Is there a scientific basis for taking CoQ10 for idiopathic neuropathy? I am trying to decide whether to try it long-term. I have searched in this group but there are many many posts with "CoQ10" in them. On Google I found the following but that's about it:

http://www.endfatigue.com/health_art...europathy.html

In a study involving diabetic rats, supplementation with coenzyme Q10 was found to restore conduction velocities which were slowed down as a result of diabetes, and actually restored conduction velocities to levels found in healthy control rats. The authors state, "In addition to its effects on mitochondrial alterations, these positive effects of CoQ10 on diabetic neuropathy can be attributed to its antioxidant activity."

References

Coenzyme Q(10) and alpha-lipoic acid supplementation in diabetic rats: conduction velocity distributions," Ayaz M, Tuncer S, et al, Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol, 2008; 30(5): 367-74.

Thanks
Electron

CoQ-10 is a mitochondrial aid.

For people with neuropathy from statins (for cholesterol), this is the main line suggestion, because statins block the enzyme in our liver that makes cholesterol AND CoQ-10.

Many other drugs deplete this nutrient:
Among them:
amitriptyline and other TCAs.
beta blockers for blood pressure
clonidine
glyburide and other oral anti-diabetic agents
diuretics
some ARB's for blood pressure
some of the older antipsychotic drugs.

CoQ-10 has been used in some ataxias in high dose, and Parkinson's. But it remains costly still, because the improved absorption types are expensive.

CoQ-10 is often included in anti-aging suggestions, because it helps the heart muscle and is useful in congestive heart failure.

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/c...q10-000295.htm

I think if you suspect you have a toxic cause for your PN, either drugs or toxins, then CoQ-10 may help.

Electron

There is a developing body of evidence about the effects of statins on CoQ 10 depletion. If you google the UCSD (UC San Diego) Statin Group, you will find some valuable info from a group there studying this very issue

mrsD,

It sounds like you are seeing potential for CoQ10 to help with neuropathy caused by drug toxicity, but not for idiopathic neuropathy per se.

Have I read between your lines correctly?

Nervous

Idiopathic means that no reason has been found YET....

I think idiopathic is not an accurate term, because there is always a cause for something.

Early this Spring I was practically "required" by my PCP to order and start taking an "Omega 3 10" high potency omega-3 fish oil + coenzyme Q10 set of pills. (Information in his office) I did this and receive them by mail monthly. The reason being that I take a statin for cholesterol control for genetic reasons. So apparently enough of a link has been established now between the use of statins and the need for CoQ10.

Just today I bought from Walmart the equivalent pills to try for less $ and tonight is my 1st time. So hope they will work as well. The way I'll know is that I get a little muscle pain like a stiff neck which these pills relieve.

This connection has been known about CoQ-10 ever since the first statin was patented and marketed by Merck. (lovastatin).

Merck kept it secret (as most drug companies do). In fact they have a patent taken out for a product that combined CoQ-10 and lovastatin! It was never used however, and I did see a reason given, once. They could not solve the solubility problem that CoQ-10 has. A little history--- in the past when CoQ-10 first hit the marketplace, it was in a dry powder form. Only as time passed did it become solubility enhanced so it could work better.

Now most forms have this enhancement and some forms are even the best in this regard:

http://www.epic4health.com/noname.html

If you read my statin thread in the subforum here, I have new statistics just reported on how effective statins really are. Basically they are not that useful as the drug companies would like doctors and patients to think.
http://www.naturalnews.com/028988_st...e_effects.html

And in fact, many doctors remained clueless until recently about CoQ-10 being needed with a statin because the drug companies did not share that with doctors. It was believed that patients would not use the statin (which insurance paid for) if they had to spend $40 out of pocket each month for the CoQ-10. So only a few doctors who were independent thinkers discovered this connection themselves.
You can read about the existence of this patent here:
http://www.discount-vitamins-herbs.n...de-effects.htm
from 1989

MrsD, have you seen a recommended dosage for CoQ 10 for someone with statin-induced neuropathy?

No I haven't. But I always say, take as much as you can afford!

At least 300mg a day. The people with CNS issues, PD, Friedrich's ataxia take 3 or 4 grams a day. They buy theirs from some other supplier.

Some people get GI upset from CoQ-10... so that might limit intake, too.

People with statin induced PN, would benefit from acetyl carnitine and r-lipoic acid. All of these work on the mitochondria.
And I am thinking the d-ribose might help. It sure is helping with my stamina this summer! Ribose increases synthesis of ATP, ADP and AMP in the mitochondria. Statins damage mitochondria, as one of their nasty effects.

Fish oil (or the new Krill oil) too for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Perhaps there will be more on statin induced damage once the patents on Lipitor and Crestor are expired. A new one has emerged too by Kowa Pharmaceuticals from Japan. Pitavastatin.
Here is a glowing report (as usual) about how wonderful this statin is supposed to be:
http://blog.taragana.com/pr/pitavast...52-weeks-5376/

As the patents expire, the secrets long held often come out. At least they have for the SSRIs.

MrsD, 2 additional questions if you don't mind.

How long should someone (like me) who has statin induced neuropathy take CoQ10?

Do you know if the CoQ10 in QGel superior to that sold by GNC?

Thanks as always for your help