CoQ10-SR Clinical Evidence

Integrative Medicine

Madhavi D, Kagan D. A study on the bioavailability of a sustained-release Coenzyme Q10-β-Cyclodextrin complex. 2010 Feb/Mar; 9(1):20-24.

Topic:
How does the bioavailablity of MicroActive CoQ10 compare to that of crystalline CoQ10 and oil-solubilized CoQ10?

Background:
CoQ10 has many health benefits, but it has poor bioavailability. What is the best technology for improving CoQ10 bioavailability?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial, with two phases

Study Design:
Crossover design: In the 24-hour phase, subjects took a dose of 3 different forms of CoQ10 for 1 day: MicroActive CoQ10, crystalline Co10, and oil-solubilized CoQ10 with a proprietary absorption enhancer. In the 21-day accumulation phase, they took either MicroActive CoQ10 or oil-solubilized CoQ10 for 3 weeks.

Subjects:
5 subjects in the 24-hour phase and 22 subjects in the accumulation phase

Dosage:
24-hour phase: single dose of 180 mg
21-day accumulation phase: 60 mg/day.

Results:
In the first phase of the study, MicroActive CoQ10 showed sustained release and had 3.7 times the bioavailability of crystalline CoQ10. Rates of absorption in the solubilized group were significantly more variable than in the crystallized and MicroActive groups. In the second phase, MicroActive CoQ10 supplementation resulted in a doubling of plasma CoQ10 levels in 100% of subjects, compared to only 44% of the solubilized group.

Conclusion:
“Sustained release MicroActive Co-Q10 is more universally bioavailable, thereby improving its ability to deliver both maintenance and therapeutic doses of co-Q10.”

Cardiovascular Health

Munkholm H, Hansen HH, Rasmussen K. Coenzyme Q10 treatment in serious heart failure. 1999;9(2-4):285-9.

Topic:
Can CoQ10 benefit patients with congestive heart failure?

Background:
Previous noninvasive research has demonstrated cardiovascular benefits to CoQ10 supplementation. Can this be confirmed with invasive measures?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled. Subjects took CoQ10 or a placebo. Researchers then inserted a catheter into the right atrium, right ventricle and pulmonary artery to measure blood flow and blood pressure at rest and after 3 minutes exercise.

Subjects:
22 heart patients with NYHA class II-III heart symptoms (Note: NYHA is a scale of I-IV).

Dosage:
100 mg/2x day for 12 weeks

Results:
Stroke index (a measure of how much blood the left ventricle ejects in one beat) at rest and at work improved significantly while pulmonary artery pressure at rest and at work decreased (but only significantly at rest).

Conclusion:
“These results suggest improvement in LV performance. Patients with congestive heart failure may thus benefit from adjunctive treatment with coenzyme Q10.”

Biofactors

Belardinelli R, et al. Coenyme Q10 improves contractility of dysfunctional myocardium in chronic heart failure. 2005; 25(1-4):137-45.

Topic:
Can CoQ10 improve cardiocirculatory efficiency in patients with advanced chronic heart failure (CHF)?

Background:
Previous research has shown that CoQ10 levels are low in patients with advanced CHF. Can supplementation help?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design.

Subjects:
21 heart patients (18 men, 3 women, mean age 59 +/- 9 years) in NYHA class II and III, with stable, chronic heart failure

Dosage:
100 mg/day for 4 weeks

Results:
The following measures of cardiac health improved with CoQ10 supplementation:

  • Systolic wall thickening score index (SWTI)
  • Left ventricular ejection fraction (significantly)
  • Contractile response
  • Peak VO(2) (a measure of the body’s capacity to transport and use oxygen during exercise)

Improvement in the SWTI was correlated with increases in plasma CoQ10.

Conclusion:
“Oral CoQ(10) improves LV contractility in CHF without any side effects. This improvement is associated with an enhanced functional capacity.”

European Heart Journal

Belardinelli R, et al. Coenzyme Q10 and exercise training in chronic heart failure. 2006 Nov; 27(22):2675-81.

Topic:
What is the effect of CoQ10 and exercise on patients with chronic heart failure?

Background:
Previous research has shown that CoQ10 levels are low in patients with advanced CHF, and a previous study by the same lead researcher demonstrated supplementation could help. Can these results be repeated?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. Subjects: took CoQ10, took CoQ10 and underwent a supervised exercise program 5 times a week, took a placebo, or took a placebo and participated in the exercise program.

