A recent meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding CoQ10 and its effects on common inflammatory markers was recently released. Over 6,700 studies were identified through the original database search and 31 studies that met the inclusion criteria of the meta-analysis were chosen for this study.
Participants were divided into 6 categories according to their health status. The categories distinguished between healthy subjects and subjects with CVD (cardiovascular disease) and other diseases. Participants were given a daily dose of CoQ10 with potencies ranging from 30mg to 500mg. The duration of the studies lasted between 2 weeks to 48 weeks.
This meta-analysis chose studies that used 3 common inflammatory markers frequently used in CoQ10 studies; CRP (C-reactive protein), IL-6 (interleukin-6) and TNF-alpha (Tumor necrosis factor alpha). TNF-alpha is mostly produced by macrophages which contribute to the production of IL-6 and CRP which directs the ongoing inflammatory process in the body.
CRP
Over 20 of the studies examined, which included over 1100 participants measured CRP after CoQ10 supplementation. CoQ10 was found to significantly reduce circulating CRP levels. Benefits were seen in participants who received 100-200 mg of CoQ10 daily while maximum effects were seen in participants supplementing with 300-400 mg of CoQ10 daily. Participants over the age of 50 in 16 of the RCTs saw significant benefits in the reduction of circulating CRP. Additionally CRP was significantly reduced in healthy people and participants with CVD saw a decreased trend of CRP levels after supplementing with CoQ10.
IL-6
Over 20 of the studies, which included over 850 participants, looked at the efficacy of CoQ10 on circulating IL-6 concentrations. CoQ10 was shown to significantly reduce the levels of circulating levels of IL-6. Significant reductions in IL-6 levels were seen in participants who received between 200-300 mg of CoQ10 daily. Additionally CoQ10 supplementation appeared to have a greater effect on IL-6 levels in males when compared to females. Also significant reductions in IL-6 levels were seen in participants with CVD and other diseases after CoQ10 supplementation.
TNF-alpha
17 RCTs with over 720 participants, examined the impact of CoQ10 on circulating TNF-alpha levels. Supplementation with CoQ10 was shown to significantly reduce TNF-alpha levels. Higher dosages of CoQ10, between 300-400mg daily, were shown to have a greater effect on reducing circulating TNF-alpha levels in participants under 50. Additionally significant decreases in TNF-alpha levels in participants with CVD and other diseases were observed while no significant effect was seen in healthy participants.
Researchers concluded that daily supplementation with 300-400 mg of CoQ10 daily significantly reduced levels of circulating TNF-alpha, IL-6, and CRP levels and increased the concentration of circulating CoQ10 in the general study population. Also they concluded that these findings provided more evidence of the role that CoQ10 supplementation plays on reducing the level of inflammatory factors in healthy and diseased people.
Now a little more information about CoQ10:
Structurally related to Vitamin K, CoQ10 (Co Enzyme Q10) is not a vitamin. It is a coenzyme that helps to utilize oxygen as part of its important role in cellular energy metabolism. Research has also shown that CoQ10 functions in a number of other beneficial ways in the body. Here is a brief overview of these 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 hearth 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 of deficiency of CoQ10 in the pancreas could impair aspects of energy metabolism and the biosynthesis in insulin.
Healthy Gums:
Research indicates that CoQ10 helps to promote healthy gums. In Japan, over half the dentists recommend coQ10 supplements.
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