Acute Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Antioxidant Markers, Oxidative Damage, and Inflammation in Male Soccer Players Following High-Intensity Interval Exercise

Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license

Authors

Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the acute effects of CoQ10 supplementation on antioxidant (GSH, TAC), oxidative damage (MDA), and inflammatory (CRP) markers in professional male soccer players following HIIT.

Method: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 16 male soccer players (8 in the supplement group and 8 in the placebo group). The supplement group ingested 300 mg of ubiquinol 120 minutes before exercise, while the placebo group received a placebo. The HIIT protocol included 12 × 30-second sprints at maximal effort, with 30 seconds of recovery. Blood samples were taken pre-exercise, post-exercise, and 1 hour post-exercise. Biomarkers were measured using ELISA.

Results: Acute CoQ10 supplementation significantly reduced MDA levels (15.9% vs. 52.4% in placebo; p < 0.001), with levels returning to baseline by 24 hours. GSH and TAC levels increased by 19% and 17.4%, respectively (p < 0.001). CRP rose less (75% vs. 161.5% in placebo) and recovered faster (p = 0.001). Significant time × group interactions were found for all biomarkers (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Acute CoQ10 supplementation reduced oxidative stress and inflammation from HIIT and improved antioxidant recovery. These findings suggest potential applications in pre-exercise nutrition,

Highlights

  • Acute CoQ10 (ubiquinol) supplementation (300 mg, 120 min pre-exercise) significantly attenuated exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in professional soccer players.
  • CoQ10 reduced the post-exercise rise in MDA by 52.4% compared to placebo and accelerated the recovery of GSH and TAC levels.
  • CRP elevation was nearly halved in the CoQ10 group (75% vs. 161.5% in placebo), with faster return to baseline.
  • A single pre-exercise dose of CoQ10 may serve as a practical nutritional strategy to enhance recovery and reduce muscle damage in soccer players.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 15 February 2026
  • Revise Date: 25 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 26 February 2026
  • First Publish Date: 26 February 2026

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