Autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions in which the immune system is more active than it should be. This overactivity results in the immune system’s doing damage to healthy cells and tissue. There are more than 90 identified autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune diseases most likely result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors [Cleveland Clinic 2024].

Crystalline Coenzyme Q10 raw material

The raw material for CoQ10 supplements consists of dry powder crystals that the body cannot absorb. A special heating and cooling process results in the dissolution of the CoQ10 crystals in carefully selected carrier oils. A patented thermal crystal dispersion process enables the absorption of the CoQ10 molecules at body temperature.

Autoimmune diseases are difficult to treat. The rationale for the use of Coenzyme Q10 supplements as an adjuvant treatment for various autoimmune diseases is based on the following factors [Mantle & Hargreaves 2024]:

How, then, can CoQ10 supplementation help?

  • Coenzyme Q10 promotes normal mitochondrial function.
  • Coenzyme Q10 is an important lipid-soluble antioxidant.
  • Coenzyme Q10 is an effective anti-inflammatory agent.

Safety of CoQ10 Supplementation in Autoimmune Diseases

CoQ10 capsules in a blister pack

Not all CoQ10 supplements are equally well absorbed and bioavailable. It is important to buy a CoQ10 supplement that has documented absorption and clinical effects.

There is no published evidence that CoQ10 supplements have any adverse effects on the action of medicines prescribed for patients with autoimmune diseases. Actually, overall, there are very few reports of supplementary Coenzyme Q10 interfering with prescribed medicines, e.g., with the older anti-coagulants or antihypertensive drugs [Mantle & Hargreaves 2024].

None of the autoimmune disease clinical studies reviewed by Mantle & Hargreaves in their 2024 overview article have reported any significant adverse effects associated with CoQ10 supplementation.

In a review of data from over 20 years of the use of CoQ10 supplements, Hidaka et al reported the following safety record:

  • Coenzyme Q10 does not induce any serious adverse effects in humans.
  • 1200 mg/day/person is the observed safety level for Coenzyme Q10.
  • Coenzyme Q10 from supplements does not accumulate in plasma or tissues after the cessation of supplementation.
  • Coenzyme Q10 supplementation does not affect the biosynthesis of endogenous Coenzyme Q10.
  • Coenzyme Q10 is highly safe for use as a dietary supplement.

Coenzyme Q10 and Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a typical autoimmune disorder. In MS, the immune system attacks the protective myelin protein sheath surrounding the axons of neurons. The result is inflammation that damages the sheath and causes problems with nerve transmission. Conventional treatment of MS involves the use of immunomodulating drugs anti-inflammatory drugs [Mantle & Hargreaves 2024].

Clinical studies have reported significantly lower CoQ10 blood levels in MS patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover, clinical studies of CoQ10 supplementation in MS patients have shown significant benefits in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Clinical research has also shown that the CoQ10 supplementation significantly improved symptoms of fatigue and depression [Mantle & Hargreaves 2024].

Coenzyme Q10 and Rheumatoid Arthritis

The chronic inflammatory disorder rheumatoid arthritis (RA) primarily affects the joints. It results from the development of autoantibodies against components of the joint lining. Two published randomized controlled trials have shown the following beneficial effects of CoQ10 supplementation in RA patients [Mantle & Hargreaves 2024]:

  • reduced levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers
  • reduced levels of serum matrix metalloproteinase activity

Coenzyme Q10 and Hyperthyroidism

When antibodies from the immune system mistakenly attack the thyroid gland tissue, they can cause serious thyroid autoimmune diseases. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is characterized by the overactivity of the thyroid gland, resulting in a speeding up of the body’s metabolism [Mayo Clinic 2022].

Clinical studies have shown low tissue levels of Coenzyme Q10 in hyperthyroid patients. The CoQ10 deficiency may result from increased oxidative stress associated with hyperthyroidism. It is possible that the CoQ10 deficiency is a factor in complications of hyperthyroidism, e.g., heart failure [Mantle & Hargreaves 2024].

