CoQ10 deficiency has been identified as a potentially reversible cause of steroid‑resistant nephrotic syndrome and glomerular nephropathy, particularly in children and young adults with genetic defects in CoQ10 biosynthesis. In reported series, affected patients often present with heavy proteinuria and progressive kidney dysfunction that fail to respond to standard steroid therapy, but genetic testing sometimes reveals mutations in CoQ10‑related genes (such as COQ2, COQ6, or ADCK4). The encouraging part is that in a subset of these cases, early and sufficiently dosed CoQ10 supplementation has been associated with reduced proteinuria and stabilization or partial improvement of kidney function, making it an important, treatable consideration in otherwise unexplained steroid‑resistant nephrotic syndrome. This medication is commonly used for Hypertension.
Frehat MQ Sr, Alhadidi A, Almheairat A, Alkhatib L, Al Thaher S, Al Assaf R, Al Qawaqenah M, Mansour B, Khair F. Success of Coenzyme Q10 in Treating Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome in Jordan: A Case Series. Cureus. 2025 Apr 30;17(4):e83231. Drovandi S, Lipska-Ziętkiewicz BS, Ozaltin F, et al. Oral Coenzyme Q10 supplementation leads to better preservation of kidney function in steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome due to primary Coenzyme Q10 deficiency. Kidney Int. 2022 Sep;102(3):604-612. Drovandi S, Lipska-Ziętkiewicz BS, et al. Variation of the clinical spectrum and genotype-phenotype associations in Coenzyme Q10 deficiency associated glomerulopathy. Kidney Int. 2022 Sep;102(3):592-603. Salviati L, Sacconi S, Murer L, Zacchello G, Franceschini L, Laverda AM, Basso G, Quinzii C, Angelini C, Hirano M, Naini AB, Navas P, DiMauro S, Montini G. Infantile encephalomyopathy and nephropathy with CoQ10 deficiency: a CoQ10-responsive condition. Neurology. 2005 Aug 23;65(4):606-8.
Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.
Thiazide diuretics can cause potassium to leave your cells. These medications work by making your kidneys flush out water and sodium, but unfortunately, potassium gets swept along too. This raises the risk of a moderate or severe potassium deficiency, called hypokalemia and potassium supplementation should be considered.
Thiazide diuretics may decrease the effectiveness of enzymes in your heart that rely on CoQ10 for function. This nutrient is essential for cellular energy production. Patients taking these medications might consider CoQ10 supplementation to address potential deficiencies.
Studies indicate thiazide diuretics may act like folate antagonists, potentially leading to folate deficiency. Research suggests long-term use (over six months) can significantly decrease blood folate levels while increasing homocysteine, a potentially harmful amino acid linked to vascular disease. Folate supplementation should be considered while on thiazide diuretics.
Thiazide diuretics, a common medication for high blood pressure, can increase how much zinc your body gets rid of through urine. It's advisable to monitor your blood zinc levels while taking these medications and consider zinc supplementation.
Taking thiazide diuretics long-term can increase magnesium loss. Monitoring magnesium levels and considering supplementation might be necessary when taking thiazide diuretics for an extended period of time.