Synopsis

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

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is commonly marketed as a supplement to enhance athletic performance and support exercise recovery. The rationale for its use is primarily scientific, based on CoQ10’s role in mitochondrial energy production and its antioxidant properties. CoQ10 is an essential component of the electron transport chain in mitochondria, where it facilitates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy molecule used by muscles during exercise. Additionally, its antioxidant effects may help reduce oxidative stress and muscle damage associated with prolonged or intense physical activity.

However, the clinical evidence supporting the use of CoQ10 for athletic and exercise performance is mixed and generally modest. Some small clinical trials have reported improvements in exercise capacity, reduced fatigue, and enhanced recovery in both trained athletes and sedentary individuals. For example, a few studies have shown that CoQ10 supplementation can lead to slight enhancements in VO₂ max, power output, or time to exhaustion. Nevertheless, other studies have found no significant benefits, particularly in well-trained athletes who may already have optimal endogenous CoQ10 levels.

Overall, while there is a plausible scientific mechanism and some supportive research, the evidence is inconsistent and not robust. Major medical and sports organizations do not currently recommend CoQ10 as a standard supplement for enhancing athletic performance. Therefore, the evidence rating for this use is moderate to low (2 out of 5).

More about coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
More about Athletic and Exercise Aids

Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids

Other health conditions supported by coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Products containing coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Pure Encapsulations Athletic Nutrients
Douglas Laboratories Citrus-Q10 ™
Douglas Laboratories Co-Enzyme Q10 Softgel
Douglas Laboratories Coenzyme Q-10 with Lipoic Acid
Douglas Laboratories Coenzyme Q-10 with Lipoic Acid
Integrative Therapeutics CoQ10
Integrative Therapeutics COQ10 100 mg Tropical
Pure Encapsulations CoQ10 120 mg
Pure Encapsulations CoQ10 120 mg
Pure Encapsulations CoQ10 120 mg
Integrative Therapeutics COQ10 200 mg Chocolate 30 chew tabs
Pure Encapsulations CoQ10 250 mg
Pure Encapsulations CoQ10 30 mg
Pure Encapsulations CoQ10 500 mg
Pure Encapsulations CoQ10 60 mg
Pure Encapsulations CoQ10 60 mg
Pure Encapsulations CoQ10 60 mg
Pure Encapsulations CoQ10 l-Carnitine Fumarate
Thorne CoQ10 Q-Best 100
Metagenics CoQ10 ST®-100 mg
Metagenics CoQ10 ST-100 mg
Metagenics CoQ10 ST-200 mg
Integrative Therapeutics Detoxication Factors
Integrative Therapeutics Detoxication Factors
Pure Encapsulations Energize Plus™ Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations Hair/Skin/Nails Ultra
Thorne Heart Health Complex Q-10 Plus
Integrative Therapeutics K-PAX MitoNutrients
Vitabase Life's Essentials Plus
Designs For Health Mito-NR™
Pure Encapsulations Mitochondria-ATP
Designs For Health Mitochondrial NRG™
Pure Encapsulations NeuroMood Pure Pack
Metagenics NutraGems® CoQ10 300
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
Thorne Omega-3 w/ CoQ10
Thorne Ovarian Care
Integrative Therapeutics ProThrivers Wellness Flav Complex
Pure Encapsulations PureGenomics® UltraMultivitamin
Designs For Health Q-Evail® 100
Designs For Health Q-Evail® 200
Pure Encapsulations Q-Gel® (Hydrosoluble™ CoQ10) 100 mg
Thorne Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 Choleast
Pure Encapsulations Renual
Pure Encapsulations RevitalAge™ Nerve
Pure Encapsulations RevitalAge™ Ultra
Designs For Health RYR Synergy™
Pure Encapsulations SR-CoQ10 with PQQ
Vitabase Super Fat Burner
Pure Encapsulations Ubiquinol-QH 100 mg
Pure Encapsulations Ubiquinol-QH 200 mg
Pure Encapsulations Ubiquinol VESIsorb®
Integrative Therapeutics UBQH 100 mg
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive 50+ -EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive One Daily
Pure Encapsulations Ultra Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations UltraDetox 10-Day Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs