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CoEnzyme Q10 (CoQ10) also known as ubiquinone may improve endurance, according to a recent study. CoQ10 is a compound that is produced in the body naturally and is used for cell growth and maintenance. It is also a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radical damage.

The study, published online in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, investigated a quick-absorbing formulation of CoQ10 and studied its short-term effects on muscle and workout capacity in exercisers.

Funded by Switzerland-based Pharma Base, S.A., the researchers recruited 22 active young adults as well as 19 sedentary adults. The subjects either took the CoQ10 or a placebo twice a day for two weeks. Participants provided blood and muscle tissue samples before and soon after receiving the CoQ10 or placebo.

After two weeks, their exercise performance was measured and found that CoQ10 users were able to exercise for longer periods before the point of exhaustion. While it's too early to say if CoQ10 definitively improves athletic performance, the current research indicates that it may positively affect the body's response to exercise.

CoQ10 is the most widely used cardiovascular supplement in Japan and has been known to treat the conditions of heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, breast cancer and periodontal gum disease.

Personally, as a long-time user of CoQ10, I've noticed that supplementing with CoQ10 allows me to exercise for longer periods of time than when I'm not taking the supplement. I take 100 mg capsules 2x per day for its antioxidant properties and its ability to allow me to exercise at a high level.