CoQ10 and Mitochondrial Function

Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements all present some level of risk. Most concerning of these risks is the potential for damage to vital organs. Professional and governmental organizations recently collaborated to publish LiverTox, an online resource for medical professionals that provides a list of the riskiest medications along with continually updated information.¹ In addition, practitioners can use this DNI (drug-nutrient interaction) checker to view potential drug and nutrient interactions that could affect their recommendations.

Medications have been reported to affect not only liver but also kidney and heart function, and oxidative stress and mitochondrial function have been implicated in all of these.^2,3,4,5 It should come as no surprise that mitochondrial function plays a central role in this process, as the liver, kidneys, and heart contain the highest concentration of mitochondria in the body-they have the highest mitochondrial density.⁶

Effective mitochondrial function relies on a variety of cofactors, including l-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).* CoQ10 is of particular interest because it not only supports the mitochondrial respiratory chain but also acts as a powerful antioxidant in mitochondrial membranes.*⁷CoQ10 is also concentrated in the same organs that have the highest mitochondrial density.⁶

Studies evaluating the ability of CoQ10 to support liver function are limited, but animal and preliminary human studies suggest that it may support mitochondrial respiration, metabolic parameters, and liver health when given in association with medications known to influence liver function.*^8,9 In addition, a series of human clinical trials suggest that CoQ10 may support healthy renal function, and studies supporting its use for cardiovascular health abound.*^10,11,12

Medication use is one of many reasons that the liver, kidneys, and heart may require additional support. In protocols for mitochondrial support, particularly as it pertains to liver, kidney, and cardiovascular health, CoQ10 and other mitochondrial nutrients are a reasonable consideration.*

Learn more about the dosing and lesser-known benefits of CoQ10.

REFERENCES

1. Björnsson ES et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(2
2. Jaeschke H et al. Toxicol Sci. 2002;65(2):166-176.
3. Pessayre D et al. Drug Metab Rev. 2012;44(1):34-87.
4. Varga ZV et al. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2015;309(9):H1453-67.
5. Peres LA et al. J Bras Nefrol. 2013;35(4):332-340.
6. Aberg F et al. Arch Biochem Biophys. 1992;295(2):230-234.
7. Crane FL et al. J Am Coll Nutr. 2001;20(6):591-598.
8. Jiménez-Santos MA et al. Lipids Health Dis. 2014;1322.
9. Pek SL et al. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2016;241(3):317-330.
10. Yeung CK et al. BMC Nephrol. 2015;16183.
11. Flowers N et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;12CD010405.
12. Pagano G et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2014;15(11):20169-20208.