Cellular energy production and antioxidant support
Evidence · Grade DSafety · Generally safe
Meta-analysis availableSystematic review availableHuman trial evidenceTraditional useInteraction riskNeeds more research
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vital antioxidant and coenzyme involved in cellular energy production, often supplemented to support cardiovascular health and mitigate age-related declines or medication-induced deficiencies.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in nearly every cell of the human body. It plays a crucial role in energy production within the mitochondria and acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage. While the body produces CoQ10, its levels can decline with age, certain medical conditions, and statin medication use.
Supplementation with CoQ10 is often explored for its potential benefits in conditions associated with oxidative stress and impaired energy metabolism. It is available in two main forms: ubiquinone, the oxidized form, and ubiquinol, the active antioxidant form, which is generally considered more bioavailable, especially for older individuals or those with impaired absorption.
Research into CoQ10's efficacy spans various health areas, including cardiovascular health, neurological conditions, and exercise performance. Its role as an antioxidant and its involvement in cellular energy pathways make it a subject of ongoing scientific interest.
Quick answer
What it is: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in nearly every cell of the human body.
CoQ10 has a strong theoretical basis for its use due to its fundamental role in cellular energy production and its antioxidant properties. There is a substantial body of research, including numerous clinical trials, supporting its benefits in conditions like Heart Failure and High Blood Pressure. While some studies show mixed results, the overall evidence for its cardiovascular benefits, particularly in improving symptoms and outcomes in heart failure, is compelling. Its role in mitigating statin-induced muscle pain is also supported by some evidence. However, for other conditions, the evidence is less consistent or requires further robust studies.
Last reviewed · Jun 2026
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Commonly Combined With
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Where this remedy is being discussed across the web and community.
A classical ketogenic diet typically provides ~70–80% of calories from fat, ~15–20% from protein, and only ~5–10% (often 20–50 g/day) from carbohydrates. The metabolic shift to ketosis lowers blood glucose and insulin, raises ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate), and is being studied for neurological and metabolic conditions. Variants include the Modified Atkins Diet (MAD), Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) ketogenic diet, and the Low Glycemic Index Treatment (LGIT).
Foods to emphasize
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
Pasture-raised eggs
Avocado and olives
Extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil, MCT oil
Grass-fed meat and poultry
Full-fat dairy (butter, ghee, hard cheeses)
Nuts and seeds (macadamia, pecan, walnut, chia, flax)
Low-carb leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
Bone broth and electrolyte-rich foods
Foods to avoid
Sugar and sweetened beverages
Grains and starches (bread, pasta, rice, cereal)
Most fruit (except small portions of berries)
Legumes and beans
Starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, peas)
Low-fat or sweetened dairy
Vegetable seed oils (soybean, corn, sunflower) in excess
Most processed and packaged foods
Key principles
Carbohydrate intake usually 20–50 g net carbs per day
Adequate protein (~1.2–1.7 g/kg) — not high-protein
Most calories from whole-food fats
Track electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent "keto flu"
Best initiated with clinician guidance if on medications for diabetes, blood pressure, or seizures
Typical duration: Often 3–6 months minimum to assess response; medically supervised protocols (e.g. for epilepsy) may be maintained for years.
Why it may help
Headache: Ketogenic and modified Atkins diets have shown reductions in migraine frequency in several small clinical studies, likely via stabilizing neuronal excitability and reducing CGRP-related inflammation.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Small trials and pilot studies suggest ketogenic and modified Atkins diets may reduce fatigue, improve quality of life, and lower inflammatory markers in relapsing MS. Used as an adjunct, not a replacement for disease-modifying therapy.
Ketogenic therapy is a medical intervention when used for seizure disorders or oncology — work with a clinician or registered dietitian experienced in ketogenic therapy. Not recommended in pregnancy, type 1 diabetes without supervision, pancreatitis, certain fatty-acid oxidation disorders, or active eating disorders.
