity of the skin;
- support of mental activity.
Possible side effects
Undesirable reactions may occur if the prescribed dosage regimen is violated; overdose manifests itself:
- allergy symptoms;
- malfunction of the stomach and intestines - nausea, vomiting;
- excessive nervous excitability;
- arrhythmia;
- problems with falling asleep and quality of sleep;
- dizziness, headaches.
If you feel worse, you should stop taking it and allow the body to remove the excess substance on its own through urine.
