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CoQ10 HELPS IN RARE NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES

(May 2002)

We have previously commented on the lack of evidence for almost all coenzyme Q10 claims (see Archives). But, CoQ10 is an interesting substance that acts as an antioxidant and also protects cell membranes. It is particularly active in muscle cells, and is involved in energy mechanisms. Preliminary evidence now suggests it may be useful in two types of rare neurological disorders. In one, patients suffer from seizures, incoordination, mental retardation, and severe muscle dysfunction. In the other, called familial cerebellar ataxia, a variety of manifestations occur, including muscle paralysis, seizures, incoordination, and mental retardation. According to a report in the April 10, 2001 issue of the journal Neurology, six patients with cerebellar ataxia had very low CoQ10 content in their muscles and all improved either moderately or dramatically after administration of 600 to 3000 milligrams a day of CoQ10. The authors hypothesized that the CoQ10 deficiency might have been the initiating problem causing the brain damage, particularly in a specific area of the brain, the cerebellum, that is responsible for balance and coordination.

These are rare diseases. It is also not clear what percentage of those with cerebellar ataxia will be found to have CoQ10 deficiency or how long the improvement will be sustained during or after CoQ10 treatment.

We are noting the results with these two rare neurologic diseases to indicate that CoQ10 can be beneficial under well-defined circumstances. However, there is still no evidence that healthy people will benefit from taking coenzyme Q10, and we do not know nearly enough about potential harmful effects of large doses (particularly more than 300 milligrams a day).