2020 saw global consumer interest in health and wellness soaring to record levels, accelerating the rising trend of the already fast-growing dietary supplement industry. Recommendation by healthcare practitioners and consumption of ubiquinol, the active form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, ubiquinone, ubidecarenone), has accelerated based on heart health, energy and male sperm motility.
Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance that is essential for life. ubiquinol - the reduced form of CoQ10 - entered the commercial market in 2006. Kaneka Corporation researched and developed the technology necessary for the ingredient to become available as a nutritional supplement. Further clinical research indicated that not a mere 80%, but over 99% of the total plasma CoQ10 in healthy persons was in the form of ubiquinol.(1) With age and disease, the body's ability to produce ubiquinol is compromised, and true ubiquinol deficiencies are prevalent in ageing demographics.
Further research has demonstrated that the oxidized form of CoQ10 that has been in the market for three decades is not an as powerful compound as the body-preferred ubiquinol. Subsequently, many consumers have started to switch to the new reduced and bioactive form.
Consumers are actively seeking premium, quality and specialty supplements that deliver the benefits they consider to be in line with their lifestyle to support optimal health.
Who are these people and what are they looking for?
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There is an extraordinary opportunity for nutrition and lifestyle companies to offer effective health and wellbeing solutions for these educated consumers, with branded ingredients such as Kaneka Ubiquinol, that are backed by credible scientific research.
The superior bioavailability and impressive health benefits of ubiquinol fit the needs of the educated health-enthusiasts who are seeking high-quality efficacious products.
What is ubiquinol?
UBIQUINOL IS A BIOIDENTICAL NUTRIENT
Ubiquinol is a vitamin-like substance. A vitamin is a nutrient required by the body in limited amounts, but that the body cannot synthesize in sufficient quantities to fulfill its needs.
Ubiquinol is similar to vitamin D. Vitamin D is synthesized in the body but still there is common understanding that you need to supplement, especially for people having low exposure to sunlight.
Fig. 1: Ubiquinol structural formula
Ubiquinol is also made in the body. The quinol nucleus is derived directly from 4-hydroxybenzoate (which has a hydroxyl group just as ubiquinol) and this is merged with isoprene units (2).
Fig. 2: M. Bentinger et al., 2010: The mevalonate pathway and the terminal steps in the synthesis of CoQ, cholesterol, dolichol and isoprenylated proteins. Red indicates primary functions and blue indicates the rate-limiting enzymes. In the case of CoQ it has not yet been established whether the first or second enzyme in the terminal sequence is rate-limiting.
As the active, reduced form of CoQ10, ubiquinol has superior bioavailability compared to ubiquinone. It's also a strong antioxidant that protects cell membranes and keeps them stable. Ubiquinol offers a wide range of health benefits, it supports heart health, the production of cellular energy, male fertility, healthy cholesterol and general health and wellbeing in ageing individuals.
There are two forms of CoQ10 – ubiquinone: the oxidised form and ubiquinol: the active form of CoQ10. The body however must convert ubiquinone into ubiquinol before it can be used to support cellular energy.3 Due to its superior bioavailability, ubiquinol is the preferred form of CoQ10 for therapy.1,4
Ubiquinol for energy production and performance
Ubiquinol’s role in mitochondrial function is well established.1,2,3 In the mitochondria, ubiquinol plays an important role in transferring electrons to generate cellular energy known as ATP. It is this electron transfer ability that also makes ubiquinol a powerful antioxidant, membrane stabiliser, inhibiting the oxidation of proteins, lipids and DNA.1,6
The body’s natural levels of ubiquinol start to decline around the age of 30,7 along with the ability to convert ubiquinone to ubiquinol. This may impact energy levels, making you more dependent on dietary and supplemental sources of ubiquinol.8
Supporting healthy heart function and cholesterol levels
The highest concentration of ubiquinol is found in the heart. The heart requires large amounts of cellular energy (ATP) to sustain contractile function. The powerful antioxidant action and mitochondrial energy production of ubiquinol make it a vital nutrient for heart health.9,10