Interestingly, patients with hypothyroidism generally have circulating levels of Coenzyme Q10 similar to the levels in healthy controls and may even have substantially increased levels. Thus, CoQ10 supplementation is not necessary for patients with hypothyroidism [Mantle & Hargreaves 2024].

Coenzyme Q10 and Fibromyalgia

Whether fibromyalgia can be categorized as an autoimmune disorder has been controversial. In a 2024 review, Paroli et al have presented evidence that suggests that autoimmune and inflammatory factors contribute to the development of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is characterized by fatigue and muscle pain. Fibromyalgia patients have depleted tissue levels of Coenzyme Q10 (typically 40–50% of healthy controls’ CoQ10 levels). Fibromyalgia patients also have increased levels of mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation [Mantle & Hargreaves 2024].

Mantle & Hargreaves point to a 2013 randomized controlled clinical study by Cordero et al. The researchers reported supplementing 20 fibromyalgia patients with 300 mg of Coenzyme Q10 for 40 days. The CoQ10 supplementation was significantly associated with the following outcomes [Cordero 2013]:

  • reduced levels of pain and fatigue (by more than 50%)
  • improved mitochondrial ATP energy generation
  • reduced oxidative stress and inflammation

In separate publications, Cordero et al reported the following observations of the effect of the 40-day CoQ10 supplementation [reported in Mantle & Hargreaves 2024]:

  • improved psychopathological symptoms (including depression).
  • increased levels of serotonin

Moreover, Cordero and the research team reported a correlation between reduced CoQ10 blood levels and headache symptoms in fibromyalgia patients. In a three-month clinical trial, the researchers administered 300 mg/day Coenzyme Q10 to fibromyalgia patients. The CoQ10 supplementation improved headache symptoms and oxidative stress levels significantly [reported in Mantle & Hargreaves 2024].

Mantle & Hargreaves also report that CoQ10 supplementation of juvenile fibromyalgia patients (100 mg/day for three months) significantly reduced fatigue levels [Miyamae 2013].

Conclusion: Coenzyme Q10 and Autoimmune Diseases

  • Autoimmune disorders are characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
  • Autoimmune disease patients often have blood CoQ10 levels lower than the blood levels of healthy individuals.
  • Coenzyme Q10 plays important roles in normal mitochondrial function, as an antioxidant, and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
  • Coenzyme Q10 performs cellular functions that are relevant to the proper functioning of the immune system.
  • For some autoimmune disorders, e.g., multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia, researchers have identified a deficiency of Coenzyme Q10 and have reported a beneficial effect of CoQ10 supplementation [Mantle & Hargreaves 2024].

Sources

Cleveland Clinic. Autoimmune diseases. 2024. Retrieved from
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21624-autoimmune-diseases

Cordero MD, Alcocer-Gómez E, de Miguel M, Culic O, Carrión AM, Alvarez-Suarez JM, Bullón P, Battino M, Fernández-Rodríguez A, Sánchez-Alcazar JA. Can coenzyme q10 improve clinical and molecular parameters in fibromyalgia? Antioxid Redox Signal. 2013 Oct 20;19(12):1356-61.

Hidaka T, Fujii K, Funahashi I, Fukutomi N, Hosoe K. Safety assessment of coenzyme Q10. Biofactors. 2008;32(1-4):199-208.

Mantle D, Hargreaves IP. Coenzyme Q10 and autoimmune disorders: an overview. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Apr 22;25(8):4576.

Mayo Clinic Staff. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid). 2022. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20373659

Miyamae T, Seki M, Naga T, Uchino S, Asazuma H, Yoshida T, Iizuka Y, Kikuchi M, Imagawa T, Natsumeda Y, Yokota S, Yamamoto Y. Increased oxidative stress and coenzyme Q10 deficiency in juvenile fibromyalgia: amelioration of hypercholesterolemia and fatigue by ubiquinol-10 supplementation. Redox Rep. 2013;18(1):12-9.

Paroli M, Gioia C, Accapezzato D, Caccavale R. Inflammation, autoimmunity, and infection in fibromyalgia: a narrative review. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 May 29;25(11):5922.

The information presented in this review article is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as such.