Cholesterol/LipidsCoenzyme Q10

Looking for benefits of coenzyme Q(10) in obese people

Researchers at Yonsei University College of Medicine, in Seoul, Republic of Korea looked for changes in metabolism, inflammation, bood vessels, and fatigue.

First, the details.

  • 36 obese adults were randomly assigned to a treatment group for 12 weeks.
    • Coenzyme Q(10) (200 mg/day) taken by mouth
    • Placebo
  • Neither the patients nor researchers knew the treatment given — double blind.

And, the results.

  • Blood levels of coenzyme Q(10) increased significantly in the coenzyme Q(10) group.
  • Coenzyme Q(10) did not affect lipoprotein (a), LDL (bad) cholesterol, C-reactive protein, or white blood cell count.
  • The mean fatigue severity scale decreased significantly in the coenzyme Q(10) group, vs no significant change in the placebo group.
    • However, the difference between the groups was not significant.

The bottom line?

The authors concluded, “We found no evidence that coenzyme Q(10) affects fatigue index, arterial stiffness, metabolic parameters, or inflammatory markers.”

MayoClinic.com tells us, “Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is produced by the human body and is necessary for the basic functioning of cells.”

However, although “coenzyme Q(10) has been used, recommended, or studied for numerous conditions… [it] remains controversial as a treatment in many areas.”

3/7/11 21:21 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.