Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggests that
coenzyme Q10 (
CoQ10) can regulate
adipokine levels to impact
inflammation and oxidative stress in conditions of
metabolic syndrome. Here, prominent electronic databases such as MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched for eligible RCTs reporting on any correlation between
adipokine levels and modulation of
inflammation and oxidative stress in individuals with
metabolic syndrome taking
CoQ10. The risk of bias was assessed using the modified Black and Downs checklist, while the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. Results from the current meta-analysis, involving 318 participants, showed that
CoQ10 supplementation in individuals with
metabolic syndrome increased
adiponectin levels when compared to those on placebo (SMD: 1.44 [95% CI: -0.13, 3.00]; I2 = 96%, p < 0.00001). Moreover,
CoQ10 supplementation significantly lowered
inflammation markers in individuals with
metabolic syndrome in comparison to those on placebo (SMD: -0.31 [95% CI: -0.54, -0.08]; I2 = 51%, p = 0.07). Such benefits with
CoQ10 supplementation were related to its ameliorative effects on lipid peroxidation by reducing
malondialdehyde levels, concomitant to improving
glucose control and liver function. The overall findings suggest that optimal regulation of
adipokine function is crucial for the beneficial effects of
CoQ10 in improving metabolic health.