In the News: CoQ10 May Improve Depression Symptoms, and Metformin May Delay Osteoarthritis Progression

CoQ10 May Improve Symptoms of Depression

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials concluded that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) use was associated with moderate symptom improvement in people with depression.*

CoQ10 can significantly improve several antioxidant and inflammatory markers which may, in turn, lead to reduced depression symptoms.

Five randomized, controlled trials were selected that included a total of 474 depressed adults. Three trials included participants whose depression was associated with breast cancer, multiple sclerosis or polycystic ovary syndrome. The remainder involved individuals with primary depressive disorders that included bipolar disorder and major depression.

An analysis of trial outcomes found that participants treated with CoQ10 experienced greater improvements in depressive symptoms than those in control groups.

Editor's Note: CoQ10 is a mitochondrial cofactor with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may counteract oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction implicated in depression.

^* J Clin Psychopharmacol.. 2026 Jan-Feb; 46(1):93-100.

Metformin Slows Osteoarthritis Progression

Metformin slowed the progression of osteoarthritis by improving mitochondrial health, reducing stress inside cartilage cells, and helping cartilage cells function better, according to a study published in the Journal of Inflammatory Research.*

Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease that occurs when joint cartilage wears down and the cells that maintain it (chondrocytes) stop working properly, mainly due to problems with cellular energy (mitochondria) and oxidative stress.

Scientists used two lab models to study joint damage: a mouse model of knee injury and a lab model of human cartilage cells that were exposed to stress.

They tested how metformin, a drug commonly used for type 2 diabetes, affected mitochondrial function, autophagy (cell recycling), and oxidative stress in cartilage cells.

In the mouse model, metformin improved cartilage structure and strengthened the cartilage matrix.

In the lab-grown human cartilage cells, metformin helped cells work better in two ways: By activating the AMPK pathway (a key cellular "energy sensor" that helps cells stay healthy), and by promoting mitochondrial health by regulating Drp1-driven mitochondrial division, removing damaged ones and supporting proper mitochondrial function.

Editor's Note: Overall, this study demonstrated that metformin could potentially delay the progression of osteoarthritis by promoting mitochondrial health, reducing oxidative stress, and restoring the function of cartilage cells.

^* J Inflamm Res. 2026;19:540176.

Vitamin C Deficiency, Inadequacy, Linked to Kidney Disease

An association was found between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and inadequate or deficient vitamin C levels, according to research reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.*

The study compared plasma vitamin C levels of the following: 62 individuals with chronic kidney disease who were receiving kidney dialysis, 41 patients with chronic kidney disease stage 4/5, 42 kidney transplant recipients, 447 living kidney donors, and 385 healthy control participants who did not have kidney disease.

Median plasma vitamin C levels were highest among the healthy control group. In this group, 14% had inadequate or deficient levels of vitamin C, while 24% of kidney donors had inadequacy/deficiency.

Among kidney transplant recipients, 48% had inadequate/deficient levels.

Among dialysis patients 58% had deficient/inadequate levels, and among individuals with stage 4/5 chronic kidney disease, 80% had deficient/inadequate levels of vitamin C.

Editor's Note: Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring vitamin C status in CKD and represent a potential target for intervention,” the authors concluded. “Future research could evaluate the potential health effects of improving vitamin C status in CKD.”

^* Am J Clin Nutr. 2025 Nov;122(5):1513-1523.

Genetic Testing to Optimize Wellness

Genetic testing is a window into how the body is biologically wired. Genetic variation can influence how individuals metabolize nutrients, regulate inflammation, produce energy, and respond to environmental exposures, stress, toxins, and more.¹

Understanding this information may offer insights to help optimize and personalize supplement strategies. What works for one person may not work for another, which is often due to genetic variations between people. Testing for these variations makes a significant difference in a customized plan, taking it to the next level to support health and longevity.

Genetic testing should include a comprehensive analysis of 54 genetic variations (SNPs) across seven key areas of health and provides genetically targeted nutritional suggestions and health information in these key areas:

1. Methylation—Methylation is a biochemical process that modulates your genes, which is vitally important for regulating gene expression, supporting DNA repair, and influencing disease risk.²
2. Neurotransmitter production—Neurotransmitters are powerful chemical messengers that play essential roles in cardiovascular function, sleep quality, stress response, emotions, cognitive focus, inflammation, and more.³
3. Mitochondrial function—Healthy mitochondria are critical for converting nutrients into cellular energy, regulating oxidative stress, and supporting metabolic and immune function.⁴
4. Detoxification—Detoxification pathways help eliminate harmful substances from the body and are essential for supporting immune function, regulating inflammation, maintaining hormone balance, and more.⁵
5. Neuro-Inflammatory Potential—Neuro-inflammation is an inflammatory response in the brain that can contribute to neurodegenerative disorders involving cognitive decline.⁶
6. Environmental/Dietary Risk—This test may reveal sensitivities related to diet and environment, such as gluten sensitivity/intolerance risk, histamine breakdown, microbiome support needs, vitamins D/K, and more, leading to brain fog, GI distress, allergy-like issues, fatigue, and more.
7. Health Precautions—These health insights can flag tendencies such as salt sensitivity, altered estrogen metabolism, hypothyroid risk, and more.

Editor's Note: By examining key biological systems like these through genetic analysis, genetic testing can help individuals move beyond one-size-fits-all health advice, and toward personalized strategies tailored to their unique biology, which helps maximize benefits.

References

1. Nutrients. 2022 Feb 11;14(4):768.
2. Nucleus (Calcutta). 2021;64(3):259-270.
3. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 May 25;23(11):5954
4. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2025 Jun 11;10:190.
5. Front Pharmacol. 2016 Aug 4;7:237.