Coenzyme Q10 and Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplementation – Potential Role in Blood Sugar Imbalance, Insulin Resistance, and the Metabolic Syndrome

In a study involving fructose-fed male Sprague Dawley rats, administration of alpha-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 was found to suppress oxidative and nitrative stress, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance. Rats were divided into 4 groups – Group1 served as a control; Group2 received a regular diet and water ad libitum and fructose; Group3 received alpha-lipoic acid (100 mg/kg/d), i.p., for 5 weeks, and Group4 received coenzyme Q10 (10 mg/kg/d), i.p., for 5 weeks. Rats fed a high-fructose diet were found to have significant elevations in plasma LDL, VLDL, and total cholesterol, as well as plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine, malondialdehyde, and glutathione, while showing a decrease in HDL cholesterol. Administration of alpha-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 was found to notably suppress oxidative stress, nitrative stress, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance. These results in animals suggest that coenzyme Q10 and alpha-lipoic acid may have a positive effect on markers of the metabolic syndrome. Additional research is warranted.