Iwase, S., Kawaguchi, T., Yotsumoto, D., Doi, T., Miyara, K., Odagiri, H., . . . Yamaguchi, T. (2016). Efficacy and safety of an amino acid jelly containing coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine in controlling fatigue in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: A multi-institutional, randomized, exploratory trial (JORTC-CAM01). Supportive Care in Cancer, 24, 637–646.
To investigate the effectiveness of a dietary supplement amino acid jelly containing coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine in controlling fatigue in patients with breast cancer
A dietary supplement containing branched chain amino acids coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine was given orally once daily for 21 days at a dose of 125 g. Patients in the control group received usual care. Study assessments were conducted on day 1 and day 22, and fatigue was measured on days 8 and 15.
Fatigue initially increased from baseline to day 8 and then declined in both groups. The mean change in worst level of fatigue was greater with the intervention (p = 0.005). The mean reduction in current level of fatigue was greater with the intervention (p = 0.0009). No differences existed between groups in average feeling of fatigue or anxiety and depression scores.
The dietary supplement tested here may have some benefit in controlling fatigue among patients with breast cancer during chemotherapy.
These findings suggest that a dietary supplement of branched chain amino acids coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine may be helpful for the management of fatigue. Further research is needed to confirm this potential.