Abstract
Ubiquinol (the reduced form of coenzyme Q10), which is used as an anti-aging ingredient in supplements, has well-known effects of fatigue mitigation, sleep quality improvement, and stress reduction. Participants in this study were 232 residents (59 men, 173 women, 20-89 years old) who ingested a yogurt drink containing 100 mg of ubiquinol (Q10 yogurt drink) daily for 6 months or 1 year. The participants picked up 7 bottles of Q10 yogurt drink once a week from a refrigerator in town, or if it was hard for them to go there, local high school students delivered the drink to the participant’s home. Blood tests were performed at baseline and at 6 months and 1 year after starting Q10 yogurt drink ingestion. In addition, cognitive performance, fatigue level, sleep quality, and gastrointestinal condition were evaluated at each time point. The results showed that serum ubiquinol levels were significantly increased by Q10 yogurt drink ingestion, and task processing ability and attention were increased significantly in both men and women. Stratified by sex, a significant reduction in fatigue was observed in men, and significant improvement in constipation symptoms was observed in women. Stratified by age group, fatigue level and sleep quality were improved significantly in the group of under 68 years old. Although the present trial did not have a control group, the effects of the Q10 yogurt drink on cognitive performance were suggested. This study was conducted in collaboration with local civic groups and high school students, and the research is believed to have great social significance in that it created intergenerational exchange.