Subjects:
23 heart patients (20 men, 3 women, mean age 59 +/- 9 years) in NYHA class II and III

Dosage:
300 mg/day for 2 periods of 4 weeks each

Results:
The following measures of cardiovascular health improved with supplementation:

  • Peak VO(2) (increased by 9%)
  • Endothelium-dependent dilation of brachial artery (increased by 38%)
  • Systolic wall thickening index (decreased by 12%)

Exercise had a synergistic effect with CoQ10, leading to further improvements (significant only for SWTI).

Conclusion:
“Oral CoQ(10) improves functional capacity, endothelial function, and LV contractility in CHF without any side effects.”

Nutrition

Lee BJ, et al. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduces oxidative stress and increases antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with coronary artery disease. 2012 Mar;28(3):250-5.

Topic:
What is the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant activity in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Background:
CoQ10 has demonstrated cardiovascular benefits. Does it function as an antioxidant in heart patients?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design::
Placebo-controlled: Subjects were divided into 3 groups and took 2 different doses of CoQ10 or a placebo. Researchers took blood samples every 4 weeks and measured blood levels of CoQ10, malondialdehyde (MDA, a market of oxidative stress), and 3 antioxidant enzymes: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase.

Subjects:
51 subjects with CAD, 43 completed

Dosage:
60 mg/day or 150 mg/day for 12 weeks

Results:
Subjects taking the higher dose of CoQ10 had significantly lower MDA levels than baseline at week 4 and significantly lower MDA levels than the placebo group at week 8. Subjects in the high-dose group also had significantly higher CAT activity than the placebo group at week 12. There was a significant correlation between blood levels of CoQ10 and MDA levels. There was another significant correlation between the ratio of CoQ10 levels to total cholesterol and SOD activity and between the ratio of CoQ10 levels to LDL cholesterol and CAT activity.

Conclusion:
“Coenzyme Q10 supplements at a dose of 150 mg can decrease oxidative stress and increase antioxidant activity in patients with CAD.”

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Hodgson JM, et al. Coenzyme Q10 improves blood pressure and glycaemic control: a controlled trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes. 2002 Nov;56(11):1137-42.

Topic:
What is the effect of supplementation with CoQ10 on blood pressure and blood sugar control in subjects with type-2 diabetes?

Background:
CoQ10 has well demonstrated cardiovascular benefits. Can it also help diabetics keep their blood pressure and blood sugar under control? How does it compare to fenofribate (a cholesterol-lowering drug)?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design::
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2×2 factorial design. Subjects took CoQ10, fenofribate, both, or neither. Researchers then measured blood pressure, HbA(1c) (a measure of average blood sugar over a period of 3 months), and F2-isoprostane (a marker of oxidative stress).

Subjects:
74 subjects with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol

Dosage:
100 mg CoQ10/2xday or 200 mg fenofibrate/day

Results:
Fenofribrate did not alter blood pressure, HbA(1c), or plasma F2-isoprostanes. CoQ10 supplementation resulted in a threefold increase in blood levels of CoQ10 and significant decreases in both systolic (6.1+/-2.6 mmHg) and diastolic (2.9+/-1.4 mmHg) blood pressure. HbA(1c) (.37+/-17%). F2-isoprostane levels were not affected by CoQ10 supplementation.

Conclusion:
“The results show that CoQ supplementation may improve blood pressure and long-term glycaemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes…”

Clinical Investigator

Morisco C, Trimarco B, Condorelli M.Effect of coenzyme Q10 therapy in patients with congestive heart failure: a long-term multicenter randomized study. 1993;71(8 Suppl):S134-6.

Topic:
What is the influence of CoQ10 supplementation on hospitalization of patients with chronic congestive heart failure?

Background:
CoQ10 has been shown to improve cardiovascular health. Can it reduce hospitalization among heart patients?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention

Study Design::
Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled.

Subjects:
641 subjects with congestive heart failure (mean age: 67, age range: 26-89)

Dosage:
2mg/kg/day for 1 year

Results:
In the treatment group, 73 patients required hospitalization for heart failure, versus 110 in the control group. In addition, the incidence of pulmonary edema or cardiac arrest in the treatment group was 20 and 97, versus 51 and 198 in the control group.

