International trial studies the use of Q10 to treat heart failure

Q-SYMBIO, a large multi-national trial involving approximately 550 patients, is currently investigating the potential of coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of heart failure. The first results will be presented at the sixth conference of the International Coenzyme Q10 Association in Brussels in the end of May. Despite considerable medical advances, half of all patients suffering from heart failure still die within two to five years. The medical community is constantly searching for new ways to improve the treatment, and one of the options currently being investigated is the use of the vitamin-like substance coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is a vital component in the cells energy production, and studies have shown that patients with heart failure have a reduced amount of Q10 in the muscle tissue of the heart. Coenzyme Q10 has several qualities that make it an obvious choice as a supplement to conventional treatment for patients with heart failure. It is well-tolerated, virtually devoid of side-effects and has been shown to improve symptoms and quality of life in several double-blind trials. Multi-centre trial The previous positive results with giving Q10 to heart failure patients form the background for the Q-SYMBIO trial - an ongoing multi-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving up to 550 patients in several different countries. The patients, suffering from chronic heart failure in the NYHA classes III or IV, all receive standard treatment for heart failure as well as either 300 mg/day coenzyme Q10 or placebo, both supplied by Pharma Nord. The trial has two phases. A short term evaluation after 16 weeks will examine improvements in symptoms, functional capacity and biomarker status, while a 2-year follow-up will test the hypothesis that Q10 may reduce mortality and hospitalisation in patients with severe chronic heart failure. Initial results presented in Brussels The team behind Q-SYMBIO will present the results of the 16-week part of the trial at the sixth conference of the International Coenzyme Q10 Association, which is being held in Brussels, May 27-30, 2010. At the conference, Q10 experts from all over the world, as well as media and medical professionals will be able to get a first look at the data collected so far.

Vitamin D in oil has better absorption

Supplements with vitamin D in oil are absorbed more easily by the body than those in powder or ethanol form, according to American researchers. The D-Pearls vitamin D supplement from Pharma Nord uses oil for this exact reason. More and more people are taking a daily supplement of vitamin D, a nutrient that is touted for its huge impact on human health. They may be doing themselves a favor by choosing a supplement with vitamin D in oil, as this appears to increase the absorption of the vitamin. Better absorption in oil According to American scientists who have reviewed four clinical studies of different vitamin D formulations, supplements that use oil as a transport vehicle have better bio-availability than products that use powder or ethanol. Their research is published ahead of print in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. Tiny capsules of vitamin D D-Pearls from Pharma Nord contain 38 micrograms of biologically active D3-vitamin in cold-pressed, olive oil in soft gelatin capsules. To see if D-Pearls are available in your area, please select the appropriate country in the menu on the front page. Source: Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, April 2010.