Short-term Ubiquinol for Exercise Performance

Ubiquinol Use is Beneficial before Physical Activity: Ground-breaking Study

In a study first, evidence shows ubiquinol taken short-term (only two weeks) can help improve exercise performance and reduce free radical damage in muscles, after non-elite athletes completed a high intensity circuit weight training.

In a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, 100 healthy and well-trained firemen were divided in two groups: ubiquinol and placebo. The firemen took ubiquinol or placebo in the morning for two weeks, before both groups performed a strenuous exercise protocol.

The exercise protocol consisted of a warm-up, low intensity and stretching phase, followed by a high intensity weight training circuit. Muscle strength and power were evaluated, and biochemical analyses completed to assess muscle damage. This type of training is known to increase lactate, nitric oxide levels and inflammatory markers and cause oxidative stress, affecting exercise performance, muscle function and energy levels, especially in unplanned and untrained strenuous exercise.

The results showed taking ubiquinol supplementation for two weeks helped improve exercise performance by increasing average load and repetitions and reducing the perception of fatigue. It also decreased oxidative damage to muscles fibres and supported plasma ubiquinol levels.

Until now, studies in physical performance using bioavailable ubiquinol, which is easily absorbed and utilised by the body, have been lacking. Prior research in sports medicine using a less bioavailable oxidised form have produced contradictory results.

Oxidative stress and inflammation are integral in negatively affecting muscle function and exercise performance. Ubiquinol is a fat-soluble antioxidant that supports mitochondrial health by helping reduce free radical damage and relieve inflammation and is key for energy production in all cells in the body, including the muscles.

So, although we can’t all be firies, if you’re healthy and moderately fit, taking ubiquinol before you hit the gym or get out for that run may help improve your physical performance, reduce fatigue and support your muscle function and energy levels.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use

Reference:
[1] Moreno-Fernandez J, Puche-Juarez M, Toledano JM, et al. Ubiquinol short-term supplementation prior to strenuous exercise improves physical performance and diminishes muscle damage. Antioxidants 2023;12(6):1193. Study funded by the Ministry of Education of Spain.