Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble compound that plays a critical role in mitochondrial energy production, and its supplementation has been studied for its potential to enhance exercise performance and recovery. The scientific rationale for using CoQ10 in exercise is based on its role as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, which is essential for ATP production—the energy currency required for muscle contraction during physical activity. Additionally, CoQ10 functions as an antioxidant, helping to mitigate oxidative stress that can increase during intensive exercise.

Several clinical trials and meta-analyses have explored the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on exercise performance. Some studies have reported modest improvements in exercise capacity, VO2 max, and reduced fatigue, particularly in untrained or older individuals, or those with lower baseline CoQ10 levels. However, results are mixed; other trials find little to no benefit in healthy, well-trained athletes. The variability in findings may be due to differences in study design, dosing, duration, and participant characteristics.

On balance, while there is a plausible biological mechanism and some supportive evidence, the quality and consistency of clinical data are moderate. It is not a traditional remedy for exercise support, but rather an area of modern scientific interest. CoQ10 is generally considered safe, and some athletes and active individuals may use it with the hope of modest benefits, but it should not be considered a proven ergogenic aid for all populations.

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Other ingredients used for Exercise

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