CoQ10 is one of the body's most important antioxidants, helping power your cells and protect them from damage.

It has already shown promise for calming inflammation in adults. Inflammation sits at the root of many age-related conditions, including arthritis, which causes painful, swollen joints.

Researchers wanted to put CoQ10 to the test in a proper human trial, to see if it could ease the symptoms of arthritis.

The study

58 arthritis patients were split into two groups. One group took CoQ10 every day alongside their usual care, the other took a placebo. The trial ran for three months.

The difference was striking. Disease activity dropped by around 49% in the CoQ10 group, compared to almost no change in the placebo group. Quality of life improved far more in those taking CoQ10. Their inflammation marker (TNF-α) fell significantly. Signs of oxidative stress dropped, while levels of the body's master antioxidant rose.

All of this came with an excellent safety record and only minor side effects.

What this means for us

This is a strong result for CoQ10, and a good example of why we value human trials so highly.

While this study looked at arthritis, the real story is what's happening underneath: CoQ10 lowered inflammation and oxidative stress, two of the biggest drivers of ageing in the entire body.

That's exactly why CoQ10 is one of the ingredients in DoNotAge®, working to protect your cells and keep you healthy as you age.

Study reference: tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08923973.2026.2657954