Can kids take CoQ10?
CoQ10 is a coenzyme found in every cell in the body (thus the name “ubiquinone”, due to this nutrient’s ubiquitous nature). It is an antioxidant medicine, and is essential for mitochondrial health, and thus for the production of energy in the body. Any person suffering from a condition involving poor electrical conduction between cells (such as any nervous system condition, for example) would benefit from CoQ10 supplementation since this nutrient can help repair and support damaged mitochondria, and facilitate better cellular conduction. CoQ10 is also extremely beneficial for cardiovascular health and healing.
Coenzyme Q10 is recommended by the British National Formulary (BNF) for the treatment of mitochondrial disorders in babies and children. Mitochondrial conditions and other related health problems that may benefit from supplementation with CoQ10 include:
- Alpers Disease
- Leigh Syndrome
- Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON)
- Mitochondrial encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS)
- Myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibers (MERRF)
- Neurogenic weakness with ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa (NARP)
- Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy (MNGIE)
- Corticosteroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome
- Progressive encephalomyopathy with stroke-like episodes
- Vision and hearing loss
- Cardiomyopathy
- Ataxia
- Dystonia
- Muscle atrophy
- Tremors
- Kearns-Sayre Syndrome
Other health problems that result from CoQ10 deficiency, or that may benefit from supplementation with CoQ10 include the following:
- Diabetes
- CoQ10 has been found to reduce insulin requirements in individuals with diabetes mellitus.
- Congestive heart failure
- Hypertension / High blood pressure
- Angina pectoris
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Friedrich’s ataxia (FRDA)
- Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs)
- Cancer
CoQ10 for Mitochondrial Disorders in Children
Normally, I don’t go into detail on case reports, but in this context, I think that readers may find it valuable to read the case reports I’ve written about below. These not only demonstrate the safety of CoQ10, especially in the treatment of serious health problems, but they also demonstrate how impressive this nutrient’s healing properties can be when used properly. I found these two case reports especially interesting and helpful, so I assume other parents would also appreciate reading them.- A brother and sister with CoQ10 deficiency (caused by a mutation of the COQ2 gene) each developed mitochondrial disorders. They both developed nephrotic syndrome, and the boy also developed encephalomyopathy due to longer-term CoQ10 deficiency than his sister. Starting at 22 months of age, the boy was given a daily CoQ10 dose of 30mg/kg of body weight. Over the course of the next 11 months, his muscle tone and strength were restored, his neurological symptoms and dysphagia improved, and his myoclonus disappeared. He was also able to catch up and achieve missed developmental milestones. The boy still had cognitive impairment, seizures, and hemiplegia by age 7. The girl was diagnosed with CoQ10 deficiency and began CoQ10 treatment at a much younger age. She started receiving CoQ10 supplementation at only 12 months old, in comparison with her brother, who only received supplementation at 22 months old. She developed nephrotic syndrome shortly after being diagnosed with CoQ10 deficiency, and was given the same dose as her brother (30mg/kg every day). The nephrotic syndrome resolved quickly after starting CoQ10 treatment, and after 50 months of treatment with CoQ10, diuretics, and continuous hemofiltration, the girl demonstrated normal renal function and healthy neurological status.
- Another brother and sister pair developed multiple respiratory-chain dysfunction as a result of severe CoQ10 deficiency. The boy also developed nephrotic syndrome at age 3, and required a kidney transplant at age 9. He developed vision and hearing loss, cardiomyopathy, ataxia, dystonia, and muscle atrophy. A supplementation protocol of 90mg of CoQ10 per day was given when the boy was 12, and after 2 months, the boy was able to stand and walk without help, and even ride his bike (previously, he wasn’t able to walk without help, let alone ride his bike). His bodyweight and muscle bulk also improved, as did the control of his head and precise movements. The boy’s sister received treatment at a younger age, and her condition was less serious. Still, she too had developed nephrotic syndrome and vision and hearing loss, and had to have a kidney transplant at 8 years old. CoQ10 was given to the boy’s younger sister at the same dose of 90mg per day, and her condition improved significantly. Shortly after starting treatment, she was able to pronounce more words effectively, write her name, catch a ball, and interact more normally with her environment.
CoQ10 Treatment for Down Syndrome
Coenzyme Q10 has also been studied in regard to its effects in children with Down syndrome. Children with Down syndrome tend to produce higher-than-normal levels of superoxide dismutase, an oxidant, and exhibit conditions of oxidative stress such as dementia and cataracts, as well as hypothyroidism and diabetes. Premature neuronal death and mitochondrial dysfunction are also extremely common. CoQ10, as an antioxidant, can help offset the overproduction of oxidants in children with Down syndrome, while also promoting neuronal and mitochondrial health.Some research on this nutrient’s role in Down syndrome indicates a correlation between low CoQ10 levels and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a). Higher levels of CoQ10 have also been associated with increased intelligence levels in Down syndrome children. Thus, CoQ10 supplementation in children with Down syndrome may help improve some neurological symptoms; research also suggests that supplementing with this nutrient may help improve fasting blood glucose levels ind Down syndrome children.
Kid-Friendly Medicines Living Database, BETA Release- NOW AVAILABLE! Click here to sign up...
How to Administer CoQ10 in Babies and Children
According to the BNF, CoQ10 should be given at an initial dose of 5mg, twice daily, starting even from birth, if necessary. For newborn babies with mitochondrial disorders, a dose of up to 200mg per day may be necessary; in children between the ages of 1 month and 18 years, a dose of up to 300mg per day may be used. Babies and children with moderate to severe renal impairment should receive a lower dose of CoQ10.One study administered high-dose CoQ10 to a group of children with Down’s syndrome at a daily dose of 10mg/kg of bodyweight (it’s unclear what age the children were; this dose could be anywhere from 90mg/day to 300mg/day, or even more than this if the children were older than 8 or 9 years old). This higher dose was well-tolerated and well-absorbed.
CoQ10 is a fat-soluble nutrient, and thus should be taken with something containing fats in order for it to actually be absorbed into the body. While there are water-soluble preparations of CoQ10, it’s still important to give this nutrient with fats, or else it can’t gain access to the inside of cells (meaning that it won’t be able to do its job or be absorbed). Administer it with a meal containing healthy fats and oils, or combine it with a small amount of breastmilk, coconut milk, or organic, grass-fed cow’s milk or goat’s milk.
Nausea, diarrhea, and heartburn are reported side effects of CoQ10 (although most people don’t experience these symptoms, and they’re transient when they do happen). It’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of any medicine, especially when giving a medicine to children, but in most cases CoQ10 is a very safe supplement that is unlikely to cause any side effects, especially when given in age-appropriate doses.
Resources:
NICE (2017). Mitochondrial disorders in children: Co-enzyme Q10. Retrieved February 9, 2024 from: https://www.nice.org.uk/advice/es11/chapter/Product-overview
Miles, Michael V., et. al. (2006). Coenzyme Q10 Absorption and Tolerance in Children With Down Syndrome: A Dose Ranging Trial. Retrieved February 9, 2024 from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0887899405006648?via%3Dihub
Zaki, Moushira E., et. al. (2017). Coenzyme Q10 and pro-inflammatory markers in children with Down syndrome: clinical and biochemical aspects. Retrieved February 9, 2024 from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27770619/ Higdon, Jane, et. al. (2018). Coenzyme Q10. Retrieved February 9, 2024 from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/coenzyme-Q10#disease-treatment