Conclusion:
“Our results demonstrate that the addition of coenzyme Q10 to conventional therapy significantly reduces hospitalization for worsening of heart failure and the incidence of serious complication in patients with chronic congestive heart failure.”

Nutrition Lee BJ, et al.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and homocysteine) in patients with coronary artery disease. 2012 Jul;28(7-8):767-72.

Topic:
What is the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on inflammatory markers in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Background:
Inflammation is common in heart patients and may be a contributing factor to the disease. Can CoQ10 address this issue?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Placebo-controlled: Subjects were divided into 3 groups and took 2 different doses of CoQ10 or a placebo. Researchers then measured CoQ10 levels, 3 different markers of inflammation, malondialdehyde (a marker of oxidative stress), and superoxide dismutase (SOD, an antioxidant enzyme).

Subjects:
51 subjects with CAD, 40 completed

Dosage:
60 mg/day or 150 mg/day for 12 weeks

Results:
CoQ10 levels increased significantly in both CoQ10 groups compared to baseline. In the higher-dose group, the inflammatory marker IL-6 decreased significantly, as did malondialdehyde. In both CoQ10 groups, SOD activity was increased. At baseline, blood levels of CoQ10 were inversely correlated with levels of inflammatory markers hs-CRP and IL-6, meaning that the lower someone’s CoQ10 level, the higher their levels of hs-CRP and IL-6. After supplementation, blood levels of CoQ10 were significantly correlated with malondialdehyde and SOD activity. However, there was no correlation between CoQ10 and homocysteine.

Conclusion:
“Coenzyme Q10 supplementation at a dosage of 150 mg appears to decrease the inflammatory marker IL-6 in patients with CAD.”

Southern Medical Journal

Burke BE, Neuenschwander R, Olson RD. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in isolated systolic hypertension. 2001 Nov; 94(11):1112-7.

Topic:
Is CoQ10 a safe and effective treatment for hypertension?

Background:
Hypertension is widespread, affecting more than 50 million adults, and is a common risk factor for heart disease.

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Double-blind, placebo-controlled. Subjects took CoQ10 or a placebo. Blood samples and blood pressure readings were taken.

Subjects:
46 men and 37 women with isolated systolic hypertension (meaning the maximum, or top number, is elevated while the minimum, or bottom number, is not).

Dosage:
60 mg/twice daily for 12 weeks

Results:
Systolic blood pressure was reduced by an average of 17.8 +/- 7.3 mm Hg.

Conclusion:
“Our results suggest CoQ10 may be safely offered to hypertensive patients as an alternative option.”

Journal of Human Hypertension

Singh RB et al. Effect of hydrosoluble coenzyme Q10 on blood pressures and insulin resistance in hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease. 1999 Mar; 13(3):203-8.

Topic:
What is the effect of CQ10 on blood pressure and insulin resistance in subjects with hypertension and coronary artery disease?

Background:
Heart disease and insulin resistance seem to be intertwined, with insulin-resistant patients suffering higher rates of heart failure. Is there a treatment that can address both issues?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Randomized, double-blind. Subjects took either CoQ10 or vitamin B. After 8 weeks, researchers recorded their blood pressure, insulin levels (fasting and 2 hours after eating), blood sugar, triglycerides, and several markers of oxidative stress.

Subjects:
59 patients taking blood pressure medication

Dosage:
60 mg/twice daily for 8 weeks

Results:
In the treatment group, HDL (good) cholesterol and antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene all rose. In the vitamin B group only vitamin C and beta-carotene rose.

Conclusion:
“These findings indicate that treatment with coenzyme Q10 decreases blood pressure possibly by decreasing oxidative stress and insulin response in patients with known hypertension receiving conventional antihypertensive drugs.”

Molecular Aspects of Medicine

Digiesi V, et al. Coenzyme Q10 in essential hypertension. 1994; 15 Suppl:s257-63.

Topic:
What is the effect of CoQ10 on blood pressure and cholesterol levels?

Background:
Blood pressure and cholesterol levels are both well-known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Subjects took CoQ10. Researchers measured blood levels of CoQ10, total and HDL (good) cholesterol, and blood pressure at baseline and at 10 weeks.

