Ubiquinol supplementation modulates energy metabolism and bone turnover during high intensity exercise

Bone and energy metabolism are profoundly influenced by exercise. The objective of this study was to determine for the first time whether a short-term supplementation with ubiquinol could have a modulating effect on bone turnover and energy metabolism associated with strenuous exercise. The participants (n=100 healthy and well-trained firemen) were randomly divided in two groups: Ubiquinol group (ubiquinol (200 mg/day)) and control group (placebo) during two weeks. The protocol consisted of conducting two identical strenuous exercise tests with a rest period between tests of 24h. Blood samples were collected before supplementation (basal value) (T1), after supplementation (T2), after first physical exercise test (T3), after 24 h of rest (T4), and after second physical exercise test (T5). Parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (OC), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteopontin (OPN), sclerotin (SOST), alkaline phosphatase (AP), adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), insulin, leptin, adrenaline, noradrenaline and Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) were determined. Our protocol increased ACTH, SOST, PTH and OC levels, while decreased OPN. This protocol also increased adrenaline, noradrenaline, PCG-1α, and decreased Insulin. After ubiquinol supplementation, PTH, OC, OPG, alkaline phosphatase, leptin, insulin, noradrenaline and PGC-1α levels increased in the supplemented group compared to the control group after the exercise protocol. Strenuous exercise has a clear effect on energy metabolism and bone turnover. These effects are modulated by ubiquinol supplementation, which especially increases the biomarkers of bone formation during strenuous exercise. In addition, ubiquinol has a beneficial effect on the mobilization of energy sources, fact that could represent an ergogenic and physiological advantage for skeletal muscle.