Liver function becomes increasingly important as we get older. Now, researchers have investigated the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on the serum concentration of liver function enzymes. Accordingly, they have concluded that CoQ10 supplementation significantly improves circulating levels of the following liver enzymes:

  • alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
  • aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
  • gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT)

Thus, it is conceivable that Coenzyme Q10 might positively affect liver function [Soleimani Damaneh 2023].

Liver and digestive system

Liver diseases and elevated liver enzymes are global health problems causing approximately two million deaths annually.

Using the data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the investigators found CoQ10 supplementation significantly associated with reduced liver enzyme levels as follows [Soleimani Damaneh 2023]:

  • Reduced ALT and AST levels in 13 RCTs
  • Reduced GGT levels in 6 RCTs

Note: the researchers did not find similar significant evidence for a beneficial effect of CoQ10 supplementation on serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations. However, it is possible that they failed to find evidence because of the small number of RCTs addressing this issue [Soleimani Damaneh 2023].

Reasons for Elevated Liver Enzyme Levels in Serum

Several conditions may contribute to an elevation of serum liver enzyme levels:

  • increase in fat storage in the liver
  • inflammation
  • oxidative stress
  • muscle damage as a result of strenuous exercise

Elevated liver enzymes, in turn, are often seen in connection with the following disease conditions:

Effective Daily Doses of CoQ10 Supplementation

How might it work that Coenzyme Q10 can protect against liver damage and reduce the serum levels of liver enzymes?

  • Oxidative stress from the endogenous production of harmful free radical can cause damage to liver cells.
  • Oxidative stress from muscle cell damage during and following strenuous exercise causes the release of AST and ALT.

One possible explanation is that Coenzyme Q10 acts as a lipid-soluble antioxidant protecting cells against oxidative damage [Soleimani Damaneh 2023].

A 2022 review of the data from randomized controlled trials has shown that CoQ10 supplementation with 100-150 milligrams/day gives better benefits for an increase in total antioxidant capacity and a reduction in malondialdehyde levels [Dai 2022].

A second explanation for the beneficial effects of CoQ10 supplementation on liver enzymes may be its anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is involved in liver dysfunction and results in elevated liver enzyme levels. Supplemental Coenzyme Q10 may play a role in improving liver function and reducing liver enzyme levels [Soleimani Damaneh 2023].

A 2023 review of the data from randomized controlled trials has shown that CoQ10 supplementation with 300-400 milligrams/day gives superior inhibition of inflammatory factors [Hou 2023].

Conclusion: Coenzyme Q10 and Liver Enzyme Function

CoQ10 supplementation can have a significant reducing effect on serum levels of ALT, AST, and GGT [Soleimani Damaneh 2023].

The mechanisms by which Coenzyme Q10 protects liver cells and reduces the serum levels of liver enzymes are not yet clearly known. More research is needed.

For effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, daily supplementation with approximately 150-300 milligrams of Coenzyme Q10 is needed [Dai 2022; Hou 2023].

CoQ10 supplements are very diverse in their absorption and bioavailability [Lopez-Lluch 2019]. It is important to find a CoQ10 product for which there exists scientific documentation of its absorption and clinical effects.

Sources

Dai S, Tian Z, Zhao D, Liang Y, Liu M, Liu Z, Hou S, Yang Y. Effects of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022 Jul 13;11(7):1360.

Hou S, Tian Z, Zhao D, Liang Y, Dai S, Ji Q, Fan Z, Liu Z, Liu M, Yang Y. Efficacy and optimal dose of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammation-related biomarkers: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2023 Jul;67(13):e2200800.

López-Lluch G, Del Pozo-Cruz J, Sánchez-Cuesta A, Cortés-Rodríguez AB, Navas P. Bioavailability of coenzyme Q10 supplements depends on carrier lipids and solubilization. Nutrition. 2019 Jan;57:133-140.

Soleimani Damaneh M, Fatahi S, Aryaeian N, Bavi Behbahani H. The effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Food Sci Nutr. 2023 Jun 7;11(9):4912-4925.

The information presented in this review article is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as such.