Autoimmune Protocol (AIP)
A strict elimination version of paleo designed to calm autoimmune flares and identify food triggers through structured reintroduction.
The Autoimmune Protocol removes foods commonly implicated in immune activation and gut permeability — grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nightshade vegetables, nuts, seeds, refined sugar, alcohol, and additives — for a 30–90 day elimination, followed by careful one-at-a-time reintroduction. It is most studied in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Foods to emphasize
Quality meat, poultry, and seafood (especially wild-caught fatty fish)
Organ meats once or twice weekly
A wide variety of non-nightshade vegetables and leafy greens
Nuts and seeds (including seed-based spices like cumin, coriander)
Refined sugar and sweeteners
Alcohol
NSAIDs and food additives where possible
Key principles
Pair the elimination with sleep, stress management, and movement
Track symptoms in a journal during reintroductions
Reintroduce one food every 5–7 days and watch for symptom changes
Most people do NOT need to stay strict long-term — the goal is a personalized maintenance diet
Typical duration: 30–90 day strict elimination, then a structured staged reintroduction over weeks to months.
Why it may help
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Used clinically as an aggressive anti-inflammatory elimination; evidence overlaps with Wahls-style and paleo trials showing reduced fatigue in MS.
AIP is restrictive and best done with a practitioner familiar with the protocol, especially when active autoimmune disease is involved or in pregnancy/lactation.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
A whole-foods pattern designed to lower chronic, low-grade inflammation by emphasizing omega-3s, polyphenols, fiber, and minimizing ultra-processed foods, sugar, and seed oils.
The anti-inflammatory diet is not a single protocol but a synthesis of the patterns most consistently linked to lower inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha) in human studies — Mediterranean-style eating, oily fish, abundant polyphenols, and low intake of ultra-processed foods, refined sugar, industrial seed oils, and excessive alcohol.
Foods to emphasize
Fatty fish 2–3x/week (salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring)
Extra-virgin olive oil
Berries, cherries, and other deeply colored fruit
Dark leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
Turmeric, ginger, and culinary herbs
Green tea
Nuts (especially walnuts) and seeds (flax, chia)
Legumes and whole grains
Dark chocolate (≥70% cocoa) in moderation
Foods to avoid
Sugar-sweetened beverages and refined sugar
Ultra-processed snacks and ready meals
Industrial seed oils used at high heat (soybean, corn, sunflower, cottonseed)
Processed and cured meats
Refined flour products
Excess alcohol
Key principles
Cook with olive oil, finish with extra-virgin olive oil
Aim for 25–35 g of fiber per day from whole foods
Eat the rainbow — color diversity ~ polyphenol diversity
Limit added sugar to <25 g/day
Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.
Why it may help
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Lowering systemic inflammation is a plausible adjunct to disease-modifying therapy; aligns with Mediterranean-derived MS data.
Safe and flexible. Can be combined with Mediterranean, vegetarian, or plant-forward patterns.
Vegan Diet
A fully plant-based eating pattern that excludes all animal products — meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey.
A whole-food vegan diet emphasizes vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. It has been associated with improvements in body weight, blood lipids, and glycemic control, and is being studied for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. It requires deliberate planning for vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 (EPA/DHA), iodine, iron, zinc, and (sometimes) calcium.
Nuts and seeds (especially walnuts, chia, flax, hemp)
Fortified plant milks and nutritional yeast
Algae-based EPA/DHA supplement
Vitamin B12 supplement (non-negotiable)
Foods to avoid
Refined grains and sugar as the bulk of meals
Heavily processed vegan junk foods
Coconut and palm oils in excess
Key principles
B12 supplementation is required, not optional
Include a reliable iodine source (iodized salt or seaweed in moderation)
Get vitamin D from sun and/or a supplement
Combine grains and legumes across the day for complete protein
Choose calcium-fortified plant milk if not eating leafy greens daily
Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.
