Is CoQ10 safe for breastfeeding?

Understanding CoQ10 and Its Safety for Breastfeeding Mothers
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in the body, playing a crucial role in energy production within cells. As more mothers consider dietary supplements during breastfeeding, questions about the safety of CoQ10 have emerged.
Current Research and Recommendations
The consensus among health professionals is somewhat cautious. While CoQ10 is a normal component of human milk, there is limited data on its levels in breast milk and its effects on breastfeeding infants. According to the Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), there are no specific lactation-related uses for CoQ10, and no comprehensive studies have been conducted to establish its safety and efficacy for nursing mothers or their infants.
Moreover, some sources suggest that breastfeeding women should avoid CoQ10 supplementation due to the lack of data on its relative toxicity in infants. This caution is echoed by various health forums and discussions, where mothers report mixed information regarding the safety of CoQ10 during breastfeeding.
Potential Effects on Infants
While CoQ10 is generally considered to have low toxicity, the absence of robust studies means that its effects on breastfed infants remain largely unknown. Some studies indicate that CoQ10 may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mothers , but the potential impact on infants is still a significant concern. The lack of data on how much CoQ10 might transfer into breast milk further complicates the issue.
Conclusion: A Cautious Approach
In summary, while CoQ10 is a naturally occurring substance in human milk and is associated with low toxicity, the lack of comprehensive research on its safety during breastfeeding leads to a cautious stance. Health professionals often recommend that breastfeeding mothers consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new supplement, including CoQ10. This ensures that both mother and child are safeguarded, considering the unique health circumstances of each individual.

When should I stop taking CoQ10 when trying to conceive?

The good news is that CoQ10 is supporting the health of all the cells in your body, not only your eggs, and these benefits continue to increase over time. Once you start taking CoQ10, you’ll want to keep taking it until you become pregnant, at which time you may reduce the dosage or discontinue use.

Why don’t doctors recommend CoQ10?

CoQ10 might make blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin (Jantoven), less effective. This could increase the risk of a blood clot.

Is it OK to take CoQ10 while pregnant?

The safety of use of CoQ10 during pregnancy and breast-feeding hasn’t been established. Don’t use CoQ10 if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding without your doctor’s approval.

How does CoQ10 affect egg quality?

Oxidative stress, which is linked with aging, can have a detrimental effect on fertility; CoQ10 is thought to help improve age-related fertility. Egg quality dramatically affects a person’s ability to conceive; CoQ10 has been shown to improve egg quality by protecting eggs from the damaging effects of oxidative stress.

Who should not take CoQ10 supplements?

Don’t take CoQ10 supplements without first talking to your doctor if you:

• have heart failure.
• have liver problems.
• have diabetes.
• are pregnant.
• are breastfeeding.
• take blood thinners.
• take thyroid medications.
• receive chemotherapy.

Does CoQ10 thicken uterine lining?

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10.
CoQ10 can possibly improve egg quality, thicken the uterine lining and improve fertility rates for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who are also taking Clomid. In men, CoQ10 may increase sperm count and improve motility.

Does CoQ10 have any negative side effects?

No serious side effects of CoQ10 have been reported. Mild side effects such as insomnia or digestive upsets may occur. CoQ10 may interact with the anticoagulant (blood thinner) warfarin and the diabetes drug insulin, and it may not be compatible with some types of cancer treatment.

Is CoQ10 safe during pregnancy?

CoQ10 has low toxicity and may present many potential benefits to women whether they are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant. However, the conflicting data and lack of studies on CoQ10 during pregnancy are why most physicians determine CoQ10 to be “mostly safe” for pregnant women.

Is CoQ10 good for babies?

The BNF for children (BNFc) provides dosing information on the use of co-enzyme Q10 for mitochondrial disorders. The BNFc recommends an initial dose of 5 mg once or twice daily for both neonates and children aged 1 month to 18 years. The dose should be adjusted according to response.

Does CoQ10 affect hormones?

[77], the authors concluded that “CoQ10 is a safe therapy to improve PCOS by improving insulin resistance, increasing sex hormone levels, and improving blood lipids”.