The Muscle Mag
The Journal of Hypertension published a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study that looked into the impact of supplementation on physical performance in older adults with statin-associated asthenia.
Participants in the study were randomly assigned to receive either the supplement or a placebo daily for eight weeks. The results revealed that consistent use of Ubiqsome, a dietary supplement, enhanced muscular strength.
Chief product officer at Indena, Serena Tongiani, stated, “This initial clinical evidence validates the effectiveness of our product in the realm of cardiovascular health. We have been striving to establish Ubiqsome as the leading choice for CoQ10 supplementation, and this independent study highlights its potential for individuals experiencing asthenia due to statin use.”
Asthenia and CoQ10
Statin usage, aimed at reducing levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often results in asthenia, characterized by extreme weakness and fatigue. Statins can also decrease CoQ10 levels in the body, leading to heightened side effects.
CoQ10, an antioxidant, plays a vital role in neutralizing free radicals and regulating cell bioenergy. It is pivotal in the transportation of electrons within the mitochondrial oxidative respiratory chain and impacts ATP production, a nucleotide crucial for energy provision in living cells.
CoQ10 supplementation has the potential to reduce muscle breakdown, pain, and discomfort in individuals on statin medication. However, CoQ10 typically has low oral bioavailability due to factors like poor water solubility, high molecular weight, and low intestinal permeability.
The authors of this new study set out to explore the effects of Indena’s proprietary ingredient, formulated using the ‘Phytosome’ technology platform designed to enhance phytonutrient bioabsorption.
CoQ10 impacts muscle strength
In Italy, researchers recruited 60 subjects (33 males and 27 females) to receive daily supplementation with either a placebo or 150 mg of Ubiqsome. Physical assessments were conducted at the start, four weeks, and eight weeks, revealing significant improvements in asthenia for both groups after four weeks. By the eighth week, the supplemented group sustained these improvements, showcasing enhancements in various areas.
The study suggested that statins hinder cholesterol and Coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis, causing Coenzyme Q10 deficiency. CoQ10 supplementation improved statin-related muscle symptoms, indicating its potential to manage statin-induced myopathy.
Indena’s CoQ10
Indena’s Ubiqsome, incorporating the Phytosome technology, contains a minimum of 20% CoQ10. Previous research highlights Ubiqsome’s ability to enhance CoQ10 levels in human plasma and muscles, aiding in post-exercise recovery.
“Phytosome is created with natural dietary elements present in the human body (phospholipids) that help in reducing the aggregation of natural compounds,” explained Laura Bo, external communication manager at Indena.
She emphasized the importance of bi-directional actions to prevent the packing of natural compounds and phospholipids, thereby improving bioabsorption without altering the ingredients’ structure.
The journal Journal of Hypertension published the study titled, “Effect of CoEnzyme Q10 on Muscular Strength in Elderly Patients with Statin-Associated Asthenia: A Double-Blind, Ranzomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial”, with authors Cicero, A. Et al.
