What is Ubiquinol? An Introductory Insight.
What is Ubiquinol?
Have you heard of Ubiquinol? Not many people have. Yet this fat-soluble, vitamin-like molecule is present within nearly every cell membrane within the human body. It plays a key role in cellular energy production within mitochondria – the cells energy powerhouses. It also helps to protect against oxidative stress, helping to tackle against the detrimental effects of free radicals, acting as a powerful antioxidant[1]. It also has promising roles within the field of infertility.
As shown in Figure 1 below ubiquinol is needed for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and to produce the energy molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In fact, ubiquinol is needed for around 95% of cellular energy production[2].
A natural antioxidant
Ubiquinol is a powerful antioxidant, helping to safeguarding mitochondria from the damaging impact of free radicals. It also helps with the generation of new mitochondria.
Research has shown that ubiquinol has higher antioxidant capabilities than alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E)[3]. Ubiquinol also has different and unique antioxidant properties compared to vitamin C, resveratrol and green tea due to it being lipid-soluble and acting in lipid regions of the human body, such as cell and mitochondrial membranes[4].
Not to be Confused with CoQ10
Ubiquinol is naturally present in the body and around 95% of plasma coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is in the form of ubiquinol[5].
Ubiquinol is the active and bioavailable form of CoQ10, while other forms of CoQ10, such as ubiquinone, need to be converted to ubiquinol prior to utilisation by the body[5].
How much is needed?
The typical recommended dosage for adults on Ubiquinol supplement labels is 100mg daily (Figure 2), although needs may vary from individual to individual[6]. In human supplementation studies dosages of CoQ10 used are generally 100 to 300 mg/d[7].
Ubiquinol is also found in a range of food sources, although rather large amounts of these need to be consumed to obtain suitable amounts[8].
In terms of when to take a ubiquinol supplement the morning tends to be a good time with breakfast. This may help to reinforce cellular energy production during the waking hours[9].
Before starting any new dietary supplement, it is always important to talk to a qualified Doctor or healthcare provider.
Concluding Points
Overall, ubiquinol is the active antioxidant form of CoQ10. Not many healthcare professionals are yet fully aware of the roles and potential health mechanisms of ubiquinol. In particular, it plays a key role in helping to produce cellular energy for the human body and its organs for these to keep functioning efficiently. It appears to have an increasingly important role in male and female infertility.
References:
Ernster L & Forsmark-Andrée P (1993) Ubiquinol: an endogenous antioxidant in aerobic organisms. Clin Investig 71(8 Suppl): S60-5.
Martini FH et al. (2023) Muscle tissue. In: Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology, Prentice Hall, Inc, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 12th edition.
Cervellati R & Greco E (2016) In vitro Antioxidant Activity of Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol, Compared to Vitamin E Volume 99, Issue 1: 41-45.
Frei B et al. (1990) Ubiquinol-10 is an effective lipid-soluble antioxidant at physiological concentrations. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 87:4879-4883.
Bhagavan HN & Chopra RK (2006). Coenzyme Q10: absorption, tissue uptake, metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Free Radic Res. 40(5): p. 445-453.
Kaneka Ubiquinol (2024) Ubiquinol CoQ10: What Is It and What Are the Benefits. Available at: https://ubiquinol.org/ubiquinol-coq10-supplement-facts
Sood B, Patel P & Keenaghan M (2024) Coenzyme Q10. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531491/
Kamei M et al. (1986) The distribution and content of ubiquinone in foods. Int J Vitam Nutr Res
56(1):57-63.
Kaneka Ubiquinol (2024) When To Take Ubiquinol CoQ10: Morning Or Night? Available at: https://newq.com/coq10-dosage/when-to-take-ubiquinol-coq10-morning-or-night/
Useful weblinks:
This article was supported by Kaneka Ubiquinol. The content of the insight has been written independently.
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