Chronic kidney disease and coenzyme Q10:
Twenty-one individuals with chronic renal (kidney) failure either on or off dialysis were randomized to receive coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) at 60 mg, 3 times daily (n=11) or placebo (n=10) for 4 weeks. At the end of the study period, significantly less participants were on dialysis in the CoQ10 group (36.2%) than in the placebo group (90.0%).There was also a significant reduction in levels of creatinine and blood urea and a significant increase in creatinine clearance and urine output in the CoQ10 group, indicating an increase in kidney function, versus the placebo group. (10)
Kidney disease and comparison of phosphate binders:
In a systematic review, Navaneethan SD et al evaluated 40 trials for the various effects of phosphate binders in patients with chronic kidney disease. In patients with chronic kidney disease, treatment with calcium salts (calcium acetate and calcium carbonate) resulted in a significantly lower phosphorus level (often elevated due to kidney disease) and parathyroid hormone levels (regulate calcium and phosphate levels) compared to patients taking sevelamer, a drug commonly used to treat high blood levels of phosphorus in patients with kidney disease. However, sevelamer was found to lower the risk of elevated calcium levels by 53% compared to calcium salts. Patients taking sevelamer were also 39% more likely to experience gastro-intestinal side-effects than those taking calcium salts. The authors determined that a lack of research exists regarding how phosphate binders affect morbidity and mortality of patients. (11)