An open-label, randomized, crossover study published in Biofactors (2005; 25(1–4):235–240) examined the relationship between antioxidant supplementation and asthma-related outcomes. The study included 41 adults aged 25 to 50 with bronchial asthma.
Participants were divided into two groups. During the first four months, one group received a combination of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), vitamin C, and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) in addition to their standard asthma therapy, while the second group continued standard therapy alone. During the subsequent four months, the interventions were reversed, allowing each group to serve as its own control.
At baseline, patients who were dependent on corticosteroids were found to have lower plasma levels of CoQ10, consistent with earlier reports. During periods when participants received CoQ10 and antioxidant supplementation, a reduction in corticosteroid requirements was observed compared with periods of standard therapy alone.
The authors concluded that supplementation with CoQ10 in combination with antioxidant vitamins was associated with changes in corticosteroid use and asthma-related measures in this population, warranting further investigation.