Why it may help
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Small trials (e.g. Swank-style and McDougall plant-based diets) suggest reductions in fatigue and improved quality of life in MS.
Vegan diets can be excellent or deficient — quality depends on planning. Pregnant, breastfeeding, and growing children on vegan diets should be followed by a registered dietitian.
Linked nutrient deficiencies
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies commonly associated with the conditions this remedy may support.
Magnesium
Mineral
Cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions; crucial for nervous system calm, sleep, and muscle function.
An estimated 50% of adults consume below the EAR. Low magnesium is linked to insomnia, anxiety, migraines, muscle tension, and poor blood sugar regulation.
Common symptoms
Muscle cramps or twitches
Poor sleep
Anxiety, irritability
Headaches/migraines
Constipation
Food sources
Pumpkin seeds
Dark leafy greens
Almonds and cashews
Dark chocolate (85%+)
Black beans
Avocado
Lab markers to discuss
RBC magnesium (more sensitive than serum)
Serum magnesium
Reference intake: 310–420 mg/day RDA depending on age and sex.
Supplementation notes: Glycinate for sleep/anxiety, citrate for constipation, threonate for cognitive/brain effects. Avoid magnesium oxide (poorly absorbed).
Why it matters here
Headache: Magnesium prophylaxis reduces migraine frequency; AAN/AHS gives it Level B.
Vitamin D
Fat-soluble vitamin
Hormone-like vitamin central to immune function, mood, bone, and thyroid health.
Low vitamin D status is one of the most widespread deficiencies globally and has been linked to autoimmune disease activity (Hashimoto's, MS), mood disorders, recurrent infections, and poor skin barrier function.
Common symptoms
Fatigue
Low mood
Frequent infections
Bone or muscle aches
Hair thinning
Food sources
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
Egg yolks
Cod liver oil
UV-exposed mushrooms
Fortified dairy
Lab markers to discuss
25-hydroxyvitamin D (target 40–60 ng/mL per most functional ranges)
Reference intake: Adults 600–800 IU/day RDA; functional medicine often targets 2,000–5,000 IU/day with monitoring.
Supplementation notes: Take with a fat-containing meal. Pair with vitamin K2 (MK-7) when supplementing higher doses long-term.
Why it matters here
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Strong epidemiologic and clinical evidence linking low vitamin D to MS risk and relapse rates.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
B-vitamin
Cofactor for neurotransmitter synthesis (serotonin, GABA, dopamine) and homocysteine metabolism.
Deficiency is common in vegetarians/vegans, older adults, and those on PPIs or metformin. Strongly implicated in neurological symptoms (MS-like presentations), fatigue, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
CoQ10 is essential for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in the mitochondria and functions as a powerful lipid-soluble antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from free radical damage.
How it works in more detail
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a benzoquinone derivative that is endogenously synthesized and found in high concentrations in organs with high metabolic rates, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Its primary role is in the electron transport chain within the mitochondria, where it facilitates the transfer of electrons, a critical step in the production of ATP, the body's main energy currency. This makes CoQ10 indispensable for cellular respiration and overall energy metabolism.
Beyond its role in energy production, CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant. It directly neutralizes free radicals, particularly reactive oxygen species, thereby protecting cellular components, including lipids, proteins, and DNA, from oxidative damage. This antioxidant activity is crucial for maintaining cellular integrity and function, especially in tissues prone to high oxidative stress. CoQ10 can also regenerate other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, further enhancing the body's antioxidant defense system. The two main forms, ubiquinone and ubiquinol, are interconvertible, with ubiquinol being the reduced, active antioxidant form.
How to use
Always consult a qualified clinician.
Editorial guidance
Suggested dosage
A common supplemental dose for general health support is 100-200 mg of ubiquinol or ubiquinone per day, often taken with a meal to enhance absorption. For specific conditions, higher doses may be suggested by a healthcare professional.
