Effects of L-Carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial.

2023-12-17
Nutrition and cancer 76(2)
- Mahsa Norouzi
- Sepideh Mahboobi
- Mohammad Hassan Eftekhari
- Mehdi Salehipour
- Haleh Ghaem
- Ali Mirzakhanlouei
- Mohammad Ali Mohsenpour

PubMed: 38105612
DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2023.2295578

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: 50 older men with BPH
Methods: Randomized, placebo-controlled trial; 8 weeks of L-carnitine and CoQ10 supplementation as adjunct to finasteride
Duration: 8 weeks
Funding: Unclear

The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) increases with age. Considering that BPH drug treatment is associated with complications, this study aimed to investigate the effects of L-carnitine (LC) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation as an adjunct therapy to finasteride in the management of LUTS in older men affected with BPH. Fifty eligible volunteers (25 per group) were randomly assigned to either intervention (finasteride + LC and CoQ10 supplements) or control (finasteride + placebo) groups. International prostate symptom score (IPSS), international index of erectile function (IIEF), quality of life index (QoL), as well as serum levels of Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), were assessed. Prostate ultrasound evaluation was also performed, before and after 8 wk of intervention. Supplementation with LC and CoQ10 led to a significant decrease in prostate volume (p < 0.001) as well as a significant increase in IIEF (p < 0.001), compared to the control group. However, there were no significant between-group differences in IPSS (p = 0.503), QoL scores (p = 0.339), and PSA levels (p = 0.482). CoQ10 and LC supplements might be beneficial in combination with standard therapies in the management of BPH and its related complications.

Research Insights

L-Carnitine→Improved Erectile Function
Supplementation with LC and CoQ10 led to a significant decrease in prostate volume (p < 0.001) as well as a significant increase in IIEF (p < 0.001), compared to the control group.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
L-Carnitine→Improved Quality of Life
However, there were no significant between-group differences in IPSS (p = 0.503), QoL scores (p = 0.339), and PSA levels (p = 0.482).
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
L-Carnitine→Reduced Lower Urinary Tract Symptom
However, there were no significant between-group differences in IPSS (p = 0.503), QoL scores (p = 0.339), and PSA levels (p = 0.482).
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
L-Carnitine→Reduced Prostate Volume
Supplementation with LC and CoQ10 led to a significant decrease in prostate volume (p < 0.001) as well as a significant increase in IIEF (p < 0.001), compared to the control group.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
L-Carnitine→Reduced Total Prostate-Specific Antigen Level
However, there were no significant between-group differences in IPSS (p = 0.503), QoL scores (p = 0.339), and PSA levels (p = 0.482).
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small