The influence of MitoQ on symptoms and cognition in fibromyalgia, myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue, 2016, Cort Johnson et al

[Hutan]

The influence of Mitoq on symptoms and cognition in fibromyalgia, myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue

Cort Johnson; Grant, Joshua

Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM), myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are disorders with similar symptom- constellations including pain, fatigue, cognitive problems and sleep disturbance, among others. These multi-system illnesses have many known abnormalities, few reliable treatment options and unknown causes. Oxidative stress has been linked to disorder severity, suggesting anti-oxidants may be of benefit. Coenzyme Q10 (Q10) has been shown to improve symptoms and biomarkers of FM, and ME/CFS if taken in combination with another coenzyme. However, Q10 is poorly absorbed by mitochondria. MitoQ is a mitochondria-targeted Q10 analog with superior absorption and accumulation by mitochondria in vivo.

The current study tested the effect of 6-weeks of daily oral MitoQ (20mg) on FM and ME/CFS with two randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled crossover studies. A third open label cohort contributed data but did not receive placebo.

Results suggest MitoQ may reduce pain and increase working memory in FM. Further investigation in a more controlled environment is warranted.

Web | DOI | Unpublished

 

[Evergreen]

A bit hard to decipher because the results are not presented or discussed in the standard way. Leaving analysis issues to others,

Bottom line for us:

There was no indication of positive effects in ME/CFS patients unless they were aware of taking the active supplement.

I.e. MitoQ had no effect, but placebo did.

The report actually provides fascinating information on placebo.

Here's the change in self-reported activity of those who knew they might be taking a placebo or MitoQ (n=51 I think):

and here's the change in activity of those who knew they were definitely getting MitoQ, and paid for it (n=43 I think):

Pity the Y-axes on all of these graphs does not go from 0-10 which would make it easier to see what was and was not happening.

But I think this demonstrates nicely that yes, some people with ME/CFS increase their activity level when they think they're getting an effective substance.