Subjects:
26 patients with high blood pressure

Dosage:
50 mg/twice daily for 10 weeks

Results:
Over the course of the study CoQ10 levels rose with supplementation. Systolic blood pressure (the upper reading) decreased from 164.5 +/- 3.1 to 146.7 +/- 4.1 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the lower reading) decreased from 98.1 +/- 1.7 to 86.1 +/- 1.3 mmHg. Total cholesterol fell and HDL cholesterol rose.
“These findings indicate that treatment with coenzyme Q10 decreases blood pressure possibly by decreasing oxidative stress and insulin response in patients with known hypertension receiving conventional antihypertensive drugs.”

Diabetologia

Watts GF, et al. Coenzyme Q(10) improves endothelial dysfunction of the brachial artery in Type II diabetes mellitus. 2002 Mar; 45(3):420-6.

Topic:
Can supplementation with CoQ10 improve endothelial function of the brachial artery in patients with Type II diabetes and high cholesterol?

Background:
The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels. Endothelial dysfunction consists of an imbalance between constricting and dilating substances produced by this lining of cells.

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Placebo-controlled. Subject took either CoQ10 or a placebo. Researchers then measured the function of the brachial artery (a blood vessel in the upper arm) and compared it with the function of 18 non-diabetic subjects. They also measured F(2)-isoprostanes, a marker of oxidative stress, and antioxidant status of the blood.

Subjects:
40 subjects with Type II diabetes and high cholesterol, and 18 non-diabetic subjects

Dosage:
200 mg/day for 12 weeks

Results:
At baseline, diabetic subjects had impaired blood flow-mediated dilation (FMD) compared to the non-diabetic subjects. FMD increased by 1.6% in the treatment group and declined by .4% in the placebo group. CoQ10 treatment did not affect F(2)-isoprostanes, antioxidant capacity, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels or blood pressure.

Conclusion:
“Coenzyme Q(10) supplementation improves endothelial function of conduit arteries of the peripheral circulation in dyslipidaemic patients with Type II diabetes. The mechanism could involve increased endothelial release and/or activity of nitric oxide due to improvement in vascular oxidative stress, an effect that might not be reflected by changes in F(2)-isoprostane concentrations.”

American Journal of Cardiology

Kamikawa T, et al. Effects of coenzyme Q10 on exercise tolerance in chronic stable angina pectoris. 1985 Aug 1; 56(4):247-51.

Topic:
What are the effects of CoQ10 on exercise performance in patients with angina pectoris?

Background:
Angina pectoris is severe chest pain due to a lack of blood (and therefore oxygen) in the heart muscle caused by obstruction or spasms in the coronary arteries.

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover protocol.

Subjects:
12 patients with stable angina pectoris and an average age of 56

Dosage:
150 mg/day in three doses per day, for 4 weeks

Results:
Patients taking CoQ10 experienced less chest pain and consumed less nitroglycerin than those in the control group, but these differences were not statistically significant. There were also significant increases in exercise time and in time until an ST-depression (an electrocardiogram reading that indicates a restriction of blood flow to the heart) occurred during exercise. Members of the treatment group also had higher concentrations of CoQ10 in their blood and this increase correlated with the increase in exercise duration

Conclusion:
“This study suggests that CoQ10 is a safe and promising treatment for angina pectoris.”

Biofactors

Singh RB, et al. Effect on absorption and oxidative stress of different oral Coenzyme Q10 dosages and intake strategy in healthy men. 2005; 25(1-4):219-24.

Topic:
What is the best delivery method for CoQ10?

Background:
CoQ10 has proven cardiovascular benefits, but supplements come in various forms. Is it more effective in crystalline form or dissolved in an oil matrix? Does a divided dose make a difference?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled

Subjects:
60 healthy men, aged 18-55 years

Dosage:
100 mg soft oil capsules/day, or 100 mg crystalline powder capsules/day, or placebo, for 20 days

Results:
Both forms of CoQ10 raised serum levels of CoQ10, but the CoQ10 dissolved in oil was more effective than the powder in raising blood levels of CoQ10. Dividing the dose into two also improved response. TBARS and MDA, two markers of oxidative stress, both declined with supplementation, but the decrease was only significant for MDA.

Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness

Gül I, et al. Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in plasma after repeated bouts of supramaximal exercise: the effect of coenzyme Q10. 2011 Jun; 51(2):305-12.

Topic:
Can CoQ10 decrease oxidative stress following strenuous exercise?

Background:
Supramaximal exercise is intense exercise that reaches or nears the body’s maximal capacity for oxygen uptake and heart rate. Exercise at this level can cause short-term oxidative stress.

