Coenzyme Q10 for Gulf War Illness: A Replication Study

This study will replicate Dr. Beatrice A. Golomb’s previous research study of the same nutritional supplement (Coenzyme Q10) in a larger group of Gulf War veterans. We are trying to determine if coenzyme Q10 might provide benefit to symptoms and objective physical function in veterans with Gulf War illness. In a small study conducted by Dr. Golomb, CoQ10 treatment has demonstrated health benefits for affected Gulf War veterans. If the ongoing FDA trial proves successful, we hope it could lead to the treatment being approved for Gulf War illness (GWI) and potentially funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

We are enrolling Gulf War veterans who:

1.     Participated in the 1990-91 Persian Gulf War

2.     Are experiencing symptoms such as (but are not limited to) fatigue, muscle or joint pain, muscle weakness, cognitive or mood problems, and/or gastrointestinal problems etc.

Study participation involves:

1.     Phase A: You will take the study drug (either Coenzyme Q10 or placebo, which is an inactive substance) three times a day for 3.5 months.
Phase B: You will take the study drug (Coenzyme Q10) three times a day for another 3.5 months. This ensures that all participants eventually receive the active study drug.

2.     6 study visits over a 9-month period. Each visit will include:

a.     A virtual visit over Zoom Pro

b.     Online questionnaires

c.     A blood draw at a Quest lab (or similar lab) near your home.

3.     Compensation for your time and effort will be provided upon completion of each visit.

If you may be interested in participating in this research study, please email us at q10study@health.ucsd.edu or call us at 619-736-7114. If you may know of someone that would be interested in the study as well, we would greatly appreciate it if you gave them our contact information.