CoQ10 plus Selenium Supplementation Reduces Cardiovascular Deaths in Trial

A four year trial of CoQ10 and selenium has revealed a significant reduction in the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease among supplemented men and women. The study, which was reported in the International Journal of Cardiology (2012 May 22), also uncovered a reduction in the cardiac N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP), a biomarker of cardiomyocyte wall tension, which is elevated in congestive heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction.

In a double-blind trial, 228 Swedish citizens received either a placebo or 200mcg of selenium and 100mg of CoQ10 twice daily for 48 months. Over 5.2 years of follow up (which included the treatment period), 5.9% of the supplemented group and 12.6% of the placebo group died of cardiovascular causes, a 54% adjusted risk reduction. Those in the treatment group also had lower levels of NT-proBNP compared to placebo, and better cardiac function as determined by echocardiography.

The authors of the study remark that selenium is essential for the optimal activity of TrxR1, a protein necessary for the effectiveness of CoQ10, which in turn is active in several metabolic pathways in the heart. Thus, having insufficient levels of either nutrient may increase the risk of cardiovascular events.