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Subjects took CoQ10 or placebo. They performed Wingate tests (a measure of short-term athletic power on a stationary bicycle) with 2-minute rest periods between the tests. Researchers collected blood samples at baseline, immediately after the last test, and 15 and 60 minutes later. They measured for 4 markers of oxidative stress and 3 antioxidant markers.

Subjects:
15 healthy, sedentary men

Dosage:
100 mg/day for 8 weeks

Results:
MDA, a marker of oxidative stress, increased at 15 and 60 minutes post-exercise, compared to baseline levels. However, this increase was less marked in the subjects taking CoQ10. Uric acid, an antioxidant marker, also increased 15 and 60 minutes post-exercise, compared to baseline.

Conclusion:
“In conclusion, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense increase after repeated short-term supramaximal exercise…Coenzyme Q10 supplementation partially prevents the increase in lipid peroxidation after repeated short-term supramaximal exercise.”

Journal of Strength Conditioning and Research

Gökbel H, et al. The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on performance during repeated bouts of supramaximal exercise in sedentary men. 2010 Jan:24(1):97-102.

Topic:
What are the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on athletic performance during supramaximal exercise?

Background:
Supramaximal exercise is exercise so intense that it requires energy production beyond the body’s maximum aerobic capacity and therefore requires energy from anaerobic metabolism. Can CoQ10 help produce the necessary energy for supramaximal exercise?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Randomized, double-blind crossover study

Subjects:
15 healthy, sedentary men

Dosage:
100 mg/day for 8 weeks

Results:
Subjects performed 5 Wingate tests (a measure of short-term athletic power on a stationary bicycle) at baseline and after supplementation. Researchers measured peak power, mean power and fatigue. Over the course of the tests, peak power and mean power fell for both the treatment and the control groups, and fatigue increased. However, in the last test, mean power rose only in the CoQ10 group.

Conclusion:
“CoQ10 may show performance-enhancing effects during the repeated bouts of supramaximal exercises and CoQ10 might be used as an ergogenic [performance-enhancing] aid.”

Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitamology

Zheng A, Moritani T. Influence of CoQ10 on autonomic nervous activity and energy metabolism during exercise in healthy subjects. 2008 Aug; 54(4):286-90.

Topic:
What are the effects of a single dose of CoQ10 on the autonomic nervous system?

Background:
CoQ10 is a vitamin-like substance produced by all living things. It helps the mitochondria synthesize energy and it scavenges free radicals. CoQ10 is a popular dietary supplement and its popularity is on the rise. Can single-dose supplementation with CoQ10 enhance the response of the autonomic nervous system during exercise?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled.

Subjects:
11 healthy, non-smoking men, with an average age of 26 years.

Dosage:
30 mg

Results:
The researchers found no significant differences in heart rate between the treatment and control groups. However, during exercise total power representing ANS activity was increased in the treatment group. Lipid oxidation (fat-burning) was also increased.

Conclusion:
“These results suggested that CoQ10 may increase fat oxidation with augmented autonomic nervous activity during low intensity exercise.”

British Journal of Nutrition

Kon M, et al. Reducing exercise-induced muscular injury in kendo athletes with supplementation of coenzyme Q10. 2008 Oct; 100(4):903-9.

Topic:
What is the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on exercise-induced muscular injury and oxidative stress?

Background:
Intense exercise can cause muscular injury and increase oxidative stress. Can CoQ10 mitigate these effects?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Double-blind, placebo-controlled. Subjects took CoQ10 or placebo and practiced kendo for 5.5 hour/day for 6 days. Researchers took blood samples on the first, third and fifth day of training and 1 week after training. They measured creatine kinase (CK, a marker for muscle breakdown) and myoglobin (Mb, a marker of muscle injury).

Subjects:
18 elite male kendo (martial arts) students

Dosage:
300 mg/day for 20 days

Results:
CK activity and Mb concentrations increased significantly in both the treatment and placebo groups at 3 and 5 days. However, CK and Mb levels, as well as lipid peroxide, were lower at 3 days in the treatment group than in the placebo group. White blood cells counts rose significantly in both groups as well at 3 and 5 days. Free radical scavenging did not change in either group.

Conclusion:
“These results indicate that CoQ10 supplementation reduced exercise-induced muscular injury in athletes.”

