Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinol, is a compound that is present throughout the body, with higher concentrations in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. While it occurs in small amounts in meat and seafood, its primary roles include helping the body combat excessive oxidative stress and participating in the conversion of food into energy.
Coenzyme Q10 is primarily used to address various conditions, such as heart failure, fluid retention, chest pain, and high blood pressure. It is also utilized for preventing migraines, Parkinson’s disease, and several other health conditions.
In the field of alopecia, it has been gaining popularity in recent years. You might come across shampoos, elixirs, and hair supplements that incorporate coenzyme Q10.
Is it effective for hair loss?
Despite the widespread popularity of coenzyme Q10 as a dietary supplement, we have limited information regarding its connection with alopecia.
According to my research, its potential influence on hair loss is as follows:
Coenzyme Q10’s antioxidant properties
Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinol, possesses remarkable antioxidant properties. Hair loss can be influenced by oxidative stress, a condition that arises when an excess of free radicals overwhelms the body’s antioxidants. These free radicals can be triggered by various factors such as stress, poor dietary choices, or exposure to pollution.
Oxidative stress is associated with significant health problems, including hair loss, inflammation, premature aging, heart diseases, and certain types of cancer (source).
Several studies suggest that antioxidants like vitamin E can mitigate the risk of certain diseases, including hair loss (source) (source).
Coenzyme Q10, in our context, is considered a powerful antioxidant, with most research focusing on its antioxidant attributes. This is why it is employed to combat the aging process, both in terms of skin and overall health, as oxidation is a known accelerator of aging (source) (source).
In a 2014 study by Kazuma Sugahara, researchers examined the survival of hair cells extracted from mice in an artificial environment. Their findings revealed that the administration of coenzyme Q10 extended the survival of these cells and hair follicles, even in the presence of neomycin, a substance designed to induce cell death.
Neomycin is an antibiotic that targets cells and hair follicles, and it’s clear that increasing the presence of coenzyme Q10 inhibits the effects of neomycin, leading to enhanced cell survival.
Coenzyme Q10 is Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is the immune system’s defense mechanism triggered when the body faces various challenges, such as infections, irritations, muscle strain, or injuries.
Remarkably, nearly all forms of alopecia are characterized by chronic inflammation on the scalp, and reducing this inflammation has proven effective in curbing hair loss (source)
In addition to its antioxidant properties, coenzyme Q10 also exhibits anti-inflammatory characteristics (source) (source) (source).
It’s not entirely clear whether these anti-inflammatory effects stem from reduced oxidative stress or if coenzyme Q10 directly influences inflammatory markers. Nevertheless, taking coenzyme Q10 may help alleviate the chronic inflammation associated with various forms of alopecia.
Clarification regarding keratin stimulation
When researching the relationship between coenzyme Q10 and hair, one often encounters a study (as previously mentioned) highlighting the antioxidant properties of this coenzyme.
The study also suggests that coenzyme Q10 has anti-aging properties and stimulates keratin production. Consequently, numerous blog articles tout coenzyme Q10 as a keratin stimulator.
I wish to clarify this misunderstanding: the stimulation of keratin production results from a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidation and inflammation are factors that exacerbate hair loss, leading to reduced keratinization.
This implies that any treatments with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can facilitate the keratinization process. Thus, there is no need to categorize coenzyme Q10 as a standalone keratin stimulator.
Closing thoughts and verdict
I believe that coenzyme Q10 could potentially be beneficial in reducing certain types of hair loss due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, by itself, coenzyme Q10 is not a standalone solution for your hair loss. It should be used as a complementary treatment alongside more effective options with proven results.
Precautions & side effects
- Possibility of allergic reactions.
- May lead to stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Could potentially lower blood pressure.
- To minimize side effects, consider dividing your daily dose into multiple smaller portions.
- Caution is advised for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as for children, and high doses should be avoided.