What is Ubiquinone(coenzyme Q10)? is there danger in taking it?

it is a nutrient in multivitamins.
Answer:
Hi July, No, it is not a nutrient in multivitamins. Coenzyme Q10 (also known as Co-Q10, Vitamin Q or ubiquinone) is a compound that is made naturally in the body. It is also found in all living organisms and most foods contain traces of it as well. The highest amounts are found in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas, with the lowest amounts found in the lungs. It is needed for the proper functioning of enzymes (thus the reason for the name "coenzyme") that are necessary for chemical reactions throughout the body. Coenzymes are a sort of energy sparking catalyst for the cells of the body.What's the bad news? Not much. There doesn't seem to be any documented toxicity from supplementing with CoQ10. However, if you are pregnant or a nursing mom it would be best not to take this supplement as the long terms effects have not been recorded. Some reports suggest CoQ10 will decrease the effectiveness of warfarin - a blood thinner, but there is no evidence to suggest it is decidedly so. Finally, the dosage should not exceed 200 mg per day as this - in some cases - has been shown to cause diarrhea and nausea.
Jason Homan

---

It is an antioxidant that plays directly in the function and health of cardiovascular tissue.Dr Lester Packer, of the Packer Institute at UC Berkeley, writes in his book "The Antioxidant Miracle" that Co Q10 is one of the 5 most important antioxidants to the human body.The other four are Vitamin E (a complex of many molecules) Vitamin C, glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid.Only two of these must come from your diet.Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Both of these are the most bioavailable when taken from foods or by food-based supplements. Most supplements are chemically synthesized junk and have very poor bioavailability.The other three can be made by the body, but that doesn't mean you don't get any benefit by supplementing with them. Your body tends to make enough of many compounds to support life, but that doesn't mean optimal health.Optimal health is supported through a great diet that provides the necessary raw materials of cell activity in abundance.Dietary supplements are intended to supplement, not substitute, the benefits of that good diet.CoQ10 has been added to many supplements because of its potential benefits and apparently lack of negatives.

---

Coenzyme Q10, a natural substance produced by the body, belongs to a family of compounds called quinones. When it was first isolated in 1957, scientists called it ubiquinone, because it is ubiquitous in nature. In fact, coenzyme Q10 is found in all living creatures and is also concentrated in many foods, including nuts and oils. In the past decade, coenzyme Q10 has become one of the most popular dietary supplements around the world. Proponents of the nutrient use it to maintain general good health, as well as to treat heart disease and a number of other serious conditions. Some clinicians believe it is so important for normal body functioning that it should be dubbed vitamin Q.Most research suggests that the supplement is harmless, even in large doses. In rare cases, it may cause upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, or loss of appetite. But it appears to be very safe overall. Because coenzyme Q10 has not been extensively studied, however, check with your doctor before using it, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.

---

All of the preceding answers are correct. But to directly answer your question, in doses to about 400 mg per show little side effects. The only time a person would take a dose this high or higher would be if they have Parkinson's disease or Congestive Heart Failure. In these cases the side effects of CoQ10 are outweighed by the benefits. Another useful purpose for taking high doses of CoQ10 is to help with Fibromyalgia. If you do a google on CoQ10 and Parkinson's disease you find the side effects list there.

---