2011-04-05 BioActives LLC, Worcester, MA.

WORCESTER, Mass.—While supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has potential therapeutic value in several health areas, clinical efficacy could be limited due to challenges with bioavailability and absorption, according to a new research review (J Evidence Based Complement Health Pract Rev. 24 March 2011;16(2):129-37. DOI: 10.1177/2156587211399438). The study, “Coenzyme Q10: Clinical Update and Bioavailability,” was conducted by two researchers from BioActives LLC and an industry consultant; the authors noted more than 200 clinical trials have investigated the use of CoQ10 as a drug or dietary supplement, while numerous reviews of the compound’s safety have been published. However, the lipophilic nature and large molecular weight of CoQ10 have adversely impacted its bioavailability. The team added recent clinical trials on CoQ10 have looked at new formulations of CoQ10 that may improve bioavailability, and discuss a new method to improve standards of reporting the bioavailability results of CoQ10 formulations.

“A thorough review of the clinical data pertaining to CoQ10 absorption supports the need for pharmaceutical-level standards for assessing the bioavailability of CoQ10,” said Dan Kagan, Ph.D., a managing partner at BioActives LLC and one of the study authors. “Without these improved standards, especially including inter-subject variation, it becomes difficult for consumers and physicians to feel confident that treatment with CoQ10 will be successful.”