New research from the University of Leeds has reported that diabetics who took a daily supplement of mitoquinone, a widely available antioxidant, in addition to their conventional treatment, had healthier hearts after four months, compared to those who did not take the supplement.
The results of the research were recently presented at the British Cardiovascular Society Conference in Manchester.
What is mitoquinone?
Mitoquinone is an antioxidant supplement believed to protect cells from this metabolic stress and damage.
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According to Medical Express, mitoquinone is often sold online to amateur athletes and others, with manufacturers claiming it improves cellular energy levels and supports healthy aging.
However, to date, there is very little clinical data available on its effectiveness in protecting the hearts of diabetics.
Heart Energy Processing
In a trial involving 70 patients, researchers found that after four months of mitoquinone use, diabetic patients' hearts were able to process and use energy 15% more efficiently at rest than they were before.
Improvement was also observed during exercise. The heart muscles in the mitoquinone group were able to relax more quickly. These were all signs of reversing early signs of stress and stiffness in the hearts.
Diabetes and Heart Treatment
Diabetes causes problems with how the body, including the heart, processes and uses energy—i.e., metabolism. This can cause stress and damage to heart muscle cells, which over time can lead to stiffness in the heart and an inability to pump blood efficiently, leading to heart failure.
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None of the patients in the study experienced serious heart symptoms or changes in their diabetes control. No major side effects were observed from taking mitoquinone.
Dr. Brian Williams, Chief Scientific Officer at the British Heart Foundation, said: "This study provides some exciting preliminary findings. This research is still in its early stages, and the results will need to be confirmed in a larger trial."
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