Reviewing and Evaluating Claims for Dietary Supplements: Omega Q Plus ® Resveratrol

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the effects of the dietary supplement, “Omega Q Plus ® Resveratrol” on cardiovascular health. More specifically, to review randomized controlled trials to determine the effects of resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, and omega-3-fatty acids on lipid levels and blood pressure. Methods: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials were searched using PubMed and Embase. Studies that assessed the effects of either resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, or omega-3 fatty acids on lipid levels and/or blood pressure in humans were included. Studies that did not use less than 1 gram of EPA and DHA were excluded. Data extraction and validity assessment was conducted by one reviewer; validity for trials were assessed using the Potential for Methodological Bias Assessment Tool (PBMAT). Results: A total of 24 studies were included; 11 for resveratrol, seven for coenzyme Q10, and six for omega-3 fatty acids, totaling to 1633 participants combined. Doses ranged from 8 mg to 3,000 mg of resveratrol per day, 100 mg to 200 mg of coenzyme Q10 per day, and 67 mg EPA + 33 mg DHA to 1944 mg EPA + 1686 mg DHA. Results across trials were inconsistent in regards to efficacy on lipid levels and blood pressure. Subjects with metabolic syndrome or hypertriglyceridemia seemed to benefit from omega-3 fatty acids through improvement in triglyceride levels, however effects with healthy patients were less clear. Conclusions: Overall, the interventions demonstrated mixed results in affecting lipid levels and blood pressure. No conclusions can be made at this point about the efficacy of Omega Q Plus® Resveratrol on cardiovascular health. Further research into these dietary supplements need to be conducted in order to assess their efficacy