CoQ10 Supplementation Beneficial for Fibromyalgia

Researchers in Spain say that Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and a strong antioxidant.

"It is a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance present in every cell of the body and serves as a coenzyme for several of the key enzymatic steps in the production of energy within the cell. It also functions as an antioxidant, which is important in its clinical effects" (Langsjoen, 1994).

According to the Mayo Clinic (2008), Coenzyme Q10 is produced by the human body and is necessary for the basic functioning of cells and formation of cellular energy.

However, Coenzyme Q10 decreases with age and chronic illness. Low blood levels of Coenzyme Q10 have been found in people with hypertension (Mayo Clinic, 2008), cancer (Folkers, 1993), and heart disease (Langsjoen, 1994).

Dr. Peter H. Langsjoen of the University of Washington says, "CoQ10 deficiency may be caused by insufficient dietary Coenzyme Q10, impairment in Coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis, excessive utilization of Coenzyme Q10 by the body, or any combination of the three."

Now scientists have evidence of altered Coenzyme Q10 levels in the blood and mononuclear cells of patients with fibromyalgia (Cordero et al, 2008). These low blood levels of Coenzyme Q10 lead to the oxidative stress commonly observed in fibromyalgia (Cordero et al, 2008).

"Fibromyalgia is a disease process characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, non-restorative sleep, fatigue, headache, morning stiffness, poor memory, difficulty concentrating, paresthesias (numbness and tingling) and overall impaired functioning in both social and occupational settings. The severity of the pain is typically more constant than other forms of pain and may come and go rapidly, move around to various parts of the body, and worsen with touch" (MCS America, 2006 - 2009).

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