CoQ10 May Slow Parkinson's Disease
19
November 2002
by Wyn Snow, Managing Editor
Building
on the discovery that patients with Parkinson's have reduced levels
of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in their mitochondria, researchers at the
University of California, San Diego, have found that supplementation
with CoQ10 can slow the deterioration of function experienced by
Parkinson's sufferers.
Researchers
led by Clifford Shults, MD, divided 80 patients with early-stage
Parkinson's into four groups. All of the patients had the tremor,
stiffness and slowed movements typical of early-stage Parkinson's.
Three of the groups received CoQ10 in dosages of 300, 600, or 1200
mg/day, together with vitamin E. The fourth group received placebo.
Patients were evaluated every four months for 16 months, unless
their level of disability made it appropriate to intervene with
drugs.
Progression
of symptoms was slower in the three treatment groups than in those
taking placebo, and benefits were strongest in the group receiving
1200 mg/day (44% less reduction in cognition, motor function, and
daily activities). CoQ10 was safe and well-tolerated at all three
dosage levels. As expected, those taking CoQ10 showed significant
increases both in serum levels of CoQ10 and in mitochondrial energy
production.
The
research was published in the October 15 issue of the Archives
of Neurology (59, 10:1541-50, 2002).
Source
NaturalProductsInsider.com.
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