Related Experiment Videos
Coenzyme Q10: absorption, antioxidative properties, determinants, and plasma levels
Jari Kaikkonen1, Tomi-Pekka Tuomainen, Kristiina Nyyssonen
1Oy Jurilab Ltd, Kuopio, Finland. jari.kaikkonen@jurilab.fi
Free Radical Research
|June 19, 2002
Summary
Coenzyme Q10 (Q10) levels are influenced by cholesterol, triglycerides, gender, alcohol, and age. Moderate oral Q10 supplementation increases plasma Q10, but high-dose vitamin E may reduce its absorption.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Human Nutrition
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Coenzyme Q10 (Q10) is vital for cellular energy production and acts as an antioxidant.
- Factors influencing Q10 levels and the impact of supplementation require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify determinants of plasma coenzyme Q10 (Q10) concentrations.
- To assess the absorption and effects of oral Q10 supplementation on antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation.
Main Methods:
- Blinded, placebo-controlled clinical studies were conducted.
- Plasma Q10 levels were measured following varying doses of Q10 supplementation.
- Antioxidative capacity, lipoprotein oxidation resistance, and lipid peroxidation were assessed.
Main Results:
- Plasma Q10 concentrations positively correlated with serum cholesterol, triglycerides, male gender, alcohol consumption, and age.
- Oral Q10 supplementation demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in plasma Q10 levels.
- Q10 supplementation did not enhance LDL or VLDL+LDL oxidation resistance but may reduce in vivo lipid peroxidation.
Conclusions:
- Q10 absorption and plasma levels are influenced by several physiological and lifestyle factors.
- Moderate Q10 supplementation effectively increases plasma Q10 levels.
- While Q10 may reduce in vivo lipid peroxidation, its effects on ex vivo oxidation resistance and exercise-induced damage were not significant.