Mitoquinol Improves Vascular Function in Older Adults

Chronic Supplementation with a Mitochondrial Antioxidant (MitoQ) Improves Vascular Function in Healthy Older Adults

Matthew J Rossman, Jessica R Santos-Parker, Chelsea A C Steward, Nina Z Bispham, Lauren M Cuevas, Hannah L Rosenberg, Kayla A Woodward, Michel Chonchol, Rachel A Gioscia-Ryan, Michael P Murphy, Douglas R Seals

Endothelial-dependent dilation is a key measure of assessing heart health in the elderly. Healthy endothelial function lets our blood vessels dilate and increase the blood flow to the heart. As we age, EDD can be inhibited, causing a narrowing of blood vessels.

Another biomarker of heart health is aortic stiffening. The aorta is the largest of the arteries and supplies the entire body with blood. As we age, the elastic walls of the aorta can stiffen, making it harder to pump blood, and putting stress on the heart. Aortic stiffness is a common biomarker associated with ageing.

In this gold-standard human clinical trial, the effects of 20 mg/day MitoQ on vascular function were investigated in healthy men and women between 60-79 years old.

Key takeaways after 6 weeks of MitoQ

• 42% increase in vascular dilation (EDD) as measured by a % increase in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (BAFMD).

• 13% reduction in circulating oxidized LDL cholesterol, a marker of oxidative stress.

• Improves the elasticity of the blood vessels (reduced aortic stiffness) as measured by an increase in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV).