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Coenzyme Q10 lowered systolic BP in patients with NAFLD

Iranian patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease showed greater improvement in systolic blood pressure after treatment with coenzyme Q10 supplementation vs. a group of patients who received placebo, according to study data.

“This is the first randomized, double blind trial carried out in order to demonstrate and evaluate the effectiveness of [coenzyme Q10] supplementation in patients with NAFLD in Iran,” the researchers wrote. “The results of our study indicate the possibility of [systolic] BP reduction by 3-month consumption of [coenzyme Q10] among NAFLD patients.”

In 2012, 54 patients with NAFLD from an outpatient clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz were randomly assigned to 100 mg coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) per day (n=27) or 100 mg placebo per day (n=27) for 12 weeks. Of the patients, 41 completed the trial; 20 patients in the CoQ10 group and 21 in the placebo group were included in the final analysis.

After 12 weeks of therapy with CoQ10, a large decrease in systolic BP was observed in the CoQ10 group (123.9 mm Hg vs. 114.89 mm Hg; P<.05), but only a slight decrease was seen in the placebo group (126.92 mm Hg vs. 122.62 mm Hg). Diastolic BP did not decrease after therapy in the CoQ10 group (79.6 mm Hg vs. 82.84 mm Hg) and only slightly decreased among the placebo group (83.52 mm Hg vs. 79.12 mm Hg) compared with baseline measurements.  There were no notable differences in the mean intakes of energy, fat, protein and carbohydrate between the groups after the treatment period.

“It is confirmed that the effect of CoQ10 antioxidant supplementation at a dosage of 100 mg per day could significantly improve [systolic] BP without any effect on the lipid profile, fasting blood sugar and serum [malondialdehyde] levels, in the patients with NAFLD,” the researchers concluded. “In a longer treatment period and evaluation of various other involved parameters, could further establish the hepatic effects of CoQ10 in the treatment of NAFLD.”

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.