Evidence supporting the use of: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
For the health condition: Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has a scientific basis for its use in supporting or treating Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), though the evidence is still limited and preliminary. Small clinical studies and mechanistic research suggest that patients with fibromyalgia may have reduced levels of CoQ10 in their blood and muscle tissues. CoQ10 is an essential component of mitochondrial electron transport and plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and as an antioxidant. Since mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia, CoQ10 supplementation has been hypothesized as potentially beneficial.

Several small randomized controlled trials and open-label studies have reported that supplementation with CoQ10 (typically at doses of 100-300 mg/day) can reduce some symptoms of fibromyalgia, including fatigue, pain, and morning tiredness. For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in 2013 found significant improvements in clinical symptoms and biochemical markers of oxidative stress after 40 days of CoQ10 supplementation. However, these studies are generally limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and methodological weaknesses.

Major medical organizations do not currently recommend CoQ10 as a standard treatment for fibromyalgia due to insufficient large-scale, high-quality evidence. More robust clinical trials are needed to clarify the efficacy and safety of CoQ10 in this context. In summary, while the rationale for CoQ10 use in fibromyalgia is scientifically plausible and supported by early-stage studies, the overall evidence remains preliminary.

More about coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
More about Fibromyalgia Syndrome