CoEnzyme-Q10: The essential nutrient

Coenzyme-Q10 (coq10) is a required nutrient found in every cell of your body. A fat soluble antioxidant, the active form of coq10, also known as ubiquinol, is vital for cellular energy production and the body’s natural defense against free radicals and oxidative stress.

What does coq10 do in the body?
The main purpose of CoQ10 is as a component in the electron transport chain, in a series of reactions that are involved in the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).[1] ATP is an organic compound that carries energy within cells. As all cellular functions rely on ATP, CoQ10 is the essential nutrient for the health of all human tissues and organs.

Coenzyme-Q10 is an important lipid antioxidant- meaning that it prevents against the production of free radicals and damage to proteins, lipids and DNA.

What are free radicals?
Free radicals are defined as an atom, molecule or iron capable of independent existence that contain an unpaired electron. The unpaired electron makes radicals highly chemically reactive, leading to cell damage and disruption.

What is oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance in the body between free radical production and antioxidant defenses.[2] Oxidative stress attacks lipids and proteins, changing their structure and function.

Oxidative stress is widely considered to be an aggravating factor in most inflammatory gut issues, including poor heart health and cardiovascular issues.

How may ubiquinol help?
Coq10 is found naturally in the body in two forms- ubiquinone (the oxidized) and ubiquinol (the active form). As the active form of coq10, ubiquinol has higher absorption rates and optimal bioavailability.

Ubiquinol is a superior antioxidant to ubiquinone, because it can give its two spare electrons to free radicals, leaving the rest of your body’s cells untouched.

In combating the effects of oxidative stress, ubiquinol supports heart health, cellular energy production and male fertility. However, our bodies’ natural levels of ubiquinol start to decline after age 30.

Before taking a ubiquinol supplement seek medical advice from a doctor or consult your healthcare practitioner to find out whether a supplement is right for you. Always read the label.

[1] Saini R. Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient. J Pharm Bioall Sci 2011;3:466-7

[2] Lobo, V., Patil, A., Phatak, A. and Chandra, N., 2010. Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 4(8), p.118.