COQ-10 brand question!

[miamiferret2]

after dealing with cardiomyopathy, i have been using coq10 on my ferrets for over 10 years now so i consider it a MUST have supplement and i always recommend it.

recently, a friend of mine ordered this brand of COQ10. this particular brand is "high absorption"see link below.

www.amazon.com/Doctors-Best-Absorption-Coq10-120-Count/dp/B0019GW3G8/ref=lh_ni_t

here are the ingredients.

Vitamin E --- 33 I.U. (110% Daily Value)
Coenzyme Q10 --- 100 mg (Daily Value not established.)
Black Pepper Extraction (fruit) (BioPerine) --- 5 mg (Daily Value not established.)
Other ingredients: Olive Oil (non-GMO), beeswax, lecithin, softgel capsule (gelatin, glycerin, purified water, annatto [natural plant source coloring agent used as a light-barrier]).

here is my concern, what makes this "high absorption" is the "black pepper extract" or "bioperine" which i have never heard of?

i asked her to hold off before she gives this particular brand to her ferrets.

have you guys ever heard of this? is it harmful? i'm going to private message jennifer/mustelidmusk but i haven't seen her on here too much lately.

i'd appreciate any feedback.

[Heather]

I don't have any personal interaction with this herbal remedy but here's some information that I came up with:
Please also note for the most part that this is for human interactions. I understand that this is for a ferret and that conditions that we see for humans may or may not happen....but I would be cautious with this product. Just because of underlying issues that ferrets have that you may not actually know about.
Here you go
How Piperine Works

Piperine, the main ingredient in Bioperine, has been reported to be an inhibitor of drug metabolism, meaning it keeps the liver from immediately breaking down certain drugs, forcing them to stay in the body longer. This increases the absorption and effects of some drugs and supplements. Piperine may help the body receive more nutrients from both drugs and food.

Problems

The most common side effects of piperine are gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In studies of Bioperine, these side effects have been relatively mild. Consuming excessive amounts of black pepper can irritate the stomach and cause heartburn. Piperine powder can be harmful if it comes in contact with the eyes, and will cause irritation. If inhaled, it can cause irritation in the lungs.

In short-term human studies and some animal studies, piperine has been shown to have minimal safety risks--however, it is difficult to know if long-term use will have adverse affects.

Gastrointestinal

Bioperine is taken to strengthen the digestive system. Unaware consumers may be surprised to know that even over-the-counter supplement packages recommend taking bioperine with food. Vimo.com lists possible gastrointestinal discomforts as nausea, diarrhea, black stools and constipation. Persons with a history of these symptoms should speak with a physician before taking bioperine. It is also helpful to consult with a physician to find out what to do in the event that any of these occur while taking the supplement.
Dermatological

Some consumers may develop an allergic response after taking bioperine. WebMD warns that it may express topically as a skin rash with itching and/or inflammation and redness. Vimo.com adds that dermatological symptoms may also exhibit as hives and extend to the face in the form of swelling, including the lips and tongue. A physician can prescribe treatment for the allergic reaction, recommend bioperine discontinuation, change your dosing and monitor your condition for worsening.
Respiratory

More serious allergic reactions to bioperine supplementation occur in the respiratory tract. Much like tongue swelling, these reactions are equally frightening in that they negatively affect the ability to breathe. While a family doctor can treat an allergic reaction, breathing difficulty should be considered a medical emergency. WebMD alerts consumers to the possibility of developing bronchospasms. Bronchospasms occur during asthmatic episodes in which a patient's bronchioles contract and obstruct the airway passage. Vimo.com includes throat closing as a respiratory side effect of bioperine, as well.
Drug Interactions

Drugs.com recognizes several prescribed drugs and dietary supplements that are known to interact with bioperine when prescribed as Cardiotek. Bioperine's folic acid content increases the effect and toxicity of cancer treatment drugs, fluorouracil, capecitabine and tegafur. Bioperine is chemically structured like calcitriol, paricalcitol and doxercalciferol. It dangerously increases blood calcium and phosphorus levels when taken with these supplements. In conjunction with orlistat, bioperine reduces the absorption of beta carotene and vitamin E. Finally, colesevelam minimizes the positive gastrointestinal effects of bioperine by decreasing the body's ability to absorb vitamins E, A, K and D.

ciao
Heather

[miamiferret2]

thank you heather! i told her not to use it. better safe than sorry.

[Deleted]

If she can't find it locally (without other ingredients), she could order it from here! I get my mushroom supplement for my guys from here. olivegreendog.com/dr.-harveys-coenzyme-q10.html