CoQ10, Alpha-Lipoic Acid & Creatine Decrease Muscle Decline

A study published in the November 2006 edition of the journal Muscle & Nerves indicated that mitochondrial disorders have several things in common, including reduced production of ATP (the energy molecule in our bodies), increased reliance on non-oxygen energy sources and increased production of oxygen free radicals.

In this small Canadian study, patients with mitochondrial disorders were treated in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled manner with crossover using alpha lipoic acid, creatine monohydrate and coenzyme Q10.

The combination therapy lowered plasma lactate levels as well as decreased decline in ankle muscle strength. The study suggested that combination therapies targeting common pathways of mitochondrial dysfunction showed favorable benefits in terms of markers of cellular energy.

Source

Rodriguez, M.C.; MacDonald, J.R.; Mahoney, D.J.; Parise,G.; Beal, M.F.; Tarnopolsky, M.A. Beneficial effects of creatine, CoQ10, and lipoic acid in mitochondrial disorders. Muscle & Nerve. Advanced online publication, 1 Nov 2006.

Key concepts: coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid, creatine, muscle, ATP, mitochondria