Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a lab test. If it is increased, it is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. ADMA inhibits the production of nitric oxide (which helps to relax blood vessels and improve circulation) and is elevated in hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type-II diabetes mellitus. Elevation in ADMA and subsequent NO synthesis inhibition leads to a tightening of blood vessels, which reduces peripheral blood flow, and reduces cardiac output. Elevated ADMA means that there is an increased risk of heart attack.
A placebo-controlled study that was published in Minerva Endorinologica (2015 Dec;40(4):259-66. Epub 2015 Jul 3) looked at the effect CoQ10 supplementation had on cardiovascular risk factors in 64 type 2 diabetics. A number of earlier studies have shown that CoQ10 supplementation is beneficial to type 2 diabetics, but these studies lacked specific lab results. CoQ10 was given to 31 of the subjects (200 mg/day) and 33 of the subjects received a placebo.
At the end of 12 weeks, clinical and biochemical assessments were performed before and after the trial for evaluating ADMA, serum nitrite and nitrate (NOx), hemoglobin A1c and lipid profile. Those receiving the supplement had significant improvement in ADMA, NOx , low-density lipoprotein and hemoglobin A1c levels when compared to the placebo group. The researchers concluded that, ” Supplementation with CoQ10 yields beneficial effects on ADMA levels, leading to decreased diabetic cardiovascular events.”
