Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Exercise-Induced Response of Oxidative Stress and Muscle Damage Indicators in Male Runners

Background: Heavy exercise cause muscle damage associated with very-high production of free radicals. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of acute and 14-day coenzyme Q10 supplementation on oxidative stress and muscle damage indicator in elite male middle-distance runners. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 18 male runners in a randomly and double-blind design were allocated in two equal groups: supplement Q10 group (n = 9, coenzyme Q10: 5 mg/kg/day) and placebo group (n = 9, dextrose: 5 mg/kg/day). Before and after supplementation acute and 14 days period (first and 14th day supplementation), all subjects were participated in a training like running (competitive 3000 meters). Blood samples were obtained in the 4 phases: one hour before and 18 - 24 hours after two running protocols. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidation capacity (TAC) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were analyzed. Results: Acute (1 day) and 14 days (short-term) coenzyme Q10 administration have not significant effect on basal parameters. The 14 days coenzyme Q10 supplementation induced increase of the basal plasma total anti-oxidative capacity (P < 0.05). The short-term coenzyme Q10 supplementation attenuated the exercise-induced increase in response of MDA in male group Q10 (P < 0.05). However, the acute and short-term coenzyme Q10 supplementation had not any significant effect on the exercise-induced increase response of total serum LDH. Conclusions: This research suggests that the 14-day coenzyme Q10 supplementation is more effective than the acute supplementation to overcome the exercise-induced adverse responses in some oxidative, and biochemical parameters. Therefore, short-term coenzyme Q10 supplementation is recommended to reduce exercise-induced adverse consequences.