CoQ10 (2003, 2005) Supports Retinal Function

Learn more about macular degeneration.

2005 Researchers wanted to expand on earlier research which reported that CoQ10 helped retinal functioning in macular degeneration patients. They wanted to find out whether a combination of other known supportive nutrients would improve retinal functioning more than CoQ10 alone. In a random, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial scientists tested combinations of acetyl-L-carnitine, omega-3 fatty acids along with coQ10.

In the placebo group 17% of the patients showed a worsening of visual acuity. In the treated group only 2% of the patients demonstrated worsening of visual acuity.

The researchers noted that compounds which affect mitochondrial fat metabolism (mitochondria are the energy producing part of a cell) appear to stabilize and even improve vision in patients with early-stage macular degeneration.

Researchers: J. Feher, B. Kovacs, et al.

Published: Improvement of visual functions and fundus alterations in early age-related macular degeneration treated with a combination of acetyl-L-carnitine, n-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10, Ophthalmologica, May-June, 2005.

2003 Researchers reported that CoQ10 may improve the function of cell tissue in the retinal pigment and those improve function of the retina in those with age-related macular degeneration.

In this small study, 14 patients who had been diagnosed with early age-related macular degeneration received a formulation with CoQ10, acetyl-L-carnitine, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin E. A matched control group received vitamin E alone. Followup testing occurred at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months.

Those receiving the formulation had all retinal and vision functions slightly improved after three months and they remained level throughout the two-year study period, while degeneration and visual function among participants in the control group continued to slowly decline.

Researchers: Dr. Janos Feher, and associates, University of Rome, Italy

Published: Feher J, Papale A, Mannino G, Gualdi L, Balacco Gabrielli C. Mitotropic compounds for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. The metabolic approach and a pilot study. Ophthalmology, September-October, 2003