A new meta-analysis recently published in Frontiers in Pharmacology shows CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) may aid in fighting fatigue.
Over 1100 participants (25% of whom were males) with an average age of 49 were the focus of this meta-analysis. Participants had a range of health conditions like multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome; however healthy individuals not experiencing fatigue also were included in this analysis. Dosages of this antioxidant ranged from 100 – 200 mg daily.
Researchers found that CoQ10 significantly reduced fatigue. Interestingly these results were only seen with participants supplementing CoQ10 formulas not containing other nutrients. Formulas combining CoQ10 with other nutritionals did not have the same effect for reducing tiredness and exhaustion. Researchers concluded this was likely because CoQ10 dosages could be lower in combination type formulations.
Researchers also identified a positive relationship between fatigue reduction and treatment duration. In the studies examined the longest period of CoQ10 supplementation was 6 months. Researchers concluded that a sufficient intervention period is needed to restore CoQ10 from chronic depletion status which could be a least 3 months.
CoQ10 levels decline as people age. CoQ10 is a fat soluble antioxidant produced by the body. CoQ10 plays an essential role in mitochondrial function, which is a key fact in energy production.
Researchers concluded that CoQ10 showed a statistically significant fatigue reducing effect when compared with a placebo. The effect was statistically significantly correlated with both the daily dosage and the treatment duration.
Future studies investigating the lasting effect of CoQ10 on fatigue reduction are needed.
Here is a little bit more information about CoQ10:
Although structurally related to Vitamin K, Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is not a vitamin. Rather, it is a Coenzyme that helps to utilize oxygen as part of its important role in cellular energy metabolism. In addition, research has shown that CoQ10 functions in a number of other beneficial ways in the body. Here is a brief overview of those benefits:
Antioxidant Protection:
CoQ10 is able to quench free radicals without itself becoming a free radical. This unique property is only shared by one other antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid.
Cardiovascular Support:
Research has shown that CoQ10 promotes a healthy cardiovascular system, including specific support for the heart and healthy blood pressure levels.
Diabetes Support:
Research has shown that some diabetic patients who use diet to control their blood sugar may have a deficiency of CoQ10, which may be further exacerbated by certain commonly used anti diabetic drugs. Such a deficiency of CoQ10 in the pancreas could impair aspects of energy metabolism, and the biosynthesis of insulin.
Healthy Gums:
Research indicates that CoQ10 helps to promote healthy gums. In Japan, over half the dentists recommend supplements of CoQ10.
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