Affiliations: Halberg Hospital and Research Institute, Moradabad,
India | Pharma Nord, Vejle, Denmark | Institute of Biochemistry, Ancona, Italy
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. R.B. Singh, Professor of
Medicine, Halberg Hospital and Research Institute, Civil Lines,
Moradabad-10(UP)244001, India. Fax: +91 591 2411003; E-mail:
icn2005@mickyonline.com
Abstract: Introduction: The effect of various dosages and dose strategies of
oral coenzyme Q_{10} (Q_{10})
administration on serum Q_{10} concentration and
bioequivalence of various formulations are not fully known. Subjects and Methods: In a randomized, double blind, placebo
controlled trial 60 healthy men, aged 18–55 years, were supplemented with
various dosages and dose strategies of coenzyme Q_{10} soft
oil capsules (Myoqinon 100 mg, Pharma Nord, Denmark) or crystalline 100 mg
Q_{10} powder capsules or placebo. After 20 days blood
levels were compared and oxidative load parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA) and
thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were monitored to evaluate
bioequivalence. All the subjects were advised to take the capsules with meals.
Blood samples were collected after 12 hours of overnight fasting at baseline
and after 20 days of Q_{10} administration. Compliance was
evaluated by counting the number of capsules returned by the subjects after the
trial. Results: Compliance by capsule counting was >90%. Side effects
were negligible. Serum concentrations of Q_{10} (average for
groups) increased significantly 3–10 fold in the intervention groups
compared with the placebo group. Serum response was improved with a divided
dose strategy. TBARS and MDA were in the normal ranges at baseline. After 20 days
intervention in the 200 mg group TBARS and MDA decreased, but the decrease was
only significant for MDA (Fig. 2). Conclusions: All supplementations increased serum levels of
Q_{10}. Q_{10} dissolved in an oil matrix
was more effective than the same amount of crystalline
Q_{10} in raising Q_{10} serum levels.
200 mg of oil/soft gel formulation of Q_{10} caused a larger
increase in Q_{10} serum levels than did 100 mg. Divided
dosages (2 × 100 mg) of Q_{10} caused a larger
increase in serum levels of Q_{10} than a single dose of 200
mg. Supplementation was associated with decreased oxidative stress as measured
by MDA-levels. Indians appear to have low baseline serum coenzyme
Q_{10} levels which may be due to vegetarian diets. Further
studies in larger number of subjects would be necessary to confirm our
findings.
