A Vital Nutrient that Supports Heart Health as You Age

Did you know a heart beats around 2.5 billion times in an average person’s lifetime?

With the average lifespan increasing by more than six years since the year 2000, maintaining heart health has never been more crucial. However, the number of healthy years in that lifetime, or “healthspan”, is on the decline, making cardiovascular (CV) health an ever-growing concern as we age.[1]

For decades now, research has highlighted the benefits of Kaneka Ubiquinol™ in promoting heart health and support healthy cardiovascular system function. Studies have consistently shown that Ubiquinol supports heart health via multiple pathways, assisting with a longer and healthier life.

Ubiquinol’s Role in Supporting Blood Vessel Health

Worldwide, atherosclerosis is responsible for more cardiac deaths than any other cardiovascular risk factor. Arterial damage is the result of several factors, including inflammation, free radical damage and mitochondrial dysfunction.[2]

The antioxidant activity of Kaneka Ubiquinol™ positions it as a key player in reducing lipid peroxidation associated with damaging the endothelial lining of the blood vessels. Adding to its essential role in vascular health, Ubiquinol is also shown to exert an effect on cellular biochemistry via its anti-inflammatory action.[3]

Arterial stiffness has been identified as a major independent CV risk factor and is a predictive factor for future CV events. Supplementation with Kaneka Ubiquinol™ has been shown to increase Ubiquinol levels in plasma lipoproteins as well as the heart, enhancing the resistance of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) to lipid peroxidation, which is known to be a major driver of arterial stiffness.[4]

Mitochondrial Energy Production

The heart is one of the most metabolically active organs in the human body, requiring mitochondrial energy production to sustain its function.

One of the key markers of heart health is mitochondrial energy production for the contractile function of the myocardium. Kaneka Ubiquinol™ promotes mitochondrial energy production while also reducing oxidative damage to cardiac cells, thereby promoting myocardial contractility.[5]

STUDY: Protection against lipid oxidation[3]

A randomised, double-blind, single-centre clinical trial investigated the use of Kaneka Ubiquinol™ in altering vasodilation in 51 subjects with low-density lipoprotein levels between 130-200mg/dL not taking lipid-lowering substances. The subjects were randomised to receive 200 or 100mg/day Kaneka Ubiquinol™ or placebo for 8 weeks.

Key findings

Both groups treated with either 100mg or 200mg/day of Kaneka Ubiquinol™ had a significant increase in plasma Ubiquinol levels. The 200mg/day group also had significant improvements in LDL oxidation. The effects of Ubiquinol on endothelial health in both Ubiquinol treatment groups also significantly improved and was found to be strongly correlated to the increase in nitric oxide as well as antioxidant protection against lipid peroxidation.

STUDY: Support for blood vessel health[6]

A single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover pilot study assessed the efficacy of Kaneka Ubiquinol™ in improving endothelial health in patients with heart complications. Participants were given 400mg/day for 3 months with a washout period of 1 month, followed by a crossover to the alternative treatment.

Key findings

Endothelial function was assessed using the reactive hyperaemia (RHI) index. The study concluded that 400mg/day of Kaneka Ubiquinol™ for 3 months significantly improved endothelial health in patients experiencing heart issues with reduced ejection fraction.

Kaneka Ubiquinol™ is a versatile compound that addresses multiple pathways involved in CV health, from maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, to protecting the endothelium and supporting mitochondrial function. With its far-reaching benefits to overall cardiovascular health and function, Kaneka Ubiquinol™ is a standout tool for heart health in an ageing population.

References:
[1] World Health Organization. GHE: Life expectancy and healthy life expectancy. Accessed 26 August 2024 from https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/mortality-and-global-health-estimates/ghe-life-expectancy-and-healthy-life-expectancy
[2] Suarez-Rivero JM, et al. Atherosclerosis and coenzyme Q10. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20(20):5195.
[3] Sabbatinelli J, et al. Ubiquinol ameliorates endothelial dysfunction in subjects with mild-to-moderate dyslipidemia: a randomized clinical trial. Nutrients 2020;12(4):1098.
[4] Antinocelli R. Impact of Ubiquinol supplementation on endothelial function in subjects at risk of cardiovascular disease development: A double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel groups, spontaneous clinical study. Study code: QHHC-FMD-PILOT, 2016.
[5] Di Lorenzo, A, et al. Clinical evidence for Q10 coenzyme supplementation in heart failure: from energetics to functional improvement. J Clin Med 2020;9(5):1266.
[6] Kawashima C, et al. Ubiquinol improves endothelial function in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: A single-center, randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover pilot study. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2020;20(4):363-372.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Consult your healthcare professional to establish if Ubiquinol is suitable for your needs.