Coenzyme Q10 supplementation raises plasma levels without improving mitochondrial function in older adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Mitochondrial Biology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to aging and impacts energy metabolism and oxidative stress.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is vital for mitochondrial function and acts as an antioxidant.
• CoQ10 biosynthesis and mitochondrial function may decline with age, suggesting potential benefits of supplementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of 12-week Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on mitochondrial function and related health markers in older adults.
• To assess changes in mitochondrial respiratory capacity, oxidative stress, and CoQ10 levels in response to CoQ10 intake.
• To evaluate the impact of CoQ10 on glucose homeostasis, physical performance (VO2max), and body composition.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 40 healthy older adults (74±4 years).
• Participants received daily oral CoQ10 (400 mg) or placebo.
• Muscle biopsies, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), VO2max tests, and assessments of mitochondrial function, CoQ10 levels, and body composition were performed.

Main Results:

• Plasma CoQ10 levels significantly increased post-supplementation, but tissue and mitochondrial CoQ10 levels remained unchanged.
• No significant differences were observed between CoQ10 and placebo groups in mitochondrial respiratory capacity, H2O2 emission, or mitochondrial content.
• Glucose homeostasis, VO2max, resting metabolic rate, cognitive function, and body composition showed no significant changes.

Conclusions:

• Twelve weeks of CoQ10 supplementation effectively increased plasma CoQ10 concentrations in older adults.
• CoQ10 supplementation did not enhance mitochondrial function, glucose metabolism, or physical performance in this cohort of robust older adults.
• The findings suggest that CoQ10 supplementation may not be sufficient to improve mitochondrial health or performance in healthy aging individuals.