Coenzyme Q10 for Relieving Asthma Symptoms?

The results of a recent study suggest that supplementation with coenzyme Q10 may be beneficial to asthma patients.  Specifically, these results suggest that Coenzyme Q10 may reduce the long-term use of corticosteroids in asthma patients. Coenzyme Q10 is also a supplement of potential interest for those who suffer from migraine headaches.

Background:

“Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of respiratory system, with disturbances in the dynamic balance of oxidant-antioxidant capacity of the lungs. Long-term administration of corticosteroids has been shown to result in mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage of mitochondrial and nuclear DNAs.”

Study Intervention:

• CoQ(10) as Q-Gel (120 mg) + 400 mg alpha-tocopherol + 250 mg vitamin C per day

Study Conclusions:

“Data show that patients with corticosteroid-dependent bronchial asthma have low plasma CoQ(10) concentrations that may contribute to their antioxidant imbalance and oxidative stress. A reduction in the dosage of corticosteroids required by the patients following antioxidant supplementation was observed, indicating lower incidence of potential adverse effects of the drugs, decreased oxidative stress. “

Conclusion:  Supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 could be beneficial for patients who take corticosteroid medication to control their asthma symptoms.

Reference

1. Gvozdjáková A, Kucharská J, Bartkovjaková M, Gazdíková K, Gazdík FE. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduces corticosteroids dosage in patients with bronchial asthma. Biofactors. 2005;25(1-4):235-40.