CoenzymeQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that is produced naturally in the body. It is beneficial to the immune system, brain, heart, and muscles. CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to prevent heart damage arising from administration of doxorubicin, a common and effective chemotherapy agent used in dogs.
What Is CoQ10?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also called ubiquinone, ubidecarenone, or coenzyme Q, is a well-known ubiquitous coenzyme, present in all cells of humans and animals.3,4 It is a fat-soluble vitamin-like nutrient that acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage5. CoQ10 plays a significant role in mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells where energy is produced in order for metabolic process to occur6.
CoQ10 is available in two forms, oxidized (ubiquinone) and reduced (ubiquinol). The body converts ubiquinol to ubiquinone in the gastrointestinal system, thus one form is not necessarily superior to the other, but nutritional supplement companies have often marketed the ubiquinol form as being better absorbed7.
CoQ10 is found naturally in foods such as soybeans, peanuts, palm oil, fatty fishes, and organ meats8. Cooking can reduce CoQ10 content by 14-32%, therefore supplementation is recommended with certain diseases9. CoQ10 may be helpful as a nutritional supplement for cardiovascular and other diseases such as neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders, mitochondrial cytopathy, diabetes, cancer, and periodontal disease10. CoQ10 comes in a variety of forms for dogs produced by several pet supplement companies.
Evidence for Efficacy
CoQ10 has many biologic functions that are beneficial. In the mitochondria in the cell it helps to produce ATP, a compound that provides energy for many cellular functions. CoQ10 also acts as an antioxidant protecting cells from free radicals, molecules that can be harmful to cellular function. CoQ10 also promotes cell signaling, the term used for the way cells communicate and transfer information in order for biological processes to occur7.
CoQ10 has been shown to have clinical benefits in dogs with heart disease. It has been shown to decrease inflammation in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease and congestive heart failure11, 12. CoQ10 supplementation reduced heart muscle thickening (hypertrophy) that is often associated with congestive heart failure13.
CoQ10 has also been shown to be beneficial in prevention of cardiotoxicity in humans receiving anthracycline chemotherapy, a common class of chemotherapy agents used in people and dogs14. There are multiple studies showing that CoQ10 also protects against cardiotoxicity in rodents treated with doxorubicin15-18.
Several studies using CoQ10 with humans with different forms of cancer have also had positive results. One study showed it reduced cancer cell growth on human breast cells, suggesting it may help reduce cancer cell growth as an adjunctive therapy with doxorubicin19. CoQ10 has shown to have numerous advantages in humans with liver cancer including reducing oxidative stress (an immune response that can damage cells)20, reducing chemotherapy side-effects21, and protecting against liver toxicity during cancer treatment22.
Common Uses for CoQ10 in Dogs
CoQ10 administration may benefit dogs receiving doxorubicin as a cancer treatment. Doxorubicin is a common treatment for many cancer types including lymphoma and many solid tumors. Dogs receiving doxorubicin are at risk of cardiotoxicity leading to potential heart damage which in some cases is irreversible.
The potential heart damage is more likely in large breed dogs with a predisposition to cardiac disease, such as Boxers and Doberman Pinschers. CoQ10 may be useful as a protective agent for the cardiovascular system to decrease the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease related to doxorubicin administration.1,2,23
CoQ10 is an antioxidant that has also been shown to be an important factor in immune health and performs several functions to support the immune system24. Supporting immune health in cancer patients is very important as the immune system is compromised from having cancer and receiving chemotherapy.
Safety and Side Effects
CoQ10 has been shown to be safe to administer to dogs.25-27 The side effects reported are generally limited to mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and gastrointestinal upset seen in a small number of subjects5.
CoQ10 Can Be Given With Chemotherapy
CoQ10 can be administrated during chemotherapy without compromising the effect. It has been used with cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, or radiation therapy2,28,29. CoQ10 can be used with radiation and surgery if recommended by your veterinarian.
When to Not UseQ10 with Dogs
CoQ10 may stabilize blood sugar, so diabetic patients taking CoQ10 may need to adjust insulin dosage 30,31.
Patients receiving anticoagulant therapy need to be monitored closely if given CoQ10, as CoQ10 may have procoagulant activity and make the medications not work as well.5
How to Give
CoQ10 is given by mouth in the form of a capsule, liquid, or chewable formula32. It is recommended to be taken with food, as absorption of CoQ10 is enhanced in the presence of food, particularly lipids (fats) 33.
Supplementation of CoQ10 in dogs should be based on body weight11. The recommended dosage ranges from 1mg per pound per day to 1.6mg per pound per day split into two doses.34 To treat cardiovascular disease, your veterinarian may recommend a much higher dose10.
Soft gelatin capsules35 and solubilized formulations of CoQ10 showed enhanced bioavailability compared with powder-based capsules, tablets, and oil suspensions5. Ideally, choose a supplement that uses ubiquinone or ubiquinol as the active ingredient for the best absorption.7 Vitamin E supplementation may also increase the absorption of CoQ1027,36.
What If I Miss a Dose?
