Exercise has well-established health benefits, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, long term strenuous exercise can put stress on the bones. Findings from a recent study suggest that supplementation with ubiquinol during strenuous exercise provides benefits for bone health and energy metabolism.

Ubiquinol, a bioactive compound that exerts antioxidant properties, is the reduced form of coenzyme Q10. It is found in foods such as beef liver, tuna, and broccoli and is also available as a dietary supplement.

Previous research has demonstrated that ubiquinol positively affects performance during low-intensity physical activity. The current study investigated whether supplementation would affect performance and mitigate bone pathologies during vigorous exercise.

The randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial involved 100 healthy and well-trained male firefighters. The authors of the study provided participants with a daily supplement containing either 200 milligrams ubiquinol or a placebo for two weeks. The participants performed two bouts of vigorous exercise, separated by a 24-hour rest period, and provided blood samples before, during, and after the exercise sessions.

The blood samples revealed that supplementation increased biomarkers of bone formation, including parathyroid hormone and osteocalcin. The authors also observed increased levels of the transcription factor PGC-1α, and the hormones insulin, leptin, and noradrenaline, which they suggest may benefit skeletal muscle and mitochondrial function, providing a competitive advantage during training or recovery.

These findings suggest that ubiquinol supplementation can support bone formation and skeletal muscle function during high-intensity exercise.

• Link to study abstract.