Is Coenzyme Q10 compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10

August 29, 2018 (Low Risk)

Present in the cells of all organisms, animals and plants, in the mitochondrial membrane. Powerful fat-soluble antioxidant.
It is synthesized in the cells of the organism and is also obtained from the diet (Niklowitz 2005), mainly with the consumption of meat, where it is very abundant, or commercial supplements.

Indicated in the congenital deficit of Coenzyme Q, in some heart diseases and, out of indication, it is used in neurodegenerative diseases, headaches, cancer and others. Also marketed as an "anti-aging" product.
The evidence of its efficacy in most indications is null, scarce or of little foundation (NIH 2018 and 2017, Hernández 2018).

At the date of last update, we did not find published data on its excretion in breast milk.

It is found naturally in breast milk (Tang 2006), in greater amounts in colostrum and transition milk than in mature milk and preterm mother's milk (Quiles 2006, Niklowitz 2005).

Their pharmacokinetic data (large volume of distribution and moderately high molecular weight) make the passage to milk of significant quantities from the exogenous contribution unlikely. Its liposolubility could make possible a greater excretion in milk.

The exogenous contribution of Coenzyme-Q10 seems to increase its concentration in breast milk (Codoñer 2013) and in plasma of infants (Compagnoni 2004).

It is considered virtually devoid of toxicity and with few side effects (gastrointestinal) even at very high doses (Huntington 2010).

The amount contained in breast milk, between 0.3 and 1.6 mg / L (Quiles 2006, Niklowitz 2005, Compagnoni 2004) is insufficient to achieve the dosage normally used in newborns or infants: 15 mg / kg up a maximum of 200 to 300 mg / day (Committee 2015, Lucangioli 2013).

Given its lack of toxicity, being a normal component of the body and the low concentration increase in breast milk that is presupposed with supplements, its consumption during lactation does not seem contraindicated.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Coenzyme Q10.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Ubidecarenone
  • Ubiquinone-10

Writings

  • يوبيديكارينون (Arabic)
  • Убидекаренон (Cyrillic)
  • 泛癸利酮 (Chinese)
  • ユビデカレノン (Japanese)
  • C59 H90 O4 (Molecular formula)
  • 2-Deca(3-methylbut-2-enylene)-5,6-dimethoxy-3-methyl-p-benzoquinone (Chemical name)
  • C01EB09 (ATC Code/s)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Hernández-Camacho JD, Bernier M, López-Lluch G, Navas P. Coenzyme Q(10) Supplementation in Aging and Disease. Front Physiol. 2018Abstract
  2. NIH - National Cancer Institute. Coenzyme Q10 (PDQ®). Health Professional Version. 2018 Full text (link to original source)
  3. NIH - National Cancer Institute. Coenzyme Q10 (PDQ®). Patient Version 2018 Full text (link to original source)
  4. NIH - Instituto Nacional del Cáncer. Coenzima Q10 (PDQ®). Versión para pacientes 2018 Full text (link to original source)
  5. NIH - Instituto Nacional del Cáncer. Coenzima Q10 (PDQ®). Versión para profesionales de salud. 2017 Full text (link to original source)
  6. Comité de Medicamentos de la Asociación Española de Pediatría. Coenzima Q10 (Ubidecarenona). Pediamécum. 2015 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. Lucangioli S, Tripodi V. Deficiencia de Coenzima Q10: ¿Una enfermedad huérfana en Argentina? Rev Farm. vol155 (1-2):81-88. 2013 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Codoñer-Franch P, Hernández-Aguilar MT, Navarro-Ruiz A, López-Jaén AB, Borja-Herrero C, Valls-Bellés V. Diet supplementation during early lactation with non-alcoholic beer increases the antioxidant properties of breastmilk and decreases the oxidative damage in breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeed Med. 2013Abstract
  9. Huntington Study Group Pre2CARE Investigators., Hyson HC, Kieburtz K, Shoulson I, McDermott M, Ravina B, de Blieck EA, Cudkowicz ME, Ferrante RJ, Como P, Frank S, Zimmerman C, Cudkowicz ME, Ferrante K, Newhall K, Jennings D, Kelsey T, Walker F, Hunt V, Daigneault S, Goldstein M, Weber J, et al. Safety and tolerability of high-dosage coenzyme Q10 in Huntington's disease and healthy subjects. Mov Disord. 2010Abstract
  10. Tang PH, Miles MV, Steele P, Davidson BS, Geraghty SR, Morrow AL. Determination of coenzyme Q10 in human breast milk by high-performance liquid chromatography. Biomed Chromatogr. 2006Abstract
  11. Quiles JL, Ochoa JJ, Ramirez-Tortosa MC, Linde J, Bompadre S, Battino M, Narbona E, Maldonado J, Mataix J. Coenzyme Q concentration and total antioxidant capacity of human milk at different stages of lactation in mothers of preterm and full-term infants. Free Radic Res. 2006Abstract
  12. Niklowitz P, Menke T, Giffei J, Andler W. Coenzyme Q10 in maternal plasma and milk throughout early lactation. Biofactors. 2005Abstract
  13. Compagnoni G, Giuffrè B, Lista G, Mosca F, Marini A. CoQ10 plasmatic levels in breast-fed infants compared to formula-fed infants. Biol Neonate. 2004Abstract