Supplementation of CO-Q10 Enhances Performance of Supramaximal Exercise!!!
Coenzyme Q10 is an important, vitamin-like compound that is present throughout the body. While there are 10 other coenzyme Q compounds present in nature, coenzyme Q10 is the only one present in humans. Although coenzyme Q10 is widely used throughout Europe and Asia, its value is just beginning to be recognized in the United States for its support of cardiovascular health and more. Coenzyme Q10’s benefits are due to the following two attributes. First, Co-Q10 is an important fat-soluble antioxidant that is uniquely able to protect the cells’ energy producing machinery, known as mitochondria, from free radical damage. Second, coenzyme Q10 is necessary for the production of energy in all cells of the body.
Supramaximal exercise is any form of exercise that requires energy production exceeding that which can be sustained by purely oxidative metabolism, that is, it requires an oxygen consumption greater than the maximal aerobic capacity. Sprinting, cycling, jogging etc. are examples of supramaximal exercises.
The aim of a randomized, double-blind, crossover study was to determine whether Co-Q10 supplementation had an effect on performance of supramaximal exercise. The study was for two 8-week periods of supplementation with either 100 mg daily Co-Q10 or placebo. The researchers enrolled 15 healthy and sedentary men to participate in the study. Wingate tests (mechanically braked bicycle fitness test of muscular strength, power and muscular endurance) with flywheel resistance were performed 3 times at baseline after Co-Q10 or placebo supplementation during the study. The outcome was mean power increased only with Co-Q10 supplementation. These results indicate that Co-Q10 may be beneficial during repeated bouts of supramaximal exercises by enhancing performance.1
1 Gokbel H, Gul I, Belviranl M, et al. The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on performance during repeated bouts of supramaximal exercise in sedentary men. J Strength Cond Res. 2010;24(1):97-102.