Over-the-Counter Antioxidant Supplement Shows Promise in Preventing Heart Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Recent research presented at the British Cardiovascular Society conference in Manchester suggests that a common over-the-counter supplement may help prevent heart failure in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. The study focused on mitoquinone, a widely available antioxidant known for its potential to combat cellular damage caused by metabolic stress.

Involving 70 participants with Type 2 diabetes and no pre-existing heart conditions, the study divided subjects into two groups. One group received daily 40 mg doses of mitoquinone alongside their standard diabetes treatments, while the other continued with their usual care. After four months, those taking mitoquinone exhibited significant improvements in heart health indicators.

The key findings showed enhanced energy processing efficiency in the hearts of the supplement group—about 15% better at rest and more effective during exercise. Additionally, their heart muscles relaxed more quickly, indicating a reversal of early signs of diabetes-related cardiac stress and stiffness. Importantly, no serious side effects were reported.

Dr. Henry Procter, the study’s lead researcher from the University of Leeds, explained that these promising results hint at mitoquinone’s potential to sustain heart health in diabetic patients for longer periods. He noted that a longer-lasting study could reveal further benefits, possibly leading to prescription use in the future.

At present, over 5.8 million people in the UK have diabetes, predominantly Type 2, which significantly increases the risk of heart failure—up to five times higher than in non-diabetics. Once heart failure develops, diabetic individuals face a threefold increase in mortality over five years. The underlying issue involves disrupted energy metabolism in heart cells, causing damage and stiffening that can lead to failure.

Mitoquinone’s antioxidant properties help protect cells from this metabolic stress. Though marketed online as a supplement to improve cellular energy and aging, clinical evidence of its effects on diabetic heart health was limited until now.

The study observed that after four months, patients taking mitoquinone could utilize their heart’s energy more efficiently, both at rest and during activity, reversing early stress signs. The research team plans to conduct larger trials to confirm its cardiovascular protective effects. If successful, mitoquinone may become a prescribed therapy to help diabetic patients safeguard their heart health.

Professor Bryan Williams of the British Heart Foundation emphasized the importance of ongoing research in discovering new solutions for cardiovascular disease, underlining that these early findings, though promising, require further validation. This study highlights the potential of repurposing accessible supplements to address major health challenges.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-counter-supplement-heart-disease-diabetes.html