Supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 may significantly improve the symptoms of organophosphate poisoning. CoQ10 supplements can enhance mitochondrial functioning, increase ATP energy generation, and reduce the extent of free radical-induced oxidative damage. Moreover, the supplemental CoQ10 may increase the levels of paraoxonase enzymes that also protect the cells against oxidative damage. The CoQ10 researchers David Mantle and Iain P. Hargreaves recommend taking 100 mg three times daily together with meals. The goal of the supplementation is to raise the blood CoQ10 concentrations to three micrograms per milliliter of blood. The supplementation should continue indefinitely. Cessation of the supplementation will lead to a decline in blood CoQ10 levels [Mantle & Hargreaves 2018].
Organophosphates are toxic organic compounds that are present in aircraft cabin air. Veterans in the Persian Gulf War seem to have been exposed to organophosphates. Sheep farmers and other agricultural workers risk too much exposure to organophosphates.
The researchers warn that exposure to organophosphates, both acute and chronic exposure, is linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. For example, there may be increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. The increased risk of heart disease associated with organophosphate exposure may be related to reduced paraoxonase activity. In addition, exposure to organophosphates is associated with respiratory complaints and neurological complaints [Mantle & Hargreaves 2018].
Note: Organophosphates are toxic organic compounds containing phosphate. They are used in fertilizers and pesticides (insecticides or herbicides) and in nerve agents for chemical warfare. They are present in the fumes contaminating aircraft cabin air conditioning systems. Investigators have documented a toxic effect of exposure to organophosphates in aircraft crew and passengers, agricultural workers, sheep farmers, pesticide sprayers and military veterans of the 1990–1991 Persian Gulf War [Burdon 2023].
Health Consequences of Exposure to Organophosphates
Aircraft crew and passengers
Burdon et al [2023] and Hayes et al [2021] have pointed to the hazards and health consequences of the exposure of air crew and air passengers to organophosphates. The inhalation of potentially toxic fumes, including organophosphates, in aircraft cabins can cause acute and long-term cardiological, neurological, and respiratory disorders.
Military veterans
Service in the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War exposed veterans to many stressors that caused oxidative damage to cells, proteins, lipids, DNA, and RNA. Among these stressors were organophosphates used in nerve agents and used in pesticides. Golomb et al have shown that post-exercise phosphocreatine-recovery, a robust index of mitochondrial function, was elevated in veterans with Gulf War illness. This finding signified impaired ATP production [Golomb 2014, 2024].
In a randomized controlled trial, Golomb et al have shown that daily administration of oral CoQ10 supplements was significantly associated with improved physical function and symptoms in veterans with Gulf War illness [Golomb 2014].
Sheep farmers and pesticide sprayers
Turton et al report that sheep farmers exposed to organophosphate-based sheep dip are at a high risk of developing organophosphate poisoning. The organophosphate poisoning results from exposure to the organophosphates in the sheep dip via inhalation and via direct skin contact. The exposure can cause chronic health problems including neurological complaints, muscle pain, and fatigue [Turton 2021].
Turton et al note that these complaints are similar to the clinical presentations observed in Persian Gulf War veterans. The underlying cause of Gulf War syndrome has not been definitively established. However, the cause is thought to be exposure of pesticides [Turton 2021].
Conclusion: CoQ10 Supplements Safe, Effective, and Affordable
Oral CoQ10 supplementation may provide systemic relief to individuals with an over-exposure to organophosphates [Mantle & Hargreaves 2018].
Only CoQ10 supplements with documented absorption and bioavailability are likely to be effective [Mantle & Hargreaves 2018].
The safety of CoQ10 supplementation has been demonstrated in over 200 randomized controlled trials [Mantle & Hargreaves 2018].
Sources
Burdon J, Budnik LT, Baur X, Hageman G, Howard CV, Roig J, Coxon L, Furlong CE, Gee D, Loraine T, Terry AV Jr, Midavaine J, Petersen H, Bron D, Soskolne CL, Michaelis S. Health consequences of exposure to aircraft contaminated air and fume events: a narrative review and medical protocol for the investigation of exposed aircrew and passengers. Environ Health. 2023 May 16;22(1):43.
Golomb BA, Allison M, Koperski S, Koslik HJ, Devaraj S, Ritchie JB. Coenzyme Q10 benefits symptoms in Gulf War veterans: results of a randomized double-blind study. Neural Comput. 2014 Nov;26(11):2594-651.
Golomb BA, Han JH, Fung A, Berg BK, Miller BJ, Hamilton G. Bioenergetic impairment in Gulf War illness assessed via 31P-MRS. Sci Rep. 2024 Mar 28;14(1):7418.
Hayes K, Megson D, Doyle A, O’Sullivan G. Occupational risk of organophosphates and other chemical and radiative exposure in the aircraft cabin: A systematic review. Sci Total Environ. 2021 Nov 20;796:148742.
Mantle D & Hargreaves I. Organophosphate poisoning and Coenzyme Q10: an overview. British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing. 2018;14:206-214.
Turton N, Heaton RA, Ismail F, Roberts S, Nelder S, Phillips S, Hargreaves IP. The Effect of organophosphate exposure on neuronal cell Coenzyme Q10 status. Neurochem Res. 2021 Jan;46(1):131-139.
The information presented in this review article is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as such.
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