MitoQ clinical trial – MitoQ improves cycling performance

A clinical trial from the University of Auckland found that MitoQ® Mitoquinol supplementation helped recreational cyclists complete an 8km time trial 1.3% faster (about 10 seconds) than when taking a placebo — a performance gain that clears the 0.6% threshold considered meaningful in competitive cycling — with researchers linking the improvement to MitoQ's ability to increase power output by 4.4% while reducing exercise-induced oxidative stress by around 18%.

Exercise and ROS levels

We all know that exercise is generally accepted as being beneficial to our overall health. However, exercise can also increase our body’s reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. This increase can damage cellular function and can also lead to muscular fatigue. With this in mind, the researchers behind this trial wanted to see if MitoQ® Mitoquinol supplementation could reduce the onset of muscular fatigue and, at the same time, improve athletic performance.

“To date, no studies have looked at the effects of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant supplementation on acute exercise performance”, explains the study’s lead author Sophie Broome, from The University of Auckland’s Department of Nutrition. “This study aimed to determine whether MitoQ® Mitoquinol supplementation could improve cycling performance and attenuate exercise-induced increases in oxidative stress.”

How was the trial conducted?

19 recreationally trained male cyclists between the ages of 35 and 50 completed the trial. On average, they were cycling around 158km per week in the six months leading up to the study, with a strong aerobic fitness baseline. 

Participants were split into two groups: one received 20mg of MitoQ® Mitoquinol per day, the other a placebo, for 28 days. After completing a 45-minute warm-up ride followed by an 8km time trial, they went through a six-week washout period before switching groups and repeating the trial. Blood samples were taken throughout to measure markers of oxidative stress. 

What were the results?

Cyclists taking MitoQ® Mitoquinol completed the 8km time trial an average of 1.3% faster (10 seconds) than when taking the placebo. In the context of competitive cycling, research suggests a performance improvement of 0.6% or more is considered meaningful - so this result clears that threshold. 

How did they achieve this? Researchers looked at how much power each cyclist was producing as they rode. Those that took MitoQ increased their power output by 4.4%, meaning they pushed through the 8km quicker. 

A key blood marker of oxidative stress (plasma F2-isoprostanes), was around 18% lower after the time trial in the MitoQ group compared to placebo. This suggests MitoQ may help protect cell membranes from exercise-induced oxidative damage during intense effort. 

If you're a recreational cyclist looking to support your performance and recovery, this study adds meaningful, peer-reviewed evidence to the case for MitoQ® Mitoquinol as part of your daily routine. 

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Disclaimer: This research was funded by Callaghan Innovation in partnership with MitoQ. MitoQ had no role in data analysis, interpretation of findings or manuscript preparation.