Coenzyme Q10 may benefit heart health of patients with heart failure

According to a new data analysis from the US, increased intakes of coenzyme Q10 may improve heart function in people with congestive heart failure.

The meta-analysis included 13 randomized controlled trials investigating potential effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation – intakes from 60 to 300 mg/day between two and 24 weeks – on heart health in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) (1). The analysis showed that CoQ10 intake was associated with a 3.7% improvement in blood flow from the heart (left ventricular ejection fraction). Additional benefits for heart health were observed in a subgroup with a small number of patients with less severe CHF.

The researchers commented that additional larger studies should examine if CoQ10 supplementation has an effect when added to the current standard of therapy for CHF – a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide. They also mentioned that it is unclear whether there is a dose-response effect between the stage of CHF and the required dose of CoQ10 for an improvement to be seen.

CoQ10 plays an important role in the production of chemical energy (adenosine triphosphate, ATP) in mito-chondria. It has been studied for its role in cognitive health, heart health, and anti-aging and has been shown to potentially benefit patients with angina, heart attack, and hypertension. Statins, cholesterol-lowering drugs shown to decrease the risk of heart disease in patients, have been linked to a depletion of the body’s natural stores of CoQ10.

1. Fotino A. D. et al. Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on heart failure: a meta-analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Published online December 2012.