Targeted Treatment of Age-Related Fibromyalgia with Supplemental Coenzyme Q10

Fibromyalgia is a common chronic pain condition of unknown aetiology, although mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation have been implicated in the pathophysiology of this disorder. Treatment generally involves physiotherapy, anticonvulsants, and antidepressant therapy; however, the symptomatic relief conferred by these treatments can be very variable, and there is a need for additional therapeutic strategies. One such treatment which is gaining a lot of interest is the use of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation. The therapeutic efficacy associated with CoQ10 supplementation is thought to arise from the ability of supplementation to restore an underlying deficit in CoQ10 status which has been associated with fibromyalgia together with the ability of CoQ10 to improve mitochondrial activity, restore cellular antioxidant capacity, and ameliorate inflammation. This chapter outlines the evidence supporting the therapeutic utility of CoQ10 in the treatment of fibromyalgia.