UCSD Q10 and Aging Study

Goal: To determine feasibility of a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study to test whether coenzyme Q10 (Q10) administration reduces symptoms and improve subjective health in an aging population. Rationale: In a number of settings, studies have reported benefits of Q10 to fatigue, muscle pain, and cognition. Additionally Q10 defends against mechanisms that may play a role in health problems in aging populations. For these reasons, a study evaluating benefits by Q10 to symptoms and quality of life in an aging population is merited. Subjects: 44 subjects ages 55 and older. Design: 9 month, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study. Analyses: Nonparametric and secondarily parametric analyses will compare effects of Q10 vs placebo; and of higher dose vs lower dose Q10 on primary and secondary endpoints. Possible effect modification (differential benefit) based on factors such as oxidative state and Q10 serum concentration will be explored through regression analysis.