Research dosage range
Typically 30-600 mg daily, often divided into multiple doses, depending on the condition being studied. Higher doses (e.g., 1200 mg) have been used in specific neurological studies.
Typical onset
Effects may take several weeks to months to become noticeable, as CoQ10 levels need to build up in the body's tissues.
Typical forms
capsule, softgel
Quality markers
Look for products that specify the form (ubiquinone or ubiquinol), especially ubiquinol for better absorption. Choose brands that undergo third-party testing for purity and potency. Check for formulations that include oils or other absorption enhancers.
Medication interactions
Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)
Blood pressure medications
Statins
Insulin
Chemotherapy drugs
Pregnancy / lactation
Limited research exists on CoQ10 use during pregnancy and lactation. It is generally advised to consult a healthcare professional before using CoQ10 if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Community tips
No community tips yet — be the first to share what worked for you.
Suggested dosage
A common supplemental dose for general health support is 100-200 mg of ubiquinol or ubiquinone per day, often taken with a meal to enhance absorption. For specific conditions, higher doses may be suggested by a healthcare professional.
General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.
Active medicinal compounds
Ubiquinone, Ubiquinol
Traditional use
Coenzyme Q10 is a relatively modern discovery (1957) and does not have a history of traditional use in ancient medicine systems.
Safety
Safety warnings
CoQ10 is generally well-tolerated. Mild side effects may include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. It may interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners and blood pressure medications. Individuals with liver or kidney disease should consult a healthcare professional before use. Discontinue use if adverse reactions occur.
Medication interactions
Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)
Blood pressure medications
Statins
Insulin
Chemotherapy drugs
Reported side effects
Stomach upset
Nausea
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Insomnia
Skin rash
Pregnancy & lactation
Limited research exists on CoQ10 use during pregnancy and lactation. It is generally advised to consult a healthcare professional before using CoQ10 if pregnant or breastfeeding.
General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.
Evidence ecosystem
Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.
Overall grade (D)
CoQ10 has a strong theoretical basis for its use due to its fundamental role in cellular energy production and its antioxidant properties. There is a substantial body of research, including numerous clinical trials, supporting its benefits in conditions like Heart Failure and High Blood Pressure. While some studies show mixed results, the overall evidence for its cardiovascular benefits, particularly in improving symptoms and outcomes in heart failure, is compelling. Its role in mitigating statin-induced muscle pain is also supported by some evidence. However, for other conditions, the evidence is less consistent or requires further robust studies.
Zhang T, He Q, Xiu H, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Chen Z · Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) · 2023 · n=1021
The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of coenzyme Q10 supplementation in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We first searched PubMed, Wanfang Data, CNKI, Embase, ClinicalTrial.gov, and other databases. The retrieval time from the establishment of the database to January 2021. We collected relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of PCOS. Risk of bias assessment and meta-analysis of RCTs were performed using RevMan 5.0 software. This systematic review and meta-analysis include a total of 9 RCTs involving 1021 patients. The results show that the addition of coenzyme Q10 may improve insulin resistance (HOMA-IR (WMD - 0.67 [- 0.87, - 0.48], P < 0.00001); fasting insulin (WMD - 1.75 [- 2.65, - 0.84], P = 0.0002); fasting plasma glucose (WMD - 5.20 [- 8.86, - 1.54], P =
Ashton MM, Kavanagh BE, Marx W, Berk M, Sarris J, Ng CH · Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie · 2021
Certain nutrient supplements (nutraceuticals) may target neurobiological pathways perturbed in bipolar disorder (BD) such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Nutraceuticals thus may have a potential role as adjunctive treatments for BD.
A search of Embase via embase.com, PubMed via PubMed, Cumulated index to nursing and allied health literature (CINAHL) Complete via EBSCO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials via cochranelibrary.com was conducted to identify published randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of nutraceuticals on mood symptomatology in adults with BD. Search terms for BD, nutraceuticals, and clinical trials (total search terms = 75) were used to search from inception to February 20, 2020. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials was used to assess the risk of bias.
