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What is Ubiquinol or Coenzyme Q10?

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Discover the benefits of ubiquinol, the active antioxidant form of CoQ10, to increase energy and protect the heart and body from oxidative stress. Learn more here.

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Ubiquinol is the reduced active antioxidant form of CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10).

Research shows that supplementing with Ubiquinol is up to eight times more effective in increasing the concentration of ubiquinol in blood plasma. 

Coenzyme Q10 is produced primarily in the liver and is then converted to ubiquinol in the body through an enzymatic process known as the redox cycle, which is short for reduction oxidation.

More than 90 percent of the circulating coenzyme Q10 in our body is present as Ubiquinol. Coenzyme Q10 levels within the body generally begin to decline in their 20s, suggesting that it is closely related to aging.

The highest levels of CoQ10 are found in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. The level of CoQ10 in tissues decreases as people age. In 1977, the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine reported that a 77-year-old has 57% less coenzyme Q10 than a 20-year-old.

Without adequate levels of these critical substances, the body produces less energy and lacks a powerful defense against oxidative stress. Ubiquinol rates have been shown to be suppressed in older people and people with cardiovascular, liver, neurological, and diabetes-related diseases. This substance is generally used to prevent or treat cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, mitral valve prolapse, and angina.

Properties of coenzyme Q10

  1. Antioxidant - Ubiquinol is a strong antioxidant that helps protect our bodies from free radical damage. An essential role for ubiquinol is to inhibit lipid peroxidation. Coenzyme Q10 is an important component in the production of 95 percent of cellular energy in the body. Ubiquinol has been shown to be a substantial fat-soluble antioxidant with the ability to protect and regenerate vitamin E in cell membranes.
  2. Energy: Ubiquinol is the antioxidant form of Coenzyme Q10 and is necessary for mitochondrial energy synthesis. The energy each cell produces is in the form of a molecule called ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is produced in the cell's energy source known as mitochondria. Ubiquinol has been shown to promote ATP production in the inner mitochondrial membrane. A joint study between Tsukuba University and Waseda University showed positive effects of ubiquinol in middle-aged and elderly women. After an 8-week period of supplementation with 150 mg of ubiquinol per day, the participants showed significant improvements in physical activity and mental health scores.
  3. Heart - CHF (congestive heart failure) means that the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Heart failure patients have been found to have lower levels of coenzyme Q10 in heart muscle cells. These individuals found increases in blood levels of CoQ10, along with significant developments in the ejection fraction of the heart and improvement of the left ventricle, the part of the heart that sends blood to the body.

Foods with coenzyme q10

Coenzyme Q10 is naturally found in animal guts and blue fish.

You can also find it in nuts, grains and seeds such as soybeans, sesame, almonds, pistachios, beans, sesame seeds, hazelnuts.

Oils such as olive, sunflower or soy are also a good source of coenzyme q10.

Vegetables like garlic, carrots, peas or peppers also have Q10

However, as a food supplement you can find it in many health food stores, without having to resort to consuming it from animals.

Su consumption should be moderate since it has some side effects on your digestive system, causing dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea.

As always, we invite you to read, get informed; but above all that you go to your nutritionist and get the evaluations of the case if you have any type of deficiency that warrants the use of Supplements of any kind.

Self-medicating can cause effects contrary to those desired. Finally remember to check the expiration date medications and supplements you consume, and dispose of them in a way that does not affect the environment.

Frequently asked questions from our readers:

Ubiquinol or coenzyme Q10 is a natural compound found in all cells of the body and plays a crucial role in energy production. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. Many users seek information about Ubiquinol or coenzyme Q10 due to its potential health benefits, such as improving cardiovascular function, increasing energy, and combating aging. Read more here: https://www.equilibriumx.com/que-es/que-es-el-ubiquinol-o-coenzima-q10
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Last modified: March 22, 2024