Using Coenzyme Q10 to help veterans with Gulf War illness
Official title: Coenzyme Q10 for Gulf War Illness: A Replication Study
Run by University of California, San Diego · NCT06515184 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special form of coenzyme Q10 can help veterans with Gulf War illness feel better and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 192 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Diego Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (La Jolla, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 13, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06515184 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are veterans who meet CDC and Kansas criteria for Gulf War illness and have rated their health prior to deployment as 'very good' or 'excellent'.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently participating in another clinical trial or those with ongoing adverse effects from previous medications may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a high-quality preparation of coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) in improving symptoms, functionality, and quality of life for veterans suffering from Gulf War illness. Participants will receive either the active supplement or a placebo in a randomized manner. The study will include veterans who meet specific deployment and symptom criteria and will involve remote participation for assessments. Blood draws will be conducted at local facilities to monitor health outcomes throughout the study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for veterans with Gulf War illness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated potential benefits of coenzyme Q10 in various conditions, but this specific application for Gulf War illness is being explored in this replication study.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Meets both CDC and Kansas deployment and symptom inclusion criteria. * Does not have a disqualifying condition. * Able to travel to a local Quest facility for study blood draws. * Adequate internet access to allow ZoomPro visit participation and remote survey completion. * Health prior to the Gulf War rated as "very good" or "excellent" (to exclude persons who may have had other health conditions with different mechanisms as the cause of their symptoms). * Willing to defer initiation of discretionary treatments or supplements during the expected course of study participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Participating in another clinical trial. * Still-evolving adverse effects following another medication or health condition, such as covid or fluoroquinolone use. * On Coumadin/ warfarin. * Unable to participate for the required duration of the study.
Where it's running
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UC San Diego
La Jolla, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Beatrice A Golomb, MD, PhD — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Janis B Ritchie, BSN
- Email: jbritchie@ucsd.edu
- Phone: 858-558-4950
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Acupuncture for relieving symptoms of Gulf War Illness
This trial will test whether regular acupuncture can help veterans with Gulf War Illness feel less fatigued, have less pain, and improve physical functioning.
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Cranial electrical stimulation with brain imaging for Gulf War illness headaches and pain
This project will try a portable cranial electrical stimulation device (Alpha-Stim) to see if it reduces headaches and body pain in Gulf War veterans with Gulf War Illness.
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Montelukast for cognitive and mood symptoms in Gulf War veterans
This trial tests whether montelukast, an FDA-approved asthma medicine, can improve thinking, mood, and daily function in veterans with Gulf War Illness.
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Identifying blood biomarkers for Gulf War Illness
This study is trying to find specific blood markers in veterans with Gulf War Illness to see how they relate to memory problems and other brain issues.
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Growth hormone therapy for veterans with Gulf War Illness and hormone deficiency
This study is testing if growth hormone therapy can help veterans with Gulf War Illness and hormone deficiency feel better by reducing symptoms like fatigue and pain.
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Testing N-Acetyl Cysteine for Gulf War Veterans with Chronic Symptoms
This study is testing if N-Acetyl Cysteine can help Gulf War veterans with chronic symptoms like fatigue and pain by improving their body's ability to fight stress and boost energy levels.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.