It is estimated that the average cell uses 10 billion ATP a day , 8 which equates to 40kg of ATP being used by the body each day . 9 Of that , the mitochondria produce approximately 90 % of the biochemical energy that cells need to survive . 10
The mitochondria must function continuously to produce the large amounts of ATP needed to sustain life . Organs with the most intense energy requirements are where mitochondria are concentrated to ensure their optimal function . Mitochondria not only generate energy but also play vital roles in cellular processes such as calcium storage , iron homeostasis , production of hormones and neurotransmitters , regulation of apoptosis ( programmed cell death ) and modulation of immune responses . 7 , 11
What is ubiquinol ?
Coenzyme Q10 ( CoQ10 ) is an endogenous , fat-soluble , antioxidant nutrient found in abundance in the phospholipid bilayer of the inner membrane of the mitochondria present in virtually every human cell in the body ( except red blood cells ), where it acts as a membrane stabiliser and cofactor for the production of ATP . CoQ10 is found in two forms – ubiquinone and ubiquinol . Ubiquinol is the reduced , active form used in the body ( see Table 1 and Figure 2 ).
Table 1 . Forms of coenzyme Q10 : Ubiquinol vs Ubiquinone Ubiquinol Reduced ( active ) form of CoQ10
Accounts for 96 % of the total CoQ10 pool in human Accounts
12 , 13 , 14 plasma
Synthesised and directly used by the body 15 No conversion required Higher bioavailability 18-21
Benefits of ubiquinol
Ubiquinol is critical to mitochondrial function and , as most cellular functions are dependent on an adequate supply of ATP , ubiquinol is essential for the health of all human tissues and organs . 32 Therefore , ubiquinol is essential to optimal health during our lifespan . In
Ubiquinone Oxidised form of CoQ10
for the remaining 4 % of the total CoQ10 pool in human plasma
Needs to be converted into ubiquinol in the small intestine and liver to exert activity , 16 via a complex , 17-step process 2 , 17
Poorer availability 8 times more absorbable 12 , 15 , 16 , 22-24 Lower absorption
Best supplemental form for those over 30 years of age , with reduced ability to convert ubiquinone to ubiquinol within the body 7 , 25-28
Best supplemental form for those with increased exposure to oxidative stress , experiencing disease states , such as type 2 diabetes , impaired immunity , and cardiovascular , neurological and liver diseases , or taking cholesterol lowering medications 29-31
Figure 2 . Understanding Coenzyme Q10
Effective in those under 30 years of age
Effective in those not exposed to increased levels of oxidative stress or with increased metabolic demands addition to its role in energy production , ubiquinol is unique in that it is the only endogenously synthesised lipidsoluble antioxidant in human cells . Due to its redox property , ubiquinol has a direct free radical scavenging effect and serves as a powerful antioxidant . 33 Ubiquinol efficiently protects membrane phospholipids from peroxidation as well as mitochondrial DNA and membrane proteins from free-radical-induced oxidative damage . This type of damage can result in reduced cell repair and a higher risk of cell death . 34
Ubiquinol participates in the regeneration of other antioxidants , such as vitamins C and E . 7 Research also highlights its role in modulating gene expression and mitochondrial function and signalling , with important implications in the senescence process and cell death . 35 Depletion of ubiquinol has a significant impact systemically on metabolic regulation , brain function , immunity and regulation of inflammatory pathways , linking it to the
1-6 , 36 pathogenesis of a range of disorders .
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