Latest research suggests we have been wrong about which CoQ 10 is better.
Posted by Mark Hamilton on
As all of you who know me realise I am a massive fan of Terranova supplements. After spending more than 20 years in the natural products and fitness industry Terranova is now my most favoured brand.
So last week I was absolutely delighted to have been visited by Orley, Terranova's amazing technical practitioner. As usual I refused to let her leave and picked her amazing brain for the latest research and information. One of the many interesting topics we discussed was the CoQ10 debate. The latest research proves incredibly interesting and also a money saver for those who take this incredible product.
UBIQUINONE VS UBIQUINOL
Some Co-Q10 manufacturers promote the UBIQUINOL -form of Co-Q10 over the UBIQUINONE -form, because it’s the reduced form and so claim that UBIQUINOL is more bio-active than UBIQUINONE.
Ironically, because UBIQUINOL is the REDUCED form, it is also less stable and so oxidises quickly. Once it has oxidised it converts back into UBIQUINONE! In fact because reduced Co-Q10/ UBIQUINOL is so unstable in the contents of the stomach, it is converted to the oxidised/ UBIQUINONE -form of Co- Q10 before absorption anyway.
Preventing the oxidation of UBIQUINOL (outside the body and before Absorption) makes this form of Co-Q10 MORE EXPENSIVE than UBIQUINONE.
This why, even at higher doses, UBIQUINONE works out to be far more affordable than UBIQUINOL, whilst still providing great efficacy and results.
Another important physiological factor about Co- Q10 is that because UBIQUINONE and UBIQUINOL are REDOX pairs of the same Co-Q10 Molecule, once absorbed, Co-Q10 naturally converts back & forth between its UBIQUINONE and its UBIQUINOL forms, oscillating in a continuous cycle.
Therefore when you take UBIQUINOL, it changes to UBIQUINONE and vice versa.
So what’s the difference in Function and why/ when would the body shift from one form to the other?
- UBIQUINONE is primarily used in cellular energy metabolism (ATP synthesis) in the MITOCHONDRIA
- UBIQUINOL primarily provides antioxidant protection/ support in the BLOOD and LYMPH. Circulating CoQ10 in the blood is 90–95% in the Ubiquinol form.
So the body will naturally determine the form of Q-10 used according to the Tissue/ Cells (blood & lymph OR mitochondria) that it is functioning in.
This conversion between the two forms may happen many, many times per second.
With all of the above in mind, it becomes clear why it really shouldn’t make any difference whether you’ve taken UBIQUINONE or UBIQUINOL.
Because of the huge bulk of SOLID, PEER REVIEWED, PUBLISHED, Scientific evidence confirming the BIO-AVAILABILITY & EFFICACY of UBIQUINONE, Practitioners, Specialist & Researchers, including The International Q10 Association (ICQA) confidently recommend Q-10 in the UBIQUINONE- form over UBIQUINOL .
(In fact I believe the ‘Co-Q10 & FERTILITY Studies’ that Constatino’s Customer referred to, actually used the the UBIQUINONE form.)
Most importantly, as you know, Terranova’s Co-enzyme Q-10 provides synergistically balanced, Magnifood Co-factors, Enzymes & Nutrients that enhance not only the absorbability/ bio-availability, but the metabolism and so utilisation of Co-Q10 too. E.g. The high FATTY ACID concentration from Acai and Sea Buckthorn Berries, facilitates Intestinal absorption, whilst Bile –Acid- Stimulating ARTICHOKE leaf helps emulsify the Co-Q10 with the Fatty Acids, thus further enhancing its absorption.
It is ultimately, the SYNERGISTIC MAGNIFOOD COMPLEX that makes Terranova’s Co-Q-10 UNIQUELY effective & Potent (when compared to Isolated Q-10 Formulations) and especially well indicated for anyone needing therapeutic doses of Q-10.
So what does CoQ10 actually do?
Coenzyme Q-10 is found in every plant and animal cell, although dietary sources are not likely to be su cient to make up a defciency. Coenzyme Q-10 is an essential component of the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cells), due to its role in energy production.
Antioxidant
• Coenzyme Q-10 is considered to be a potent antioxidant within the mitochondria and can help reduce free radicals within the body directly or in conjunction with α-tocopherols.
Athletic Performance
• Coenzyme Q-10 is suggested to potentially increase stamina by decreasing fatigue onset, by increasing circulation, oxygen availability and reducing free radical formation.
Cardiovascular Support
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Coenzyme Q-10 is required for fatty acid metabolism within the mitochondria of the cardiac cells and fatty acids are the primary energy source for the heart, ensuring e ective mechanical pumping for e ective circulation of the blood.
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Its antioxidant protection of blood lipids protects against atherosclerotic development, by regulating nitric oxide pathways.
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Beta blockers and statins can block coenzyme Q-10 synthesis, so supplementation alongside these medications may be supportive (under supervision of a healthcare practitioner).
Immune Support
• Studies on age related immune suppression have shown an improvement in antibody production with supplementation of coenzyme Q-10.
Pain Relief C
• Coenzyme Q-10 synthesis is reduced in patients who use statins. Supplementation with coenzyme Q-10 can restore body stores and relieve statin-induced myalgia.
Tissue Repair
• Coenzyme Q-10 is believed to support the immune system for tissue repair, thus resulting in faster healing.208
Weight Management
• Coenzyme Q-10 facilitates stored fat metabolism, and may aid a weight management programme.
Cardiovascular health Hypertension
Angina Cardiomyopathy Heart arrhythmia Fatigue
Weight management Gum disease
Immune function Sports nutrition Antioxidant protection