Researchers in London investigated the effects of supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Vitamin E on heart function and functional decline in patients with Friedreich ataxia. Friedreich ataxia (FA) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the ability of muscles to coordinate during voluntary movement. FA is different from more common neurodegenerative diseases because it does not affect mental function, but individuals with FA are more likely to develop cardiac disease. It is hypothesized that mitochondrial function is decreased and oxidative stress is higher in the cardiac muscle of patients with FA.
The study published in the April issue of Archives of Neurology tested the hypothesis that supplementation with CoQ10 and Vitamin E may improve mitochondrial function and decrease oxidative stress. 77 patients enrolled in the study and were given 400mg CoQ10 and 2100 IU Vitamin E daily for 47 months during this open label pilot trial.
The results showed that patients had a sustained improvement of mitochondrial function and energy production. Certain clinical features of the disease were also affected by manifesting in decreased progression. Cardiac function was improved as well. More studies are needed to determine the full extent that CoQ10 can benefit patients with FA.
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