Give it when you remember, or skip the dose if it is close to the time for the next dose. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses37.
Store CoQ10 supplements in a cool, dry place. Always refer to the product packaging for specific storage and handling guidelines38.
Our Take on CoQ10 for Dogs
Although rigorous trials have not tested the benefits of CoQ10 in dogs, it is worth talking to your oncologist about if your dog is receiving a chemotherapy agent with a risk of cardiotoxicity, such as doxorubicin.
- Druzhaeva N, Petrič AD, Tavčar-Kalcher G, Babič J, Nemec Svete A. Randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial of the effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. American Journal of Veterinary Research. 2021;82(4):280-285. doi:10.2460/ajvr.82.4.280
- Conklin KA. Coenzyme Q10 for prevention of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. Integrative cancer therapies. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15911925/. Published June 2005. Accessed November 27, 2022.
- Shukla S, Dubey KK. Coq10 a super-vitamin: Review on application and biosynthesis – 3 biotech. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13205-018-1271-6. Published May 9, 2018. Accessed November 28, 2022.
- Saini R. Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient. http://www.peirsoncenter.com/uploads/6/0/5/5/6055321/coenzyme_q10__the_essential_nutrient.pdf. Published July 2011. Accessed November 28, 2022.
- Bhagavan H. Coenzyme Q10: Absorption, tissue uptake, metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Taylor & Francis. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10715760600617843. Published December 20, 2005. Accessed November 28, 2022.
- Beynen A. Coenzyme Q10 in petfood. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anton-Beynen/publication/338965848_Beynen_AC_2020_Coenzyme_Q10_in_petfood/links/5e35349da6fdccd9657c18c0/Beynen-AC-2020-Coenzyme-Q10-in-petfood.pdf. Published February 2020. Accessed November 28, 2022.
- Judy W. The Instability of the Lipid-Soluble Antioxidant Ubiquinol: Part 2–Dog Studies. Integrative Medicine – A Clinician’s Journal – Home. http://www.imjournal.com/. Published October 2021. Accessed November 28, 2022.
- Salami M, Fath EY, Esteki H, Motamedi F, Atapour N. Coenzyme Q10; importance, effective sources and improving its bioavailability. ACECR. https://www.sid.ir/paper/918123/en#downloadbottom. Published 2015. Accessed November 28, 2022.
- Silver R. Nutraceuticals to the rescue!. Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.isvma.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SilverNutraceuticals.pdf. Published 2019. Accessed November 28, 2022.
- Druzhaeva N, Petrič AD, Tavčar-Kalcher G, Babič J, Svete AN. Randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial of the effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. AVMA. https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/ajvr/82/4/ajvr.82.4.280.xml?tab_body=fulltext#ref15. Published April 1, 2021. Accessed November 28, 2022.
- Tachampa K, Lertwanakarn T, Atchariyasakchai P, Pumpitakkul V, Kireewan S, Buranakarl C. Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on cardiac troponin I level … ProQuest. https://www.proquest.com/openview/1adcfa8dae9c4e92842c88f4f168a289/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=836355. Published September 2018. Accessed November 28, 2022.
- Druzhaeva N, Nemec Svete A, Tavčar-Kalcher G, et al. Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, lymphocyte subpopulations, and clinical status in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/11/8/1427. Published July 22, 2022. Accessed November 28, 2022.
- Harker-Murray AK, Tajik AJ, Ishikura F, Meyer D, Burnett Jc, Redfield M. The role of coenzyme Q10 in the pathophysiology and therapy of experimental congestive heart failure in the dog. Journal of Cardiac Failure. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1071916400715661. Published May 25, 2002. Accessed November 28, 2022.
- Lekarski PM, Towarzystwa Lekarskiego OP. Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in supportive therapy of the cardiovascular diseases and in the prevention of cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapy. Europe PMC. https://europepmc.org/article/med/33895766. Published April 1, 2021. Accessed November 28, 2022.
- Botelho AFM, Lempek MR, Branco SEMT, et al. Coenzyme Q10 cardioprotective effects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in wistar rat – cardiovascular toxicology. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12012-019-09547-4. Published August 21, 2019. Accessed November 28, 2022.
- Shabaan DA, Mostafa N, El-Desoky MM, Arafat2 EA. Coenzyme Q10 protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy via antioxidant and anti-apoptotic pathway. Taylor & Francis. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21688370.2021.2019504. Published December 12, 2021. Accessed November 28, 2022.
- Zhang X-Y, Yang K-L, Li Y, et al. Can dietary nutrients prevent cancer chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity? An evidence mapping of human studies and Animal Models. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. 2022;9. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2022.921609
- Pei Z, Ma L, Li Y, et al. CoQ10 improves myocardial damage in doxorubicin-induced heart failure in C57BL/6 mice. IMR Press. https://www.imrpress.com/journal/FBL/27/8/10.31083/j.fbl2708244/htm. Published August 15, 2022. Accessed November 28, 2022.
- Shokrzadeh M, Mortazavi P, Moghadami A, Khayambashi B, Motafeghi F. Synergistic antiproliferative and anticancer activity of carotenoid … Applied in Vitro Toxicology. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/aivt.2021.0008. Published December 16, 2021. Accessed November 30, 2022.
- Bhagavan HN, Chopra RK. Coenzyme Q10: Absorption, tissue uptake, metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Sci Hub. https://sci-hub.se/https:/www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10715760600617843. Published July 7, 2009. Accessed November 28, 2022.
- AL-Johani NS, Al-Zharani M, Almutairi B, et al. Protective effect of coenzyme-10 and piperine against cyclophosphamide-induced cytotoxicity in human cancer HUH-7 cells. Journal of King Saud University – Science. 2022;34(4):102009. doi:10.1016/j.jksus.2022.102009
- Roffe L, Schmidt K, Ernst E. Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 for improved tolerability of Cancer treatments: A systematic review. Journal of clinical oncology: official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15514384/#:~:text=The%20results%20suggested%20that%20CoQ10,the%20results%20are%20not%20conclusive. Published November 1, 2004. Accessed November 30, 2022.
- Pei Z, Ma L, Li Y, et al. CoQ10 improves myocardial damage in doxorubicin-induced heart failure in C57BL/6 mice. https://www.imrpress.com/journal/FBL/27/8/10.31083/j.fbl2708244/htm. Published August 15, 2022. Accessed November 30, 2022.
- Mantle D, Heaton RA, Hargreaves IP. Coenzyme Q10 and Immune Function: An overview. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/10/5/759. Published May 11, 2021. Accessed November 30, 2022.
- Kitano M, Watanabe D, Oda S, et al. Subchronic oral toxicity of ubiquinol in rats and dogs. International journal of toxicology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18404543/. Published 2008. Accessed November 30, 2022.
- Hidaka, T., Fujii, K., Funahashi, I., Fukutomi, N., & Hosoe, K. (2008). Safety assessment of coenzyme Q10(CoQ10). BioFactors, 32(1-4), 199–208.doi:10.1002/biof.5520320124
- Yerramilli-Rao P, Beal MF, Watanabe D, et al. Oral repeated-dose toxicity studies of coenzyme Q10 in Beagle Dogs. International journal of toxicology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3288259/#!po=98.7179. Published January 2012. Accessed November 30, 2022.
- Shimizu Y, Mukumoto N, Idrus N, et al. Amelioration of radiation enteropathy by dietary supplementation with reduced coenzyme Q10. Advances in radiation oncology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6460318/. Published January 31, 2019. Accessed November 30, 2022.
- Singh K, Bhori M, Kasu YA, Bhat G, Marar T. Antioxidants as precision weapons in war against cancer chemotherapy induced toxicity – exploring the armoury of obscurity. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal. https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S1319016417302219?token=5B5F06BD4BC262D47258C769E9632D9017FB2398BDC7594B875C86025AEC68405EAE1A3BC47A8662A809C60BE2CA3CB2&originRegion=us-east-1&originCreation=20221024231322. Published December 19, 2017. Accessed November 30, 2022.
- Hodgson JM, Watts GF, Playford DA, Burke V, Croft KD. Coenzyme Q10 improves blood pressure and glycaemic control: A controlled trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes. European journal of clinical nutrition. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12428181/. Published November 2002. Accessed November 30, 2022.
- Kishi T, Kishi H, Watanabe T, Folkers K. Bioenergetics in clinical medicine. xi. studies on coenzyme Q and diabetes mellitus. Journal of medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1070515/. Published 1976. Accessed November 30, 2022.
- Coq10. Epic4Health. https://www.epic4health.com/coq10.html. Published 2014. Accessed November 30, 2022.
- Barakat A, Shegokar R, Dittgen M, Müller RH. Coenzyme Q10 oral bioavailability: Effect of formulation type – Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40005-013-0101-4. Published October 4, 2013. Accessed November 30, 2022.
- Freeman LM. Nutritional therapy of heart disease. Veterinary Information Network. https://www.vin.com/Proceedings/PDF/Walthamosu2002/PR02987.pdf. Published 2002. Accessed November 30, 2022.
- Zaghloul A, Gurley B, Khan M, Bhagavan H, Chopra R, Reddy I. Bioavailability assessment of oral coenzyme Q10 formulations in dogs. Taylor & Francis. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1081/DDC-120015352. Published October 29, 2002. Accessed November 30, 2022.
- Ibrahim WH, Bhagavan HN, Chopra RK, Chow CK. Dietary Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin E Alter the Status of These Compounds in Rat Tissues and Mitochondria. The Journal of Nutrition. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/130/9/2343/4686642. Published September 2000. Accessed November 30, 2022.
- Gollakner R. Coenzyme Q-10. VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/coenzyme-q-10. Accessed November 30, 2022.
- Temova Rakuša Ž, Kristl A, Roškar R. Stability of reduced and oxidized coenzyme Q10 in finished products. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/10/3/360/htm. Published February 27, 2021. Accessed November 30, 2022.
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