Ubiquinol’s antioxidant properties may also promote heart health by reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. In a clinical trial, 53 healthy males were given 150 mg ubiquinol daily for 2 weeks, the results showed significantly reduced plasma LDL cholesterol levels, and increased plasma ubiquinol levels 4.8-fold.11
Fertility and male sperm health
Infertility is becoming increasingly widespread. Male factor infertility accounts for up to half of all cases of infertility and affects one man in twenty, with the evidence suggesting that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated sperm damage is a significant contributing pathology.12
Ubiquinol may assist male fertility as it may help protect sperm cells from oxidative damage, improve sperm count and play a role in sperm energy production.13
Oxidative damage can reduce sperm motility, interfere with the sperm-oocyte binding and fusion, and may also contribute to DNA damage and reduced sperm count.14
With higher antioxidant activity and superior bioavailability, ubiquinol may be an excellent incorporation to male fertility protocols. Its efficacy for restoring sperm density, morphology and motility is incredibly promising.15
Ubiquinol consumer target
- Ageing populations (40-65+ years) are seeking preventative options for healthy ageing. Supplementation with ubiquinol may be recommended as the body’s endogenous production starts to decline from around the age of 30.5
- Health optimiser: adults conscious of maintaining health now and into the future. The body’s natural levels of ubiquinol may decline due to age. Long-term oxidative stress and fatigue may also contribute to the body’s natural depletion of ubiquinol levels.
- Family planner: adults thinking of starting a family. A randomised trial administering ubiquinol or placebo to 228 men, found that ubiquinol protects sperm from oxidative damage, with a consequent improvement in sperm concentration, motility, and antioxidant status in infertile men16
- Athletes and Fitness enthusiasts who place premium value on having a competitive edge. Physical overexertion and expending high energy may also cause the body’s natural ubiquinol levels to decline over time.17
About Kaneka Ubiquinol
Kaneka Ubiquinol mimics the ubiquinol produced naturally by the body. Kaneka has been the pioneer in manufacturing natural Coenzyme Q10. Kaneka Ubiquinol is made via proprietary technology using yeast fermentation. Fermentation, which dates all the way back to the Neolithic age (about 10,000 BC), is used by many cultures around the world to enhance foods, both nutritionally and for flavor, prevent spoilage, and improve digestion. Kaneka’s unique fermentation technology makes Coenzyme Q10 with full traceability, in an ecologically friendly way, and at the highest purity. Furthermore, Kaneka’s Ubiquinol has been fully safety tested, including in human healthy people. Based upon safety studies, Kaneka’s Ubiquinol has received regulatory approval as a nutrient in many countries.
Fig. 3: Red-Ox couple Ubiquinone-Ubiquinol
A major portion of CoQ10 in tissues is in the reduced form as ubiquinol, with the exception of the brain and lungs. This appears to be a reflection of increased oxidative stress in these two tissues. Most of the CoQ10 in circulation exists in its reduced form as ubiquinol in human subjects (+99%).(i)
Fig. 4: over 99% of CoQ10 in circulation exists in the UBIQUINOL form in human subjects
Why use ubiquinol in your new product development?
For companies seeking to create premium health supplements, Kaneka Ubiquinol can help.
- Kaneka Ubiquinol is the active form of CoQ10.
- Kaneka Ubiquinol is a premium ingredient, which is natural, safe and clinically-proven to help maintain physical health, protect against the effects of stress and promote healthy energy levels.
- It’s a sustainable and stable product made via proprietary, 100% natural yeast fermentation. This allows for a continuous and stable supply chain that is not reliant on seasonal harvests.
- From a technical perspective, it’s highly stable and suitable for use in a wide range of dietary supplement products.
- Kaneka Ubiquinol is supported by an extensive body of research, the majority of which are studies published in peer-reviewed science journals.
- Kaneka Ubiquinol is distributed and used in major markets around the world.
Are you looking for new market opportunities for your brand? Download your comprehensive ubiquinol ebook or email talkwithus@ubiquinol.net.au
Learn more about the impressive health benefits of Ubiquinol.
Register to secure your spot at our upcoming webinar with Australia’s leading Pharmacist and Master Herbalist, Gerald Quigley, for updates on the science of ubiquinol and to gain integrative and preventative insights.
