Test Details
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is an endogenously produced lipid-soluble cofactor that has a significant role in the formation of energy within cells. It also serves as a potent antioxidant and is very effective in inhibiting the oxidation and modification of low density lipoproteins (LDLs).
Methodology
Ultra-high sensitivity liquid pressure chromatography (UPLC)
Patient Preparation
8 hour fast prior to collection. Patient may drink water, black coffee or tea (no milk, cream or sugar).
Preferred Specimen
300 µL (min.) collected in serum separator tube (SST/Tiger Top)
Alternate Specimen
None
Transport Temperature
Refrigerate immediately (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 2 days
Lab Values
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- Optimal: >1.40 mg/L
- Borderline: 0.70-1.40 mg/L
- High: <0.70 mg/L
Clinical Significance
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Studies have shown that statins reduce serum CoQ10 levels. Low CoQ10 levels are associated with increased risk of statin associated muscle pain and heart failure. Supplementation decreases muscle symptoms related to statins and mortality in patients with heart failure. Early recognition of CoQ10 deficiency is essential to institute appropriate and timely treatment for cardiovascular disease.
Significant CoQ10 deficiency has been associated with:1-4
- Cardiovascular disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Significant muscle disorders
- Significant neurological disorders
- Liver disease
- Chronic kidney failure
References:
- Potgeiter M, Pretorius E, Pepper MS. Primary and secondary coenzyme Q10 deficiency: the role of therapeutic supplementation. Nutr Rev. 2013;71(3):180-188.
- Mortensen SA, Rosenfeldt F, Kumar A, et al. The eff ect of coenzyme Q10 on morbidity and mortality in chronic heart failure: results from Q-SYMBIO: a randomized double-blind trial. JACC Heart Fail. 2014;2(6):641-649.
- Desbats MA, Lunardi G, Doimo M, Trevisson E, Salviati L. Genetic bases and clinical manifestations of conenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deff iciency. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2015;38(1):145-156.
- Banach M, Serban C, Ursoniu S, et al. Statin therapy and plasma coenzyme Q10 concentrations—A systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials. Pharmacol Res. 2015;99:329-336.
Treatment Options
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Treatment Consideration for Low levels of CoQ10
- CoQ10 supplementation
- Encourage intake of dietary sources rich in CoQ10 like fish, avocados, and vegetable oils (canola, soybean, olive)
