Muscle and plasma coenzyme Q10 concentrations and aerobic power in response to four weeks supplementation

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation has been used by healthy and athletic populations with an expectation of enhancing aerobic performance. However, limited and conflicting information exists in the literature on whether the supplementation can increase physical performance in relation to muscle concentrations of CoQ10. This study investigated the effect of four weeks oral supplementation on muscle and plasma CoQ10 concentrations in six healthy, physically active men (age range 19-40), in a self-control, single-blind manner. Participants started with a two-week placebo run-in phase, followed by two weeks of CoQ10 supplementation at a daily dosage of 150 mg, then two weeks of CoQ10 (150 mg) plus 1000 IU vitamin E per day, followed by final two-week of placebo wash-out phase. A graded cycle VO2max test was performed pre supplementation and at the end of each two-week phase. Blood samples were taken pre and post each VO2max test, and biopsy samples were obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle before the first cycle test and post CoQ10 supplementation phase. Results showed that the plasma CoQ10 concentration was elevated significantly by the supplementation (from pre 0.81 ug/ml to post 2.61 ug/ml, p0.05). The VO2max values in repeated tests were not significantly altered. It appeared that the supplementation regime did not significantly affect muscle CoQ10 concentration and aerobic power in healthy, non-deficient men. Acknowledgement: CoQ10 and placebo capsules were donated by Blackmores.