In a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, triple-crossover study, researchers from Japan have found that CoEnzyme Q10 improves athletic performance and reduces the sensation of fatigue.¹

CoEnzyme Q10, or ubiquinone, is a vitamin-like substance that occurs naturally in the human body. It is found in highest concentrations in the major organs, and the mitochondria, but is "ubiquitous" through out the human body, hence the name ubiquinone. The mitochondria are organelles within somatic cells that produce the energy on which the body runs. The levels of naturally-produced CoEnzyme Q10 begin to drop in the body at around age 20. CoEnzyme Q10 supplementation has been linked to a number of health benefits over the years; in particular, benefits have been associated with the cardiovascular system and to individuals suffering from Parkinson's Disease.

In this study, the researchers recruited 176 healthy adults (men and women) with an average age if 37.5 years, and split them into 3 groups: the control, which received a placebo for eight days, a test group which received 100mg of CoEnzyme Q10 daily for eight days, and the third group which received 300mg of CoEnzyme Q10 daily for eight days. Each of the three groups participated alternately in each of three interventions (triple crossover). There was a washout period between each of the segments. The participants' physical performance was tested using a bicycle ergometer at fixed workloads.

The physical performance of subjects was found to increase while they were taking the 300mg of CoEnzyme Q10, as compared to when they were taking placebo or 100mg of CoEnzyme Q10. The subjects also reported feeling less fatigued while they were taking the 300mg of CoEnzyme Q10, again compared to when they received the placebo or the 100mg dose.

The researchers speculated that the mechanism of action behind the benefit from supplementing CoEnzyme Q10 likely has to do with oxidative processes that occur during, and as a result of, exercise and CoEnzyme Q10's antioxidant powers. The researchers stated "administration of CoEnzyme Q10 may attenuate physical fatigue through its functions as an antioxidant or in assisting oxidative phosphorylation."

This newly discovered benefit of CoEnzyme Q10 supplementation may prove useful to those just starting a new exercise program, as well as to those who have an existing program. Learn more about this interesting supplement here.

1. Mizuno, K., M. Tanaka, et al. (2008). "Antifatigue effects of coenzyme Q10 during physical fatigue." Nutrition.