Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #fibromyalgia #ubiquinone #antioxidants #arthritis-rheumatoid

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review

Freire et al., 2024 | Clin Nutr ESPEN | Systematic Review

Citation

Freire de Carvalho Jozélio, Skare Thelma. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2024-Feb;59:63-69. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.11.016

Abstract

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance used to treat some rheumatic diseases. Our objective was to review the use of CoQ10 in rheumatic diseases. PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles on CoQ10 and rheumatic diseases between 1966 and April 2023. Twenty articles were found, including 483 patients. The investigated conditions were Fibromyalgia (FM) with 15 studies, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) with 3 studies, and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) with 2 studies. After CoQ10 supplementation, RA patients observed improvements in disease activity index, inflammatory biomarkers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), cytokine levels, and a decrease in malondialdehyde. In APS, CoQ10 improved endothelial function and decreased prothrombotic and proinflammatory mediators. Regarding FM, in most of the studies, the patients observed improvements in pain, fatigue, sleep, tender points count, mood disorders, and scores on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). The drug was well tolerated, with reports of minor side effects in two studies. CoQ10 supplementation seems to be efficacious as a complementary treatment for RA and FM. Upcoming studies with larger samples and including other rheumatic diseases are welcome.

Key Findings

Upcoming studies with larger samples and including other rheumatic diseases are welcome.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 483
Age Range See abstract
Condition sleep

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Ubiquinone
  • Antioxidants
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid
  • Dietary Supplements

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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