CoQ10 Supplementation

[Ksass4]

Greetings everyone -

I apologize in advance if this topic has been touched on before, as I could not find it it other posts, but I am seeking others' input regarding CoQ10 supplementation. I'm not on a W30 right now, but follow a Primal dietary lifestyle otherwise. I am curious to know if eating a whole food lifestyle is providing enough of the nutrient alone, or is it recommended to also supplement as well? Also, how much is recommended on a daily basis for active individuals?

If extra CoQ10 supplements are recommended, what brands do you like or are W30 compliant?

Thanks for your help, it's much appreciated!

-K.Sass

[Renee Lee]

Hi K.Sass,

Sorry for the delay in response. There are very few "recommended" supplements by the Whole9 crew: Vitamin D, Fish oil and probiotics are the only three I can think of as almost always beneficial (in one form or another) for people, regardless of context. (This is not an absolute, of course)

IMO, the average paleo eater gets enough CoQ10 in their daily diet that supplementation is unnecessary. If you're high risk for heart disease or cancer, propping up your intake with a supplement might be beneficial, but I'd definitely check in with your doc before starting a supplementation regimen like that. Just check the filler ingredients on whichever brand you decide on. If they're clean, it's good to go on a W30.

Side note: Just because some quantity of an mineral/antioxidant is good doesn't mean that more = better.

[Bookgirl2]

After a quad-bypass operation in '04, I read an article recommending CoQ-10 supplements for people on statins, especially if you were experiencing lethargy, poor attitude (not quite depression) etc. which definitely applied to me at the time. Note: I was not eating according to paleo standards (had not heard of it at that point). I realized immediate change in disposition and have been taking 100mg a day ever since. I started the Whole30 10 days ago and eliminated CoQ-10 as the 1st ingredient is soybean oil for all the affordable capsules I could find. I found a conforming liquid that was REALLY pricey. Hoping I would get enough CoQ in my 30's plan I did not buy any. So, 10 days into the 30 and I'm experiencing some of that lethargy and am wondering how much is CoQ and how much is the 30? So, anyone..should I increase natural sources for CoQ (what are they), go buy the expensive-conforming-supplement (does anyone know of a reasonably priced source?) or stop worrying 'cuz I'm too early in the 30 experience to make a good judgment call? Thanks All.

[Renee Lee]

I don't know what your average CoQ10 supplement goes for, but here's a soy-free one: http://www.iherb.com/Healthy-Origins-CoQ10-Gels-100-mg-150-Softgels/4131

They also have ubiquinol, which is the "active" form. (I don't know enough about it to say which is "better," but things your body doesn't have to convert are generally better. Talk to your doc about it? That's here: http://www.iherb.com/Healthy-Origins-Ubiquinol-New-Soy-Free-Non-GMO-Formula-100-mg-60-Softgels/12560

You can also use discount code QAQ007 to save $10 off an order >$40, or $5 off an order <$40. That's a referrer code, so full disclosure, I get a little benefit from you using it, but iherb's awesome.

Foods with high levels of CoQ10? Fish, Beef liver/heart, eggs.

With the above being said, I DO think it's too soon in your W30 to make an informed decision on whether your lethargy's coQ10 related, or if it's the program. If you've had success with the supplementation in the past, I'd either become best friends with beef liver for the next 20 days, or get a clean supplement. Your heart's too important