Does coenzyme Q10 affect mood?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has become a popular dietary supplement due to its antioxidant properties and role in energy production. Some evidence suggests CoQ10 may also provide mental health benefits and help regulate mood. In this comprehensive article, we’ll analyze the research on connections between CoQ10 status and mood disorders.

What is Coenzyme Q10?

• CoQ10 is a compound made naturally in the body that is vital for cell function and mitochondrial energy production.
• It acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals and oxidative stress.
• Food sources of CoQ10 include meat, fish, nuts, seeds, spinach, broccoli, and extra virgin olive oil.
• CoQ10 production declines with age, so older adults often supplement to boost their levels.
• Typical doses for supplements range from 100-300 mg per day, with no serious adverse effects noted even at high doses.

CoQ10 and Mood: What Does the Research Show?

Some studies suggest that CoQ10 status may be associated with mental health, but research specifically on mood is limited:

• Low CoQ10 levels are linked to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This suggests proper neuronal activity requires adequate CoQ10.
• Oxidative stress and inflammation appear to play a role in depression. As an antioxidant, CoQ10 may help counter these effects in the brain.
• CoQ10 is vital for mitochondrial function. Impaired mitochondria and energy deficits in the brain may contribute to mood disorders.
• One study found CoQ10 levels were lower in those with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder compared to controls. Supplementation may help restore levels.
• Few controlled clinical trials have directly examined CoQ10’s effects on mood. More rigorous research is still needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Potential Mechanisms for CoQ10 Influencing Mood

While data is limited, some potential mechanisms have been proposed for how CoQ10 status could impact mood and mental health:

• Improved cellular energy production in the brain, leading to more stable neuron function and neurotransmission.
• Enhanced mitochondrial function and biogenesis, counteracting impairments linked to depression.
• Decreased oxidative damage to brain cells and reduced neuroinflammation.
• Improved neuronal resilience and membrane stability.
• Protection of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine against oxidative degradation.
• Increased availability of tyrosine, a precursor for dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine neurotransmitters.
• Better blood flow and oxygen delivery to brain tissue.
• Regulation of NMDA receptors and glutamate, associated with mood regulation.
• Effects on gene expression influencing neuroplasticity and growth of new neurons.

Analyzing Clinical Studies on CoQ10 and Mood Disorders

While the mechanisms above provide a rationale for how CoQ10 status could impact mood, direct clinical evidence remains limited. Here are a few relevant studies:

• A double-blind RCT gave bipolar patients 1200 mg of CoQ10 daily. After 12 weeks, depression scores improved vs placebo. Mania ratings did not change significantly.
• An open label study gave 150 mg of CoQ10 for 2 months to patients on antidepressants. 65% had reduced depression symptoms vs 25% of controls. CoQ10 also boosted antioxidant status.
• Infibatide, an orally active CoQ10-mimetic, was tested against placebo in a randomized trial of 168 adults with major depression. No significant changes in depressive symptoms were observed over 12 weeks.
• One case report described a woman with treatment-resistant bipolar depression who improved significantly after 600 mg per day of CoQ10 added to her medication regimen.
• Overall, the small number of studies that are available used different CoQ10 doses and formulations, limiting ability to draw strong conclusions on efficacy for mood.

Factors That May Impact CoQ10’s Effects on Mood

Some variables that may influence whether CoQ10 can impact mood disorders include:

• Baseline CoQ10 status – Those deficient may respond better to supplementation.
• Stage and severity of mood disorder – Effects may vary for mild depression vs bipolar mania.
• Use of mood stabilizers and antidepressants – Could affect CoQ10 efficacy.
• dosages and formulations used – Absorption differs between ubiquinone and ubiquinol forms.
• Demographic factors like age, genetics, comorbidities – Older adults tend to have lower CoQ10 levels.
• Consistency of supplementation routine – May take 4-12 weeks to affect mood.
• Nutritional status and intake of antioxidants – Diet may alter antioxidant capacity.
• Mitochondrial health and energy deficits – CoQ10 works optimally with healthy mitochondria.
• Oxidative stress and inflammation levels – Higher indicates more room for antioxidants like CoQ10 to help.

Other Supplements and Lifestyle Changes for Mood

Along with CoQ10, some other natural approaches that may help stabilize mood include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil - Helps fight inflammation and support neuron function.
• SAM-e - Precursor for neurotransmitters like serotonin and natural antidepressant qualities.
• Vitamin D - Modulates genes influencing neurotransmitter synthesis.
• Adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng - Help counteract stress.
• Regular exercise - Stimulates neurotransmitter release and neurogenesis.
• Meditation and yoga - Reduces stress hormone levels.
• Optimizing vitamin B6, B12, and folate status - Critical for neurotransmitter synthesis.
• Adequate magnesium intake - Involved in neurotransmitter receptor signaling.
• Better sleep practices - Lack of sleep linked to emotional problems.

Does coenzyme Q10 affect mood? Conclusion

In summary, while research is still in the early stages, CoQ10 shows potential for use as part of an integrative approach to mood disorders based on its critical roles in mitochondrial function and antioxidant activity in the brain. Studies specifically measuring effects on mood are very limited but initial results appear promising. Further clinical trials are warranted, especially focused on treatment-resistant depression. When combined with lifestyle strategies like stress management, exercise, nutrition, and restorative sleep, CoQ10 supplementation may help support mental health. However, those taking medications for mood disorders should consult their doctor before taking CoQ10.

Sources

• https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/effect-of-omega3-polyunsaturated-fatty-acids-in-the-treatment-of-bipolar-disorder/2BA86EC17A148D1AAD4B47B49D5E2A5B
• https://www.psikiyatri.org.tr/download/article-file/85067
• https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/depression/role-mitochondria-depression-bipolar-disorder/