CoQ10 improves exercise performance
6.0Moderate
evidence
evidence
The Claim
It is believed that CoQ10 can enhance physical performance by increasing energy production and reducing muscle fatigue during exercise.
Origin
This belief is largely driven by CoQ10's role in energy metabolism and its potential to improve cellular energy production, often highlighted by supplement companies targeting athletes.
What Science Says
A number of studies, including RCTs, have investigated CoQ10's effects on exercise performance with mixed results. Some studies show slight improvements in endurance or reduction in muscle soreness, particularly in untrained individuals or those with specific deficiencies, but the overall effect size is small. Meta-analyses report that any benefits are not consistent enough to be considered robust.
Verdict
Partially True
Sources
- PMID:38981985 Effects of Mitoquinone (MitoQ) Supplementation on Aerobic Exercise Performance and Oxidative Damage: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
- PMID:38479900 The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on biomarkers of exercise-induced muscle damage, physical performance, and oxidative stress: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- PMID:41457257 Coenzyme Q10 supplementation increases blood concentrations but shows limited and inconsistent effects on exercise performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis.