By Simone Du Toit. A recent study has found promising antioxidant effects using CoQ10 supplementation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
The study involved 43 elderly Taiwanese patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CAD. Subjects were randomly assigned to a placebo group, a 60 mg of CoQ10 per day group, or a 150 mg of CoQ10 150 mg per day group. Patients being treated with statins were excluded (it is known CoQ10 concentrations can be lowered during statin therapy).
A marker of oxidative stress (MDA) was measured and levels of three antioxidant enzymes were also measured. Oxidative stress is thought to contribute to chronic disease in the body, while antioxidant enzymes help protect against free radical damage. The study found that in the 150 mg per day group, MDA levels were significantly lower after four weeks compared to the beginning of the study, and after 12 weeks two of the three anti-oxidant enzymes were at significantly higher levels compared to the placebo group.
The study authors said they believed an even higher dose of CoQ10 might provide a rapid and sustainable antioxidant effect in patients with CAD. However, they said further study is needed to show whether higher doses correlate with clinical benefits.
References available upon request.