Results :Our MR analysis revealed that genetically predicted plasma CoQ10 levels was inversely associated with of any stroke (AS, OR = 0.803, 95% CI: 0.659–0.978, p=0.029), any ischemic stroke (AIS, OR = 0.792, 95% CI 0.651–0.964, p = 0.020) and small vessel stroke (SVS, OR = 0.512, 95% CI 0.294-0.892, p = 0.018). However, no associations were observed between genetically predicted plasma CoQ10 and large artery stroke (LAS), cardioembolic stroke (CES), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), atrial fibrillation (AF), myocardial infarction (MI) or heart failure (HF). Conclusions :Our MR analysis implies a protective effect between higher plasma CoQ10 levels and AS, AIS or SVS. The results and the underlying pathways or mechanisms between plasma CoQ10 levels and stroke needs further investigation.
I started 200mg NOW ubiquinol three weeks ago. After about a week, virtually all the shoulder and neck pain I got from the strain of backpack straps while ‘rucking’ disappeared. And my timed performance for the full walk improved about 2-3%. It’s a walk I’ve been doing for 21 years, so have a good sense of when something shifts the effort required. I take 5mg rosuvastatin. But even prior to starting that, I had pain. So I would say its an improvement that’s not just offsetting statin degradation. If it’s my imagination, I hope my imagination can keep it up!
Cardiac metabolism in HF can also be beneficially targeted by specific drugs, by improving mitochondrial membrane stability, mainly dependent on cardiolipin and coenzyme Q10.202, 203 Coenzyme Q10 is an obligatory component of the respiratory chain in mitochondria and plays an essential role in ATP formation in most tissues, including the heart. In addition, Q10 has antioxidant properties and protects circulating low-density lipoprotein particles from oxidation. Its inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore prevents the activation of apoptotic cascades and the oxidative inactivation of key proteins involved in ATP production204 (Table1). Lower levels of coenzyme Q10 are associated with worse HF symptoms, lower ejection fraction and higher NT-proBNP.205, 206 However, association between its values and mortality remains controversial.207 Coenzyme Q10 supplementation improved HF symptoms and reduced major cardiovascular outcomes in patients with HF in a randomized controlled trial.208 However, a more recent meta-analysis, due to the low quality of available data, concluded for no convincing evidence supporting the use of coenzyme 10 in patients with HF.209
Ref 209 = the 2021 Cochrane review
In terms of Mendelian randomization, I quickly checked and found positive effects for stroke but not more.
So Q10 still looks as disappointing. Although anecdotal evidence of benefits such as the one of @none above is interesting!
I still lean on it being a slight positive. Nothing amazing but probably better than most other supplements. No downside of taking it other than spending money. It does seem to have quite a lot of positive anecdotes for whatever that’s worth. I have been using it for so long that I would have to come off to know if I can notice any subjective benefit of it.
I recently switched from 2.5 Rosuvastatin to 2mg Pitavastatin, which depletes CoQ10 far less so I have have less of a need for it now anyway. I still would rather use it just in case.
Side note, it would be nice to have this and the other recent CoQ10 thread merge together.