Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Adults: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Abstract Context Previous meta-analyses have suggested that the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on lipid profiles remain debatable. Additionally, no meta-analysis has explored the optimal intake of CoQ10 for attenuating lipid profiles in adults. Objective This study conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effects of CoQ10 on lipid profiles and assess their dose–response relationships in adults. Methods Databases (Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) were systematically searched until August 10, 2022. The random effects model was used to calculate the mean differences (MDs) and 95% CI for changes in circulating lipid profiles. The novel single-stage restricted cubic spline regression model was applied to explore nonlinear dose–response relationships. Results Fifty randomized controlled trials with a total of 2794 participants were included in the qualitative synthesis. The pooled analysis revealed that CoQ10 supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) (MD −5.53 mg/dL; 95% CI −8.40, −2.66; I2 = 70%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (MD −3.03 mg/dL; 95% CI −5.25, −0.81; I2 = 54%), and triglycerides (TGs) (MD −9.06 mg/dL; 95% CI −14.04, −4.08; I2 = 65%) and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (MD 0.83 mg/dL; 95% CI 0.01, 1.65; I2 = 82%). The dose–response analysis showed an inverse J-shaped nonlinear pattern between CoQ10 supplementation and TC in which 400-500 mg/day CoQ10 largely reduced TC (χ2 = 48.54, P < .01). Conclusion CoQ10 supplementation decreased the TC, LDL-C, and TG levels, and increased HDL-C levels in adults, and the dosage of 400 to 500 mg/day achieved the greatest effect on TC.