A total of 1,712 studies were identified through the search. After rigorous screening, 22 studies
To determine the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for reduction in the severity, frequency of migraine attacks and duration of headache in adult patients with migraine.
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Psychological Information Database (PsycINFO) from inception till December 2019.
All randomised control trials comparing CoQ10 with placebo or used as an adjunct treatment included in this meta-analysis. Cross-over designs and controlled clinical trials were excluded.
Heterogeneity at face value by comparing populations, settings, interventions and outcomes were measured and statistical heterogeneity was assessed by means of the I2 statistic. The treatment effect for dichotomous outcomes were using risk ratios and risk difference, and for continuous outcomes, mean differences (MDs) or standardised mean difference; both with 95% CIs were us
Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality
Systematic Reviews(6)
Structured reviews of the full body of evidence (incl. Cochrane).
Part I of this systematic review summarized the state-of-the-art of pediatric psychopharmacology for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a severe and lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. The purpose of this Part II follow-up article is to provide a systematic overview of the experimental psychopharmacology of ASD. To this aim, we have first identified in the Clinicaltrials.gov website all the 157 pharmacological and nutraceutical compounds which have been experimentally tested in children and adolescents with ASD using the randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT) design. After excluding 24 drugs already presented in Part I, a systematic review spanning each of the remaining 133 compounds was registered on Prospero (ID: CRD42023476555), performed on PubMed (August 8, 2024), and completed with EBSCO, PsycINFO (psychology and psychiatry literature) and the Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews, yielding a total of 115 published RCTs, including 57 trials for 23 pharmacological compounds an
Salekzamani S, Pakkhesal S, Babaei M, Mirzaaghazadeh E, Mosaddeghi-Heris R, Talebi M · Multiple sclerosis and related disorders · 2025 · n=195
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Oxidative stress is a crucial mediator in multiple conditions, including the MS. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant, present in enzyme complexes of mitochondria, and involved in oxidative phosphorylation to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The objective of this systematic review was to investigate the outcomes of CoQ10 supplementation in oxidative stress, inflammatory, and clinical status of patients with MS.
Following the Cochrane and PRISMA methods, a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases, and clinical studies that reported the outcomes of CoQ10 supplementation in MS patients, are included. The risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB2).
The initial search yielded 237 articles, of which eight reports from six studies (total n = 195), including three
Freire de Carvalho J, Skare T · Clinical nutrition ESPEN · 2024 · n=483
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance used to treat some rheumatic diseases. Our objective was to review the use of CoQ10 in rheumatic diseases. PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles on CoQ10 and rheumatic diseases between 1966 and April 2023. Twenty articles were found, including 483 patients. The investigated conditions were Fibromyalgia (FM) with 15 studies, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) with 3 studies, and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) with 2 studies. After CoQ10 supplementation, RA patients observed improvements in disease activity index, inflammatory biomarkers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), cytokine levels, and a decrease in malondialdehyde. In APS, CoQ10 improved endothelial function and decreased prothrombotic and proinflammatory mediators. Regarding FM, in most of the studies, the patients observed improvements in pain, fatigue, sleep, tender points count, mood disorders, and scores on t
Systematic ReviewPubMedVery High Quality
Clinical Guidelines(1)
Recommendations from medical societies (NICE, AHA, ADA, ACG, Endocrine Society…).
Venkatesan T, Levinthal DJ, Tarbell SE, Jaradeh SS, Hasler WL, Issenman RM · Neurogastroenterology and motility · 2019
The increasing recognition of cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) in adults prompted the development of these evidence-based guidelines on the management of CVS in adults, which was sponsored by the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS) and the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA). GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) framework was used and a professional librarian performed the literature search. The expert committee included the President of the CVSA who brought a patient perspective into the deliberations. The committee makes recommendations for the prophylaxis of CVS, treatment of acute attacks, diagnosis, and overall management of CVS. The committee strongly  recommends that adults with moderate-to-severe CVS receive a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), such as amitriptyline, as a first-line prophylactic medication and receive topiramate or aprepitant as alternate prophylactic medications. Zonisamide or levetiracetam
Clinical GuidelinePubMed (Practice Guideline)Very High Quality
Norouzi M, Mahboobi S, Eftekhari MH, Salehipour M, Ghaem H, Mirzakhanlouei A · Nutrition and cancer · 2024
The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) increases with age. Considering that BPH drug treatment is associated with complications, this study aimed to investigate the effects of L-carnitine (LC) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation as an adjunct therapy to finasteride in the management of LUTS in older men affected with BPH. Fifty eligible volunteers (25 per group) were randomly assigned to either intervention (finasteride + LC and CoQ10 supplements) or control (finasteride + placebo) groups. International prostate symptom score (IPSS), international index of erectile function (IIEF), quality of life index (QoL), as well as serum levels of Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), were assessed. Prostate ultrasound evaluation was also performed, before and after 8 wk of intervention. Supplementation with LC and CoQ10 led to a significant decrease in prostate volume (p < 0.001) as
Castro-Marrero J, Segundo MJ, Lacasa M, Martinez-Martinez A, Sentañes RS, Alegre-Martin J · Nutrients · 2021 · n=104
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, multisystem, and profoundly debilitating neuroimmune disease, probably of post-viral multifactorial etiology. Unfortunately, no accurate diagnostic or laboratory tests have been established, nor are any universally effective approved drugs currently available for its treatment. This study aimed to examine whether oral coenzyme Q10 and NADH (reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) co-supplementation could improve perceived fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, and health-related quality of life in ME/CFS patients. A 12-week prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 207 patients with ME/CFS, who were randomly allocated to one of two groups to receive either 200 mg of CoQ10 and 20 mg of NADH (n = 104) or matching placebo (n = 103) once daily. Endpoints were simultaneously evaluated at baseline, and then reassessed at 4- and 8-week treatment visits and four weeks after treatme
Adams JB, Audhya T, Geis E, Gehn E, Fimbres V, Pollard EL · Nutrients · 2018
This study involved a randomized, controlled, single-blind 12-month treatment study of a comprehensive nutritional and dietary intervention. Participants were 67 children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) ages 3-58 years from Arizona and 50 non-sibling neurotypical controls of similar age and gender. Treatment began with a special vitamin/mineral supplement, and additional treatments were added sequentially, including essential fatty acids, Epsom salt baths, carnitine, digestive enzymes, and a healthy gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free (HGCSF) diet. There was a significant improvement in nonverbal intellectual ability in the treatment group compared to the non-treatment group (+6.7 ± 11 IQ points vs. -0.6 ± 11 IQ points, p = 0.009) based on a blinded clinical assessment. Based on semi-blinded assessment, the treatment group, compared to the non-treatment group, had significantly greater improvement in autism symptoms and developmental age. The treatment group had
Randomized TrialPubMedHigh Quality
Observational Studies(9)
Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.
Ushida T, Tano S, Matsuo S, Fuma K, Imai K, Kajiyama H · Hypertension research : official journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension · 2025
Preeclampsia (PE) is a common pregnancy complication characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and end-organ dysfunction. However, to date, no effective treatment has been established other than iatrogenic delivery, and the importance of prevention as an alternative approach to addressing PE has been emphasized. There is growing evidence on the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological prophylaxis in preventing PE. In this review, we focused on dietary supplements as non-pharmacological prophylaxis for PE. Calcium is a well-documented supplement for the prevention of PE. Daily 500 mg calcium supplementation can roughly halve the risk of PE in settings where calcium intake is low, including in Japan. According to recent systematic reviews and network meta-analyses, current evidence on the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation is inconsistent. Although vitamin D is a candidate for the prevention of PE, future large-scale randomized control trials are necessary to
Hajhashemy Z, Golpour-Hamedani S, Eshaghian N, Sadeghi O, Khorvash F, Askari G · Frontiers in nutrition · 2024
Migraine is one of the most debilitating neurological disorders that causes frequent attacks of headaches and affects approximately 11% of the global population. Deficient or even insufficient levels of vital nutrients would increase the severity and frequency of migraine attacks. Therefore, we aimed to examine the practical supplements for the prevention and management of migraine attacks.
