A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials concluded that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) was associated with significantly lower levels of three liver enzymes that are usually elevated in people with liver disorders:

• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
• Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)

The findings were published on June 7, 2023, in Food Science & Nutrition.¹

“According to our knowledge, this is the first study to review the effects of taking CoQ10 on liver enzymes," study author M.S. Damaneh and colleagues wrote. They concluded that CoQ10 “significantly improves circulating ALT, AST, and GGT levels; therefore, it might positively affect liver function.”

The researchers analyzed the findings of 15 clinical trials, which included a total of 712 males and females aged 11 to 61 years. The participants had medical conditions including coronary heart disease, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or elevated lipids, or were healthy individuals who engaged in strenuous exercise that can temporarily elevate liver enzymes. Subjects in these trials received CoQ10 doses ranging from 100 to 400 milligrams per day consumed for two to 24 weeks.

How does CoQ10 support the liver? “Since CoQ10 is an essential cofactor for energy metabolism, it is also important for liver function,” the authors explained. Some forms of CoQ10 are more available to your body than others.^4-6 Unfortunately, the body’s levels of CoQ10 levels decline with age.

People taking statin drugs and other medications should speak with their doctors about maintaining healthy CoQ10 levels, as these medications may lower CoQ10 levels.