Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #ubiquinone #dietary-supplements #oxidative-stress #athletes

Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review

Fernandes et al., 2023 | Nutrients | Systematic Review

Citation

Fernandes Matheus Santos de Sousa, Fidelis Débora Eduarda da Silvia, ... Ardigò Luca Paolo. Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2023-Sep-15;15(18). doi:10.3390/nu15183990

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To summarize available evidence in the literature on the impacts of CoQ10 supplementation on metabolic, biochemical, and performance outcomes in athletes. METHODS: Six databases, Cochrane Library (33 articles), PubMed (90 articles), Scopus (55 articles), Embase (60 articles), SPORTDiscus (1056 articles), and Science Direct (165 articles), were researched. After applying the eligibility criteria, articles were selected for peer review independently as they were identified by June 2022. The protocol for this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022357750). RESULTS: Of the 1409 articles found, 16 were selected for this systematic review. After CoQ10 supplementation, a decrease in oxidative stress markers was observed, followed by higher antioxidant activity. On the other hand, lower levels of liver damage markers (ALT); Aspartate aminotransferase (AST); and Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γGT) were identified. Finally, we found a reduction in fatigue indicators such as Creatine Kinase (CK) and an increase in anaerobic performance. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review concludes that supplementation with orally administered CoQ10 (30-300 mg) was able to potentiate plasma antioxidant activity and anaerobic performance, reducing markers linked to oxidative stress and liver damage in athletes from different modalities aged 17 years old and older.

Key Findings

Of the 1409 articles found, 16 were selected for this systematic review. After CoQ10 supplementation, a decrease in oxidative stress markers was observed, followed by higher antioxidant activity. On the other hand, lower levels of liver damage markers (ALT); Aspartate aminotransferase (AST); and Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γGT) were identified. Finally, we found a reduction in fatigue indicators such as Creatine Kinase (CK) and an increase in anaerobic performance.

Outcomes Measured

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Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Ubiquinone
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Athletes
  • Antioxidants
  • Athletic Performance
  • Biomarkers
  • Male
  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Adult

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Review
  • Vertical: coq10

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09