What is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)? Let's find out exactly what it is!

You've probably seen all kinds of vitamins and supplements in pharmacies or on the Internet, right? Sometimes a friend tells you about them, or you see them in an advertisement. One name you've probably heard of is Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 for short. So, what exactly is CoQ10? Is it good for our bodies? Is it a medicine? Let's talk about everything simply and clearly.

What exactly is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)?

Simply put, Coenzyme Q10 is something that is naturally produced within our body's cells. It helps almost every cell in our body produce energy. Also, CoQ10 is a very powerful antioxidant .

Now you may be wondering what an antioxidant is. Just like a piece of iron rusts when exposed to the sun, the cells in our body can also be damaged and "rusted" for various reasons. An antioxidant prevents damage to those cells and protects them.

When taken as a supplement , CoQ10 is believed to support heart and blood vessel health. But there is something very important that we all need to understand here. CoQ10 is not a medicine that a doctor prescribes. It is a dietary supplement . That is, it is not something that has been rigorously tested and approved to treat a specific disease like regular medicine. Therefore, we need to be careful about many things before using it.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using this

If you are thinking about starting to take CoQ10, or if you are already taking it, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about it. Especially if you have any of the following conditions, you should let your doctor know.

• If you have any allergies : Tell us if you have any allergies, not just to Coenzyme Q10, but also to any other medicine, herb, food, preservatives, or food dyes.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: It is essential to seek medical advice before taking any supplements during these times.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: Do not use these products without first talking to your doctor, as these can pass to your baby through breast milk .

How exactly do you use CoQ10?

It is very important to know the correct way to use this.

• This is a supplement that you should take by mouth. Try to take it at the same time every day, as directed on the label.
• This comes in soft chewable tablets, so chew thoroughly before swallowing . Do not swallow whole.
• Taking this with a fatty meal helps it absorb better. For example, you can take it with something like a meal made with a little coconut oil, avocado, or an egg.
• Do not use more than the amount indicated on the label.
• If you are giving this to children, talk to your pediatrician about it and seek advice.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take this one day, take it as soon as you remember. But if you think it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason.

What happens if you take too much?

If you feel like you've taken too much of this, even by mistake, you need to take action immediately.

1. Go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

2. Otherwise, call the National Poison Information Centre located at the Colombo National Hospital and seek advice.

Other medications that may interact with CoQ10

If you are taking other medications, taking CoQ10 may cause side effects. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking. Below are some of the main medications that can interact with CoQ10.

This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all medications, herbs, and vitamins you take. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Things to keep in mind when using this

Dietary supplements are not regulated like medicines. This means that the purity, quality, and quantity of their ingredients can vary. Therefore, you need to be very smart when choosing something like this.

When buying these things, buy them from a reputable, trusted company, and from a good pharmacy. Be very careful when buying from unknown sources, especially online.

What are the possible side effects?

While most people don't experience any major side effects from CoQ10, some people may experience some. Let's be aware of that.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor immediately.

How do you keep this safe and remove it?

• Storage: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Do not use after the expiration date.
• Disposal: The best way to get rid of unused or expired supplements is to dispose of them safely. If you can, take them to a medication take-back program. You can ask your pharmacy about this. If not, take the tablets out of the bottle, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and put them in a sealable bag and throw them in the trash. This will help prevent children or animals from putting them in their mouths.