Here are the Most Frequently Asked Questions about Ubiquinol
Jun 2019Recent Article
If there is anything that you’re unsure about when it comes to Ubiquinol, then you’re in the right place. In answering some of the most frequently asked questions, you’ll be educated on all things Ubiquinol and how these supplements can help you achieve optimal health.
Why is Ubiquinol so important?
Ubiquinol is naturally found in our bodies, playing a vital role in powering our cells and helping aid in cell energy conversion. As well as supporting the production of energy, Ubiquinol also assists in protecting the body’s cells from damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals – meaning that Ubiquinol aids in fighting the imbalances between damaging cells and antioxidants.
When are Ubiquinol levels at their lowest?
If you’re stressed or physically active, your Ubiquinol levels will decline more rapidly. Ubiquinol is therefore a great option to incorporate into recovery plans and is commonly used by athletes to assist in reducing the depletion of Coenzyme Q10 ‘CoQ10’ and improving their performance. Additionally, as we age, the Ubiquinol levels in our body naturally decrease, making it harder for our cells to convert energy. Anyone over the age of 20 should aim to include Ubiquinol in their daily regime to help supplement the natural reduction of Ubiquinol in our bodies as we grow older.
What health benefits do Ubiquinol supplements provide?
Ubiquinol is one of the strongest antioxidants against oxidative stress, supporting cardiovascular and overall immune health. Ubiquinol has also been seen to decrease myopathy (muscle weakness and pain) in patients taking statin medications to lower cholesterol[i]. Additionally, Ubiquinol can assist in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
How were Ubiquinol supplements developed?
Previously, only Ubiquinone or CoQ10 was available for supplementation. After 10 years of research, Japanese scientists were able to develop the most potent form of CoQ10, Ubiquinol, which remains stable in its active form. Ubiquinone, the inactive form of CoQ10, must be converted into Ubiquinol before our body can use it – meaning that a Ubiquinol supplement is ‘ready to use’. It’s the most bioavailable form of CoQ10, meaning that it is 3-8 times more absorbable than Ubiquinone, the inactive form of CoQ10.
Are there any proven results that Ubiquinol supplements are effective?
In a double-blind placebo study published in the Journal of Sports Nutrition (2013)[ii] with 100 German athletes, after six weeks of training those who were given Ubiquinol demonstrated higher levels of muscle power compared to those who did not receive the supplement. Another study in 2014 with 100 Spanish Firemen, the University of Granada (2014)[iii] showed that supplementing with Ubiquinol lowers the degree of inflammation after intense physical exercise.
[i]Zlatohlavek L et al, The effect of coenzyme Q10 in statin myopathy. Neuroendocrinol Lett 2012; 33 (Suppl. 2): 98-101
[ii] Alf D, et al, J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2013 April 29; 10(1): 24.
[iii] Sarmiento, A et al, Intense physical Exercise Effect of Ubiquinol, University of Granada, 2014