This narrative review study was conducted by searching PubMed, ISI web of science, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Scopus using the keywords of "dietary supplement" and "migraine" plus their MeSH terms. Original articles published in English language from their inception to July 27th, 2024, studies that investigated adult population (aged >18 years), and those assessing the impact of intended nutrient supplementation on clinical symptoms of migraine were included in the study.
Oxidative stress and low intake of antioxidants would be risk factors for migraine attacks by inducing inflammation.
Gabriel FC, Oliveira M, Bruna De M Martella, Berk M, Brietzke E, Jacka FN · Nutritional neuroscience · 2023
Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) have higher rates of unhealthy lifestyles and risk for medical comorbidities Research currently suggests that dietary factors may play a role in the development of depression and anxiety. Therefore, nutritional approaches are potential strategies for the treatment of BD. The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidence on nutrition and BD.
The paper was developed based on PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The search was conducted in Sep-2021 using PubMed and Cochrane Library, augmented by manually checked references lists. The search found 986 studies, of which 47 were included, combined with 13 from reference lists, totaling 60 studies.
There were 33 observational trials, of which 15 focused on fatty acids, 9 on micronutrients, 5 on specific foods, 4 on macro and micronutrients. The 27 interventional studies mainly focused on fatty acids, micronutrients and N-acetylcysteine (NAC).
Dietary intake or supplementation of unsaturated fatty acids
MSKCC's 'About Herbs' provides information on Coenzyme Q10, including its uses, potential side effects, and interactions. It includes a section on its purported use for migraine and the supporting evidence.
Government SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC)High Quality
Clinical Trial Registries(3)
Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Adult patients suffering from migraine according to the criteria of the International Headache Society were enrolled by general practitioners (≥2 migraine attacks during previous month; exclusion of chronic migraine and medication overuse) and after a one-month baseline phase, supplemented with one tablet of 100 mg feverfew, 100 mg coenzyme Q10 and 112.5 mg magnesium per day for 3 months.
To investigate efficacy and safety of a supplementation with a fixed combination of magnesium, vitamin B2, feverfew, andrographis paniculata and coenzyme Q10 (Vivinor®) in episodic migraine prevention, by an observational, prospective real-world study in 113 Greek patients with episodic migraine that were prospectively followed-up for three months. The primary endpoint was the change in monthly migraine days between baseline period (BL)and the third month of treatment (T3).
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on oxidative stress, inflammation and hyperandrogenism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does Coenzyme Q10 alter oxidative stress, inflammation and hyperandrogenism in women with Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Participants will take Coenzyme Q10 200mg, once daily for a period of 3 months. The participants will be reassessed after 12 weeks by measuring Malondialdehyde MDA, C-reactive protein CRP, Sex hormone binding globulin SHBG.
Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality
Evidence Summaries(1)
Curated cross-source summaries (TRIP Database and similar).
The Natural Medicines Database offers a detailed monograph on Coenzyme Q10, summarizing evidence for its various uses, safety, and effectiveness. It provides a professional grade of evidence for migraine prophylaxis.
Limitations: Many studies are small, have varying methodologies, and use different forms and dosages of CoQ10, making direct comparisons challenging. Bioavailability can be an issue, and individual responses may vary. More large-scale, long-term, placebo-controlled trials are needed to solidify its efficacy for some indications.
This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.
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