Coenzyme Q 10 is a vitamin like substance produced in the human body especially in the kidneys, pancreas, heart and liver. Coenzyme Q10 (or Co Q10) was discovered in 1957 by Professor F. L. Crane of the University of Wisconsin. The “Q 10” refers to the chemical makeup of the substance in which “Q” adverts to the quinine chemical radical and “10” to the number of Isoprenyl chemical subunits. Co Q10 takes active part in aerobiotic (sustenance of an organism's life in the presence of oxygen) cellular breathing, as a part of the electron transport chain providing energy in the form of ATP, the molecule that provides the needed energy for body metabolism to take place . It is supplied in the diet in small amounts through the consumption of meat and seafood.

Co Q10 is used for treating a number of ailments which include:

1. Heart and blood vessel conditions such as congestive heart failure, angina, high blood pressure (HBP), and heart problems linked to certain cancer drugs.
2. Muscular dystrophy
3. Diabetes
4. Gum diseases (both taken by mouth and applied directly to gums)
5. Breast cancer
6. Huntington's disease
7. Parkinson's disease and a host of others.

The fact that Co Q 10 side effects is that it's a naturally occurring compound does not automatically make it free of side effects. Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) supplements are controlled by the authorized agencies as dietary supplements. They are not as strictly controlled as medications and this makes them more likely to contain contaminants which could end up in poor quality coenzyme Q10 supplements with a capacity of causing side effects upon consumption in humans.

The q 10 side effects include:

1. Dizziness or fainting, which could be an indicator of low blood pressure
2. Indications of varying allergic reaction.
3. High liver enzymes (early studies suggest that Co Q10 could increase liver enzymes)
4. Acts as a blood coagulant which might pose a risk to people taking a blood thinner.
5. Gastrointestinal side effects such as Nausea, Diarrhea, Heartburn, Upper chest or Throat discomfort, Loss of appetite, and Vomiting.

Some studies have however, suggested that these q 10 side effects could be avoided by taking small dosages (say 100mg) several times a day because the side effects can only be noticed when Co Q10 is consumed in large amounts.

Coenzyme (Co Q10) supplementation has so far received pass mark for human consumption since there has been no reported case so far of any adverse effect on humans.