[1] Matsuo 2015
[2] Tran et al (Mitochondrion 7S (2007) S62-S71
[3] Zhang, Y.; Liu, J.; Chen, X.-q.; Oliver Chen, C. Y., Ubiquinol is superior to ubiquinone to enhance Coenzyme Q10 status in older men. Food & Function 2018, 9 (11), 5653-5659.
[4] Kloer, H.-U.; Belardinelli, R.; Ruchong, O.; Rosenfeldt, F., Combining Ubiquinol With a Statin May Benefit Hypercholesterolaemic Patients With Chronic Heart Failure. Heart, Lung and Circulation 2020, 29 (2), 188-195.
[5] Juan Garrido-Maraver , M. D. C., Manuel Oropesa-Ãvila, Alejandro Fernández Vega, Mario de la Mata, Ana Delgado Pavón, Manuel de Miguel, Carmen Pérez Calero, Marina Villanueva Paz, David Cotán, José A. Sánchez-Alcázar Coenzyme Q10. Molecular Syndromology 2014, 5, 187-197.
[6] Di Lorenzo, A.; Iannuzzo, G.; Parlato, A.; Cuomo, G.; Testa, C.; Coppola, M.; D’Ambrosio, G.; Oliviero, A. D.; Sarullo, S.; Vitale, G.; Nugara, C.; Sarullo, M. F.; Giallauria, F., Clinical Evidence for Q10 Coenzyme Supplementation in Heart Failure: From Energetics to Functional Improvement. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2020, 9 (5).
[7] Linnane, A. W., Zhang, C., Yarovaya, N., Kopsidas, G., Kovalenko, S., Papakostopoulos, P., … & Richardson, M. Human aging and global function of coenzyme Q10. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, (2002). 959(1), 396-411.
[8] Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen AM. Comparison study of plasma coenzyme Q10 levels in healthy subjects supplemented with ubiquinol versus ubiquinone. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev. 2014 Jan;31(1):13-7. doi: 10.1002/cpdd.73.
[9] DiNicolantonio JJ, Bhutani J, McCarty MF, et al. Coenzyme Q10 for the treatment of heart failure: a review of the literature. Open Heart 2015;2(1):e000326. [Full Text]
[10] Saini, R. Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient. J Pharm Bioallied Sci, (2011). 3(3), 466-467.
[11] Onur, S., Niklowitz, P., Jacobs, G. et al. Ubiquinol reduces gamma glutamyltransferase as a marker of oxidative stress in humans. BMC Res Notes 7, 427 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-7-427
[12] Tremellen K. Oxidative stress and male infertility--a clinical perspective. Hum Reprod Update. 2008 May-Jun;14(3):243-58. [Full Text]
[13] Thakur AS, Littarru GP, Funahashi I, Painkara US, Dange NS, Chauhan P. Effect of Ubiquinol Therapy on Sperm Parameters and Serum Testosterone Levels in Oligoasthenozoospermic Infertile Men. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Sep;9(9):BC01-3. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2015/13617.6424. Epub 2015 Sep 1. PMID: 26500895; PMCID: PMC4606224.
[14] Pahune PP, Choudhari AR, Muley PA. The total antioxidant power of semen and its correlation with the fertility potential of human male subjects. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013 Jun;7(6):991-5
[15] Lafuente R, González-Comadrán M, Solà I, López G, Brassesco M, Carreras R, Checa MA. Coenzyme Q10 and male infertility: a meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2013 Aug 3. [Full Text]
[16] Safarinejad MR, Safarinejad S, Shafiei N, Safarinejad S. Effects of the reduced form of coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol) on semen parameters in men with idiopathic infertility: a double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized study. J Urol. 2012 Aug;188(2):526-31. [Abstract]
[17] Cooke, M., Iosia, M., Buford, T., Shelmadine, B., Hudson, G., Kerksick, C., … & Kreider, R. (2008). Effects of acute and 14-day coenzyme Q10 supplementation on exercise performance in both trained and untrained individuals. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 5(1), 1-14.
