CoQ10 is a coenzyme located in the mitochondria in living organisms. It is essential for energy synthesis in the body and has been shown to act as an antioxidant to its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (free radicals). It has been also used by many dyslipidemic patients who are undergoing statin treatment due to statins ability to reduce CoQ10 levels. Not only that, but current research is suggesting that CoQ10 supplementation helps in neuroprotection, migraines, and blood pressure. Interestingly, researchers from the Laboratory of Applied Physiology at Kyoto University have designed a study to determine if CoQ10 supplementation pre-exercise had any effect on fat oxidation.

The researchers assessed the acute effects of a single dose of coQ10 ( on males who exercised on a stationary cycle ergometer for 10 min at 60 rpm with an intensity of 30% of heart rate reserve. At the end of the trial session the researchers found out that there were no significant differences in heart rate between the CoQ10 and placebo trials at rest or during exercise.However, they found out that the coQ10 group had higher fat oxidation during exercise. They concluded that :

"CoQ10 may increase fat oxidation with augmented autonomic nervous activity during low intensity exercise"

Reference:

Zheng A, Moritani T.J. Influence of CoQ10 on Autonomic Nervous Activity and Energy Metabolism during Exercise in Healthy Subjects. Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2008 Aug;54(4):286-90.