Comparative bioavailability of two novel coenzyme Q10 preparations in humans.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the absorptive properties of 2 novel coenzyme Q10 preparations, a fast-melting tablet and an effervescent tablet, compared with currently available formulations.


METHODS
In the first trial, the absorptive properties of 4 different coenzyme Q10 preparations (fast-melting, effervescent, soft gelatin, and powder-filled hard shell) were studied in a randomized, single-dose, crossover study. Twenty-four male subjects were given a 60 mg dose of coenzyme Q10 and plasma coenzyme Q10 was measured over the next 12 hours. Pharmacokinetic properties including area under the curve (AUC), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) and elimination half-life (t 1/2) were measured. In a separate single-dose study, the absorptive characteristics of a different coenzyme Q10 soft gel (Q-Gel) were studied in 6 male subjects.


RESULTS
Area under the curve (microg/ml x h) for the fast-melting and effervescent formulations, while marginally greater, was not significantly different when compared to the soft gelatin and powder-filled preparations, 5.4 +/- 1.04 (110%) and 5.5 +/- 0.589 (112%) versus 5.0 +/- 0.859 (102%) and 4.9 +/- 0.812 (100%), respectively. Cmax for the 2 novel formulations was also not statistically different from the soft gelatin or powder-filled preparations, 0.87 +/- 0.14 and 0.86 +/- 0.074 versus 0.70 +/- 0.010 and 0.81 +/- 0.159 (microg/ml). Tmax however, was significantly shorter for the fast-melting and effervescent formulations compared with the soft gel and powder-filled forms, 1.3 +/- 0.348 and 2.0 +/- 0.552 versus 3.7 +/- 0.702 and 4.1 +/- 0.993 (h), respectively. The results of the second trial were similar to those of the powder-filled and soft gel formulations from the first study.


CONCLUSIONS
The novel fast-melting and effervescent formulations provide a more rapid delivery of CoQ10 to the blood while exhibiting a similar AUC compared with current formulations. The potential clinical significance of this finding should be further evaluated.
Joshi
S S
SS
Accutest Research Laboratories, MIDC, TTC, Navi Mumbai, India.
Sawant
S V
SV
Shedge
A
A
Halpner
A D
AD
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D019540:Area Under Curve; D001682:Biological Availability; D002214:Capsules; D003067:Coenzymes; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013607:Tablets; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency; D014451:Ubiquinone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D000975:Antioxidants; D002214:Capsules; D003067:Coenzymes; D013607:Tablets; D014451:Ubiquinone; C024989:coenzyme Q10