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The effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Mohadeseh Soleimani Damaneh, Somaye Fatahi, Naheed Aryaeian, Hossein Bavi Behbahani
Food Science & Nutrition 2023 11(9):4912-4925

Bibliography

PubMed
PMID 37701221
DOI
10.1002/fsn3.3478

Study snapshot

DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
ModelHuman randomized-trial populations with liver-enzyme data
Sample13 RCTs for ALT/AST; 6 RCTs for GGT
InterventionCoQ10 supplementation versus control
Duration
EndpointsALT; AST; GGT; Alkaline phosphatase

What the study showed, in plain terms

Across randomized trials, CoQ10 supplementation was associated with small average reductions in ALT, AST and GGT, while alkaline phosphatase did not significantly change.

The pooled estimates were heterogeneous and should be interpreted as liver-enzyme effects rather than proof that CoQ10 treats liver disease or prevents liver complications.

Key findings

ALT decreased by about 5.33 IU/L in the pooled analysis.

AST decreased by about 4.91 IU/L and GGT by about 8.07 IU/L.

Alkaline phosphatase did not significantly change.

What this study can and cannot tell us

The analysis pooled heterogeneous populations, doses and durations, and GGT heterogeneity was very high.

Liver enzymes are surrogate laboratory outcomes; the review does not establish reduced fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure or mortality.

Editorial review

Reviewed by the Biohack Blueprint research team

Last verified

Dr. Khaled Mahmoud, MBBChCritical Care Medicine, Longevity Science & Editorial Direction Dr. Amr Yasser, PhDCardiometabolic, Musculoskeletal, Gut & Bioavailability Dr. Abdulla Mostafa, PhDCellular Senescence, Neurological, Mitochondrial & Brain-Ageing Biology