Role of Vitamin E and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Improving Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire Scores

Abstract

Background: Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and functional impairment, with growing evidence implicating oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in its pathophysiology. Antioxidant supplementation, particularly Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Vitamin E, has demonstrated potential but remains insufficiently evaluated in rigorously designed trials. Objective: To assess the efficacy of CoQ10 and Vitamin E supplementation in improving fibromyalgia impact compared with usual care alone. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 69 adults meeting the ACR-2016 criteria for fibromyalgia were allocated equally to CoQ10, Vitamin E, or no-supplementation control groups. Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) scores and ESR values were obtained at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Repeated-measures general linear modelling assessed within- and between-group effects, adjusting for age and gender. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable except for slightly higher FIQ in the CoQ10 arm. At 12 weeks, FIQ decreased by 27.25 points (40.6%) in the CoQ10 group, 19.54 points (29.8%) with Vitamin E, and 7.03 points (11.3%) in controls. Time × treatment interaction was significant (p<0.001). ESR decreased modestly across all groups without significant between-group differences. Adverse events were infrequent and mild. Conclusion: CoQ10 and Vitamin E significantly improved fibromyalgia impact over 12 weeks, with CoQ10 producing the greatest effect. Antioxidant supplementation represents a promising adjunct to routine fibromyalgia care.