COQ10 experts -- need your help!

[Hoosierfans]

Hey all,

I think I'm finally, after 12 years, onto something that helps me! Tests over the last two years have shown that my mitochondria are in bad shape -- my doc last year put me on a cocktail of Vit A, E, ALCAR (500 mg 2 x day), creatine and COQ10 (no brand specified so I used 400 mg ubiquinone). No improvement after a month or so so I put it all to the side.

Recent tests show my mitos are worse, so my new doc is looking anew at the issue. My symptoms are intense dizziness, lightheadedness, brain "cement" and this odd skin burning / brain burning that no treatment has touched -- EXCEPT NADH or Niacin in the past, but that would work for a day or two and then not work again.

Based on threads here, a few days ago I switched over to ubiquinol, 100 mg 2 x day. My symptoms have lightened by 25 - 30 percent. woop woop! I can feel the ubiquinol kick in about 20 min after I take it, and it lasts 3-4 hours.

I looked back at my genetics yesterday and it turns out I have a ++ in the COQ2 gene.

I'm not sure where to go with this at this point -- do I need a mito specialist? Do I need additional testing (all I have is my OAT and a NutraEval)?

I'm planning on increasing my dosage over the next few days....are there cofactors that I should make sure are in place to make sure the COQ10 keeps working or starts working better?

And last -- I do have a diagnosis of POTS, but it tends to be more hypotension than tachycardia. I see that COQ10 can lower blood pressure. Anyone with experience with POTS and COQ10...maybe I should up my salt when I increase my dose?

Thanks all!

 

[Pyrrhus]

I can't speak to your situation, but mitochondria depend critically on B vitamins, so you might see better benefit if your B vitamins and electrolytes are sufficient.

Also be aware that some mitochondrial boosters, such as CoQ10 and ALCAR, can gradually lead to disturbed sleep. Since this effect might not be noticeable for a week or two after starting the booster, you might not make the connection at first.

Best wishes.

 

[lenora]

Hi ljimbo423.....I'm having problems balancing electrolytes and have finally gone to a supplement for help. Is there anything that's specifically helpful in that area, or is it a toss to the fates?

Pyrrhus, I'm glad that Ubiquinol has worked best for you, and it's true that most people don't know that after a certain age you have to go from CoQ10 to Ubiquinol, and that's a shame. I guess it's a matter of getting the word out. Perhaps you should just slow down and do one thing at a time. It will make it much easier for you to figure out what you should/shouldn't be doing. And do watch out for those electrolytes....they've certainly made my life more difficult. I wish you more comfortable days ahead. Yours, Lenora

 

[Hoosierfans]

I can't speak to your situation, but mitochondria depend critically on B vitamins, so you might see better benefit if your B vitamins and electrolytes are sufficient.

Also be aware that some mitochondrial boosters, such as CoQ10 and ALCAR, can gradually lead to disturbed sleep. Since this effect might not be noticeable for a week or two after starting the booster, you might not make the connection at first.

Best wishes.

Thank you -- yes getting in my Bs and watching my electrolytes. Good points. For now I am not taking any mito supps after 3 p.m., for the reason you suggested regarding sleep. Good reminder!

 

[ebethc]

I looked back at my genetics yesterday and it turns out I have a ++ in the COQ2 gene.

which genes are the "COQ2" genes? do you have RS numbers?