Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, or ubiquinone) is an antioxidant commonly used as a dietary supplement to promote heart health. According to Verywell Health, taking CoQ10 with certain supplements can enhance its effectiveness.
L-carnitine is a powerful antioxidant that can relieve chest pain and regulate heart rhythm in people who have had a heart attack. (Archival - Middle East)
1. Selenium
Selenium is a powerful antioxidant mineral that has synergistic effects when taken with Coenzyme Q10. This means the two supplements work together to provide a greater benefit than the sum of their individual effects.
For people with low levels of selenium and CoQ10, taking these two supplements together can improve heart health and reduce swelling (inflammation) and stress on the body.
A clinical study showed that healthy older adults who took coenzyme Q10 and selenium supplements for four years had a reduced risk of death from heart disease. This benefit lasted for up to 12 years after they stopped taking the supplements.
2. Red Yeast Rice
Red yeast rice is a dietary supplement containing the molecule monacolin K, which has the same chemical structure as lovastatin (a prescription cholesterol-lowering drug).
A review of 14 clinical trials showed that a combination of coenzyme Q10, red yeast rice, and other herbal supplements (berberine, policosanol, astaxanthin, and folic acid) improved cholesterol levels.
This supplement combination lowered total cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and triglycerides—all risk factors for heart disease.
Another study conducted on adults with metabolic syndrome showed that taking coenzyme Q10 with red yeast rice reduced both cholesterol and blood pressure.
3. B Vitamins
A small study of 54 adults with irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) showed that taking a combination of coenzyme Q10, B vitamins (vitamin B12, folic acid, and niacin), along with potassium and magnesium, improved heart function.
4. Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH)
A clinical study showed that taking coenzyme Q10 with NADH for 8 weeks helped lower heart rate during exercise and improve energy levels in people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
5. L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is a powerful antioxidant that can relieve chest pain and regulate heart rate in people who have had a heart attack.
Taking L-carnitine with coenzyme Q10 supports physical and mental health after heart attacks.
6. Vitamin E
Taking vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 together increases their antioxidant effects, which may enhance their heart-healthy benefits. A study in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) showed that this combination lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure, and raises HDL (good) cholesterol.
7. L-arginine and Vitamin D
Studies in animal models have shown that taking coenzyme Q10 with the amino acid L-arginine and vitamin D can dilate blood vessels in the heart and inhibit free radicals that can damage heart cells.
8. Omega-3 fatty acids
A study conducted on mice found that taking coenzyme Q10 in addition to omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil helps protect the heart. This combination reduces plaque buildup in the arteries and lowers cholesterol levels.