Coenzyme Q10 is the electron acceptor for complexes I and II in the organelle in the cells termed mitochondria. A toxin can cause parkinsonism through inhibition of complex I. These scientific findings led to trials of CoQ10 in Parkinson’s. The first study using 200 mg a day seemed to improve symptoms in early Parkinson’s, but a larger study failed to confirm these results.

Now a new study, published in Parkinsonism & Related Disorders by lead author Asako Yoritaka, August 2015, was a placebo-controlled pilot trial of the reduced form of CoQ10 termed ubiquinol-10. There were only 14 patients in the treated group and 12 in the placebo group, but there seemed to be benefit in improving “off” time. Results do not lead to the conclusion that the medication may help early Parkinson’s. Furthermore, the very small numbers of patients tested limits significance of the results.

Nevertheless, ubiquinol is a widely available supplement. A dose of 300 mg a day has been found to be safe in healthy volunteers and was also safe in patients in the study. Those patients were given 2 of the 50 mg capsules 3 times a day for a total dose of 300 mg a day. The brand by Kaneka was used. This is easy to purchase online. This dose would probably cost $30 to $40 a month.

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