Evidence supporting the use of: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
For the health condition: Endurance (lack of)

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Synopsis

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

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is primarily justified by scientific evidence for supporting endurance, though the strength of evidence is moderate to low. CoQ10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant involved in mitochondrial energy production, especially in tissues with high energy demands like skeletal and cardiac muscle. The rationale for its use in improving endurance stems from its essential role in the electron transport chain, where it helps generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of cells.

Several small randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have examined CoQ10 supplementation in athletes and individuals with decreased physical performance. Some studies report modest improvements in exercise capacity, reduced fatigue, and enhanced recovery, particularly in older adults or those with underlying deficiencies. For example, a 2013 meta-analysis suggested a slight improvement in exercise performance metrics (e.g., time to exhaustion, VO2 max) with doses ranging from 100-300 mg/day. However, other studies have failed to find significant benefits in well-trained athletes or the general population.

Overall, while CoQ10 supplementation appears safe and may help individuals with suboptimal CoQ10 status, the evidence for robust improvements in endurance in healthy populations is limited and inconsistent. Thus, CoQ10 may be considered as a supportive adjunct for some, but it is not a universally validated performance enhancer.

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