A preliminary study about Coenzyme Q10 and Zinc supplementation in children with Down Syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is marked by oxidative stress due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes. Antioxidant compounds like coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and zinc (Zn) may mitigate cellular imbalances induced by elevated ROS levels. This double-blind, randomized clinical trial assessed the effects of CoQ10 supplementation, alone and in combination with Zn, in 20 children with DS aged 2–9 years. We evaluated biochemical parameters, dietary intake, anthropometric measures, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant potential through the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GSH), alongside serum Zn levels. Our findings revealed that participants had serum Zn concentrations below recommended levels. Supplementation with Zn alongside CoQ10 enhanced the antioxidant efficacy of CoQ10, yielding positive outcomes. This study highlights the prevalence of Zn deficiency in children with DS and suggests that CoQ10 and Zn supplementation may improve antioxidant activity, decrease lipid peroxidation, and preserve antioxidant enzyme function.