Molecular Aspects of Medicine

Ylikoski T, et al. The effect of coenzyme Q10 on the exercise performance of cross-country skiers. 1997; 18 Suppl:S283-90.

Topic:
How does CoQ10 supplementation affect athletic performance?

Background:
CoQ10 has improved cardiovascular function in heart patients. Can it also improve performance in high-level athletes?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Athletes took CoQ10 or a placebo. Researchers measured the following indexes of physical performance: AET, ANT, and VO2Max.

Subjects:
25 top-level Finnish cross-country skiers

Dosage:
90 mg/day

Results:
All measured indexes of athletic performance improved significantly. In addition, 94% of athletes felt CoQ10 improved their performance and recovery time during the supplementation period as opposed to 33% during the placebo period.

International Journal of Sports Medicine

Porter D, et al. The effect of oral coenzyme Q10 on the exercise tolerance of middle-aged, untrained men.1995 Oct; 16(7):421-7.

Topic:
What is the effect of CoQ10 on exercise capacity?

Background:
The body uses CoQ10 to generate 90-95% of its energy. Can supplementing with CoQ10 enhance athletic performance?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:

Placebo-controlled. Subjects received either CoQ10 or a placebo for 2 months.

Subjects:
15 middle-aged men

Dosage:
150 mg/day for 2 months

Results:
Blood levels of CoQ10 in the treatment group increased from an average of .72 mg/ml to 1.08 mg/ml. The subjects’ perception of vigor also increased on the visual analog scale from an average of 5.73 to 6.64. However, maximal oxygen consumption, lactate threshold, forearm oxygen uptake and forearm blood flow were not affected.

Headache

Hershey AD, et al. Coenzyme Q10 deficiency and response to supplementation in pediatric and adolescent migraine. 2007 Jan; 47(1):73-80.

Topic:
Are children and adolescents who suffer from migraines deficient in CoQ10, and if so, can supplementation help?

Background:
Previous research has suggested that CoQ10 may help prevent migraine headaches. Can this finding be confirmed and applied to treatment?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Subjects were screened for CoQ10 levels. Patients with low levels were prescribed CoQ10. Researchers followed up to measure CoQ10 levels, headache frequency, and headache disability.

Subjects:
1550 young headache patients (mean age 13.3 +/- 3.5 years, range 3-22)

Dosage:
1-3 mg/kg/day

Results:
Of subjects screened, 32.9% had CoQ10 levels below the normal range. Of those who returned for follow-up (on average 97 days later), CoQ10 levels increased, while headache frequency decreased and headache disability improved.

Conclusion:
“Deficiency of CoQ10 may be common in pediatric and adolescent migraine. Determination of deficiency and consequent supplementation may result in clinical improvement.”

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta

Folkers K, Simonsen R. Two successful double-blind trials with Coenzyme Q10 (vitamin Q10) on muscular dystrophies and neurogenic atrophies. 1995 May 24; 1271(1):281-6.

Topic:
Can CoQ10 help patients with muscular dystrophies?

Background:
Muscular dystrophies are progressive muscle diseases that weaken the musculoskeletal system and impair movement. CoQ10 has been shown to improve physical performance in athletes. Can it help MD patients?

Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial

Study Design:
Double-blind, placebo-controlled. Subjects took CoQ10 or a placebo and researchers measured physical performance.

Subjects:
12 patients with various muscle diseases (Duchenne, Becker, limb-girdle dystrophies, mytonic dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and Welander disease) in the first phase, 15 more patients with similar diseases in the second.

Dosage:
100 mg/day for 3 months

Results:
Researchers noted improved physical performance but concluded that the dose of 100 mg, though effective and safe, was too low.

Conclusion:
“Patients suffering from these muscle dystrophies and the like, should be treated with vitamin Q10 indefinitely.”

CoQ10-SR Mechanism of Action:

Microactive® CoQ10 is 3.7 times better absorbed than standard CoQ10 because it is encapsulated in a carrier of beta-cyclodextrin, a compound made of sugar molecules which increases the solubility of CoQ10. The two molecules form complex that allows the fat-soluble CoQ10 to travel through the digestive system; then they break apart in the small intestine, depositing the CoQ10 molecules where they are easily absorbed and transported into the bloodstream. Because the cyclodextrin releases the CoQ10 gradually, the complex offers sustained-release benefit.