CoQ10 supplementation significantly improves endothelial function, meta-analysis shows

Summary

This meta-analysis was designed to quantify the effect of co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on endothelial function in patients with and without established cardiovascular disease.

Study inclusion criteria included randomized clinical trials published in the peer-reviewed literature up to July 1, 2011. Eligible studies were randomized, placebo-controlled trials on the effects of coenzyme Q10 on endothelial function. Five studies met the inclusion criteria involving 194 patients. CoQ10 dosages ranged from 150 to 300 mg/day; study durations ranged from 4 to 12 weeks.

Meta-analysis using random-effects model showed CoQ10 supplementation significantly improved endothelial function as assessed peripherally by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), but not as assessed by nitrate-mediated arterial dilatation (NMD). In all the individual studies, except one with the lowest dosage (150 mg/day for 8 weeks), CoQ10 showed a statistically significant effect on FMD. When compared to placebo, CoQ10 therapy significantly improved %FMD by 1.70% (95% CI: 1.00-2.40; P<.00001). This has clinical relevance as the author’s note that an absolute improvement in FMD of 1% may translate into a 10-25% reduction in residual cardiovascular risk for these patients. No significant heterogeneity for this outcome was found. CoQ10 supplementation did not significantly improve %NMD compared to control, suggesting no effect on endothelium-independent vasorelaxation. No significant heterogeneity was found for this outcome as well.

These findings indicate that short-term CoQ10 supplementation (150-300 mg/day) is associated with significant improvement in endothelial function and may offer clinical value for patients with endothelial dysfunction.