What happens to your body when you take CoQ10 and vitamin D together?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Weddle, PharmD

Key Takeaways

• CoQ10 (CoQ10, or ubiquinone) and vitamin D may boost fertility, cognition, or heart health. However, more research is needed to determine this.
• Like all supplements, CoQ10 and vitamin D can cause side effects and interact with some medications.
• Discuss these supplements with your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or registered dietitian nutritionist (RD / RDN) to ensure they are good choices for you.

Taking CoQ10 and vitamin D together may offer benefits for fertility, cognition, and heart health, but more research is needed to confirm these effects. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your needs.

Taking CoQ10 and Vitamin D Together

Taking CoQ10 and vitamin D supplements together may offer potential benefits, although more research is needed:

• Fertility: CoQ10 and vitamin D may help women with ovarian, cervical, or endometrial cancers achieve successful pregnancies. These supplements combat inflammation and damage from cancer or chemotherapy, potentially improving egg quality.
• Cognition: Combining CoQ10 with vitamins, like vitamin D, B vitamins, and folic acid, may help reduce cognitive decline in older adults.
• High blood pressure: One animal study found that using CoQ10 and vitamin D alongside the blood pressure medication valsartan lowered blood pressure more effectively than using only one supplement. Remember, animal study results may not always apply to humans.
• Heart protection: A lab and animal study suggested that CoQ10, vitamin D, and L-arginine together could prevent heart injury. However, human studies are lacking.

Without evidence of deficiency, it's not routinely advised to take both supplements.

Risks of Combining CoQ10 and Vitamin D

Limited research exists on the combination of CoQ10 and vitamin D.

Discuss these or any other dietary supplements with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before adding them to your regimen to optimize your health.

What Is CoQ10?

CoQ10 is a molecule found in every cell in the body, and at high levels in the kidneys, liver, and heart.

It's involved in the electron transport chain, which supplies energy to cells.

What Does CoQ10 Do In Your Body?

CoQ10 has the following functions in the body:

• Antioxidant, prevents free radicals from damaging cells
• Reduces inflammation
• Boosts the immune system
• Protects the heart

Where Can You Find CoQ10?

CoQ10 is made in the body but can also be consumed through your diet in foods such as:

• Fish
• Chicken
• Pork
• Nuts
• Soybeans
• Vegetable oil

CoQ10 is available in some multivitamin formulations.

How Much CoQ10 Do You Need?

The dosage of CoQ10 can vary depending on your health goals.

A typical daily dosage is between 100 and 400 milligrams (mg).

Are There Any Risks with CoQ10?

At recommended dosages, CoQ10 supplements are safe for most people. However, side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Trouble sleeping
• Rash
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Light sensitivity

CoQ10 Interactions to Know About

Keep interactions in mind as well.

The following medications make CoQ10 less effective:

• Cholesterol medications, including statins
• Diabetes medications
• Beta-blockers, often used for blood pressure or the heart

CoQ10 can decrease the effects of the blood-thinner Coumadin (warfarin), making it more likely for blood clots to form.

What Is Vitamin D?

Known as the "sunshine vitamin," vitamin D (calciferol) is made in the body when sunlight contacts the skin.

Vitamin D is needed for healthy bones and immune health.

Almost half of the people worldwide have low levels of vitamin D.

What Does Vitamin D Do In Your Body?

Vitamin D is crucial for the following functions in your body:

• Bone health and growth
• Maintaining normal calcium levels
• Reducing inflammation
• Immune system response

Where Can You Find Vitamin D?

You can get vitamin D through sunlight, dietary supplements, and foods, including:

• Fortified milk
• Fish
• Fish liver oil
• Egg yolks
• Cheese

Vitamin D is also available in some multivitamin formulations.

How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?

The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) of vitamin D include:

• Adults over 70: 20 micrograms (mcg) or 800 international units (IU) daily
• Ages 1 to 70: 15 mcg or 600 IU daily
• Birth to 12 months: 10 mcg or 400 IU daily

Can You Get Too Much Vitamin D?

Taking too much vitamin D can cause serious side effects, including the following:

• High calcium levels
• Kidney failure
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Death

Vitamin D Interactions to Know About

Drug interactions to note include the following:

• Thiazide diuretics (water pills): These can increase the risk of high calcium levels in the blood.
• Cholesterol medications: Statins decrease vitamin D levels, and vitamin D can make statins less effective.
• Xenical (orlistat): This medicine, used for weight loss, can lower vitamin D levels.

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