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Published on: September 27, 2019
Coenzyme Q10 absorption and tolerance in children with Down syndrome: a dose-ranging trial
Michael V Miles1, Bonnie J Patterson, Mark B Schapiro
1Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Ohio 45229, USA. michael.miles@cchmc.org
Insights
High-dose coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ10) is well-absorbed and tolerated by most children with Down syndrome. This study suggests pediatric CoQ10 dosing is safe and effective for this population.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ10) studies on dosing and tolerance are limited in pediatric populations.
- Down syndrome is associated with oxidative stress, making CoQ10 supplementation a potential therapeutic avenue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the absorption and tolerance of low- and high-dose CoQ10 in children with Down syndrome.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of pediatric CoQ10 dosing.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled study involving 16 children with Down syndrome.
- Participants underwent a low-dose CoQ10 run-in period followed by a high-dose phase (10.0 mg/kg/day).
- Absorption and tolerance were assessed through plasma CoQ10 concentrations, laboratory tests, and parental reporting of adverse events.
Main Results:
- Most children tolerated high-dose CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day) well.
- Plasma CoQ10 concentrations were comparable to adult studies despite lower dosages.
- Clinically nonsignificant changes were observed in laboratory tests; two participants withdrew due to uncooperative behavior, possibly treatment-related.
Conclusions:
- High-dose CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day) is well-absorbed and well-tolerated in most children with Down syndrome.
- Pediatric CoQ10 dosing appears safe and effective, achieving concentrations similar to adult studies.
- Further research into CoQ10 supplementation for Down syndrome is warranted.
Abstract:
Controlled studies of coenzyme Q(10) dosing and tolerance have been reported in adults, but not in pediatric patients. This study compares low- and high-dose coenzyme Q(10) (LiQ-NOL syrup) absorption and tolerance in children with Down syndrome. After a 1-month low-dose (1.0 mg/kg/day) run-in period, all participants received high-dose coenzyme Q(10) (10.0 mg/kg/day) for two additional months (in randomized sequence as one daily dose or split into two daily doses). Chemistry profiles and complete blood counts were determined just before and at the study completion. Plasma coenzyme Q(10) concentrations were determined initially and at each study visit. Parents reported adverse events and study drug evaluations using standardized forms. Most of the 16 children who completed this study tolerated high-dose coenzyme Q(10) well. Uncooperative behavior resulted in premature withdrawal of two participants, and may have been treatment-related. Pre- and posttreatment laboratory test changes were considered to be clinically nonsignificant. Study results indicate that high-dose coenzyme Q(10) (10 mg/kg/day) is well-absorbed and well-tolerated by most children with Down syndrome, and appears to provide plasma concentrations which are comparable to previous adult studies administering much higher coenzyme Q(10) dosages.
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