Can coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and oxidative stress in athletes? A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #antioxidants #athletes #biomarkers #dietary-supplements

Can coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and oxidative stress in athletes? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Qu et al., 2025 | Complement Ther Clin Pract | Meta Analysis

Citation

Qu Hui, Qu Yueyao. Can coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and oxidative stress in athletes? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2025-Aug;60:102001. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102001

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been widely recognized for its potential antioxidative and cytoprotective properties. Oxidative stress and muscle damage can impair recovery in athletes. This meta-analysis evaluates the impact of CoQ10 supplementation on oxidative stress and muscle damage biomarkers in athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of databases up to March 2025 identified controlled trials assessing the effects of CoQ10 on malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK). Random-effects model was performed to estimate mean differences (MD) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Seventeen trials with 440 participants were included. CoQ10 significantly reduced MDA levels (MD = -0.61 μmol/L; 95 % CI: 1.18 to -0.03; p = 0.04) and muscle damage biomarkers LDH (MD = -69.99 IU/L; 95 % CI: 131.93 to -8.05; p = 0.033) and CK (MD = -71.81 IU/L; 95 % CI: 124.33 to -19.3; p = 0.012). However, CoQ10 had no significant effect on TAC (MD = -0.17 mmol/L; 95 % CI: 0.77 to 0.43; p = 0.472). Subgroup analyses revealed duration- and dose-specific effects, particularly for reductions in LDH at 14 days and CK at doses ≥300 mg/day. CONCLUSION: CoQ10 supplementation shows promise in reducing oxidative stress and muscle damage markers in athletes. Although effects on TAC were not significant and evidence quality remains low to very low, these findings suggest CoQ10 may serve as a supportive recovery strategy to mitigate exercise-induced oxidative and muscle damage. Further high-quality studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Key Findings

Seventeen trials with 440 participants were included. CoQ10 significantly reduced MDA levels (MD = -0.61 μmol/L; 95 % CI: 1.18 to -0.03; p = 0.04) and muscle damage biomarkers LDH (MD = -69.99 IU/L; 95 % CI: 131.93 to -8.05; p = 0.033) and CK (MD = -71.81 IU/L; 95 % CI: 124.33 to -19.3; p = 0.012). However, CoQ10 had no significant effect on TAC (MD = -0.17 mmol/L; 95 % CI: 0.77 to 0.43; p = 0.472). Subgroup analyses revealed duration- and dose-specific effects, particularly for reductions in LD

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 440
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Antioxidants
  • Athletes
  • Biomarkers
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Exercise
  • Malondialdehyde
  • Muscle, Skeletal
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Ubiquinone

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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