Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – Moderate effects on exercise

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (abbreviated as CoQ₁₀, CoQ, or Q₁₀) is vitamin-like substance that is oil-soluable and is present in almost every cell, primarily in the mitochondria [1]. Q refers to the quinone head and 10 refers to the number of isoprene repeats in the tail (pic.1). CoQ₁₀ helps convert food into energy and is a powerful antioxidant [1]. Numerous studies were conducted on this molecule in relation to various diseases including cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Coenzyme Q₁₀ and its role in exercise

In 2003, Rosenfeldt and others [2] systematically reviewed the effect of coenzyme Q10 in physical exercise. They identified eleven studies in which CoQ₁₀ was tested for an effect on exercise capacity. Six of these studies showed moderate effects on exercise, while five showed no effect.

A more recent study [3] in trained and untrained population wanted to determine whether single dose or chronic (14-days) supplementation of CoQ₁₀ will improve anaerobic or aerobic exercise performance by increasing plasma and muscle CoQ10 concentrations. After 2 weeks of CoQ₁₀ supplementation researchers noted increased plasma CoQ10 concentrations which could explain the increased time to exhaustion.

Bonetti and assistants [4] attributed little improvement of tolerance to higher workloads to the antioxidant activity of Coenzyme Q₁₀.

Even though there are some studies [2-4] that are reporting improvements in aerobic/anaerobic power, and recovery following CoQ₁₀ supplementation, the potential ergogenic value of CoQ10 in healthy trained individuals remains unclear.

Other uses for Coenzyme Q₁₀

Pic. 1 – Chemical structure of coenzyme Q₁₀ (the quinone head and tail with ten isoprene repeats)

There is some evidence that CoQ₁₀ may improved cardiac function in people with congestive heart failure (CHF) when combined with conventional medications [1]. Prof. C. Morisco and assistants [5] demonstrated (in the largest published placebo-controlled trial of CoQ₁₀ in CHF) that the addition of coenzyme Q₁₀ to conventional therapy significantly reduces hospitalization for worsening of heart failure in patients with chronic congestive heart failure. Another large scale study (422 patients with CHF) named Q-SYMBIO (focus on SYMptoms, BIOmarker status) reported to significantly reduced all-cause mortality after 2 years compared with placebo [6].

In a review study evaluating 12 clinical studies, researchers concluded that CoQ₁₀ has the potential to lower blood pressure, without significant side effects [1].

Side effects, risks and precautions

Coenzyme Q₁₀ appears to be generally safe with no major side effects, except occasional stomach upset [1,3].

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References

1. University of Maryland Medical Center. Retrieved from http://www.umm.edu/ at 11. May 2013
2. Rosenfeldt, Franklin, et al. “Systematic review of effect of coenzyme Q _ {10} in physical exercise, hypertension and heart failure.” Biofactors 18.1 (2003): 91-100.
3. Cooke, Matthew, et al. “Effects of acute and 14-day coenzyme Q10 supplementation on exercise performance in both trained and untrained individuals.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 5.1 (2008): 1-14.
4. Bonetti A, Solito F, et al. “Effect of ubidecarenone oral treatment on aerobic power in middle-aged trained subjects.” J Sports Med Phys Fitness. (2000): 51–57.
5. Morisco, C., B. Trimarco, and M. Condorelli. “Effect of coenzyme Q10 therapy in patients with congestive heart failure: a long-term multicenter randomized study.” The clinical investigator 71.8 (1993): S134-S136.
6. Stocker, Roland, and Peter Macdonald. “The benefit of coenzyme Q10 supplements in the management of chronic heart failure: a long tale of promise in the continued absence of clear evidence.” The American journal of clinical nutrition 97.2 (2013): 233-234.