Background & Objectives : Intense training increases the production of free radicals and causes inflammatory response in athletes. Strengthen and improving athlete’s immune system may reduce the harmful effects of intense physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate supplementary consumption of coenzyme Q₁₀ on serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) during the maximal activity.

  Methods : Twelve healthy active males (age 21.75 ± 0.64 yr, BMI 23.7±0.94 kg/m²) performed 30-min exercise at 80% to 85% HRmax. Subjects 120 minutes pre-exercise received either of the following regimens: Coenzyme Q₁₀ (2 mg per kg body weight) or placebo (food color). Blood samples were obtained prior to supplement consumption and immediately after exercise, then groups were reversed after 4 days. The data were analyzed using paired and independent t-test. The statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

  Results: TNF-α serum level increased in both supplementation and placebo group (4.2% and 5.12% respectively) and the difference between two groups was insignificant.

  Conclusion : The results of this study indicated that after maximal activity increasing of TNF-α serum level was slower in the supplement group in comparison with placebo group but Q₁₀ consumption did not caused a significant difference between two group (p=0.8).