CoQ10 reduces key marker of inflammation in adults with metabolic diseases, meta-analysis shows
Highlights
- Meta-analysis of 9 RCTs with over 428 adults with metabolic diseases
- CoQ10 supplementation reduces TNF-alpha, a key marker of inflammation
- Dosages range from 100 to 500 mg/day for 8-12 weeks
Summary
This meta-analysis was performed to explore whether supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) exhibits anti-inflammatory benefits.
A systematic search of the English-language literature up to February 2016 was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify eligible studies. Inclusion criteria were limited to randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults with a metabolic diseases (e.g., obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) who were given CoQ10 supplementation in capsule form for at least 4 weeks. In addition, studies needed to assess and adequately report on changes in markers of inflammation.
Nine trials, published between 2009 and 2015, with 428 subjects met the criteria. Interventions ranged from 100 to 500 mg/day of CoQ10 for 8 to 12 weeks. All control groups received a placebo.
Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) was used to evaluate changes in inflammatory markers between CoQ10 supplementation and controls using fixed-effects or random-effects models. Assessments of heterogeneity and publication bias were performed, but the limited number of studies prevented subgroup analyses.
Results indicate that, compared to placebo, CoQ10 supplementation significantly improved the serum CoQ10 level (WMD: 1.17μg/ml; 95% CI: 0.47 to 1.87) and significantly decreased the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) (WMD: -0.45 pg/ml (95% CI: -0.67 to -0.24).
By contrast, no significant differences between treatment and placebo were reported for levels of C-reactive protein (WMD: -0.21 mg/L; 95% CI: -0.60 to 0.17) and interleukin-6 (WMD: -0.89 pg/ml; 95% CI: -1.95 to 0.16). The authors note that the relatively short intervention periods, different dosages, and the limited number of participants may have contributed to this null effect.
These findings indicate CoQ10 supplementation may offer therapeutic value to help reduce chronic inflammation in adults with metabolic diseases in dosages that range from 100 to 500 mg/day for 8 to 12 weeks.
