February is recognised as Heart Research Month, aiming to educate the efforts of Heart Research Australia and raise awareness of its research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease within Australia.[1] Red Feb is an important time for us to assess our heart health and make sure we’re doing our best to take care of our heart, which can often mean adding in supplementation to a healthy diet and lifestyle. CoQ10 and Ubiquinol are frequently mentioned as important in supporting heart health, due to the high energy demands of the heart. But with this discussion on the positive, heart-related benefits of both CoQ10 and Ubiquinol supplements, it’s important to know which one is best, and why?

Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (or CoQ10) is an antioxidant which is essential for the body’s energy production, working as an important element in the mitochondrial electron transport system and ATP production. Whilst it is present within every human cell, the highest concentrations are found in the heart, liver and kidney – the organs with the greatest energy requirements.[1]

Ubiquinol
Ubiquinol is CoQ10 with an X-factor – working as the biologically-active form of CoQ10.[2] CoQ10 is found in two forms in the body: Ubiquinol and Ubiquinone. The majority of CoQ10 in the body is found in the form of Ubiquinol, and any Ubiquinone in the body needs to be converted into Ubiquinol before the body can utilise its benefits. However, over the course of our lifetime, our natural levels of CoQ10 tend to decline, particularly from age 20 onwards.[3] The ageing process also impacts the body’s ability to covert CoQ10 into Ubiquinol.

With these distinctions in mind, here is a breakdown of the key differences between CoQ10 supplements versus Ubiquinol supplements:

• Ubiquinol has superior bioavailability to ordinary CoQ10.
• Ubiquinol is 3-8 times more absorbable than CoQ10.
• Ubiquinol is the most effective form of CoQ10.
• CoQ10 has been the focus of hundreds of studies over the years, with the spotlight now firmly on Ubiquinol as a more effective option.
• 55+ clinical studies focussing on Ubiquinol and its benefits highlight the superior efficacy of Ubiquinol over CoQ10.

In maintaining our heart health, Ubiquinol supplementation may be most effective in supporting our cardiovascular system and increasing our heart strength.[4] Ubiquinol supplementation may also help to maintain healthy LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the common muscle pain and tension that people experience when taking statins for cholesterol management.

Ubiquinol is available through leading Australian nutritional supplementation brands. Ask your healthcare practitioner if Ubiquinol supplementation may be suitable for you.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare practitioner.

[1] https://yourhealthlink.health.nsw.gov.au/event/redfeb-heart-research-month/

[1] Marc Cohen. Ubiquinol (Reduced Coenzyme Q10): A novel yet ubiquitous nutrient for heart disease. Journal of Advanced Nutrition and Human Medicine 2015; 2: e647. doi: 10.14800/janhm.647.

[2] Marc Cohen. Ubiquinol (Reduced Coenzyme Q10): A novel yet ubiquitous nutrient for heart disease. Journal of Advanced Nutrition and Human Medicine 2015; 2: e647. doi: 10.14800/janhm.647.

[3] Marc Cohen. Ubiquinol (Reduced Coenzyme Q10): A novel yet ubiquitous nutrient for heart disease. Journal of Advanced Nutrition and Human Medicine 2015; 2: e647. doi: 10.14800/janhm.647.

[4] https://www.kaneka-ubiquinol.com/health-benefits/heart-health/