Nutrition is the topic of interest to many at present. We know that lifestyle modifications which include nutrition can have a fundamental effect on the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological brain diseases[1].
Up until now most of the interest has been on macronutrients (energy, carbohydrate, protein and fibre) and micronutrients (vitamin and minerals). Yet these is growing interest is another fascinating nutritional compound known as ubiquinol.
Yet many do not even know what ubiquinol is. Data from a real-world research study[2] commissioned by Kaneka Ubiquinol – the bioavailable form of Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), that offers help for couples struggling to conceive revealed that 80% were not sure what ubiquinol was. A staggering three-quarters (74%) had never heard of ubiquinol, 62% disagree with the statement that they understood what ubiquinol does and 64% did not know if ubiquinol could play a role in their health. Further data highlighted that:
- Just over three-quarters (76%) did not know the difference between coenzyme Q10 and ubiquinol
- Just under three-quarters (72%) were unsure whether ubiquinol or ubiquinone were more bioavailable.
Uncovering ubiquinol.
Public health nutritionist and part of the Kaneka Ubiquinol (the bioavailable form of Co-Enzyme Q10 – CoQ10) expert hub, Dr Emma Derbyshire says: “Ubiquinol is a vitamin-like substance that acts as a powerful antioxidant, playing a key role in the production of cellular energy needed by human cells and organs. Just as a lamp is powered by electricity or a car electricity or petrol, human cells and organs are powered by cellular energy.[3]
“Some of us may have heard to coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) but many of us are unaware that there are two forms of this nutrient – ubiquinol and ubiquinone.
“Ubiquinol is the active and bioavailable from of CoQ10. Other forms of CoQ10, such as ubiquinone, need to be converted to ubiquinol before they can be used by the human body[4]. Ubiquinol is sometimes referred to as ‘fully loaded’ CoQ10 as it contains extra electrons compared to ubiquinone. The oral bioavailability of ubiquinol has been reported to be greater than that of ubiquinone in healthy adults. Kaneka Ubiquinol® is three to five-times better absorbed than conventional CoQ10.[5],[6]
Insights into ubiquinol and health
Ubiquinol consumption has increasingly been linked to several vital health essentials including:
#1 Reinforcing fertility
Public health nutritionist, Dr Emma Derbyshire who headed a new research review published in the journal of Gynaecology and Women’s Health Research[7], explains: “After reviewing 17 trials we found that Ubiquinol appears to contribute to improvements in female egg quality, fertilisation, markers of sperm quality, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms and hormone levels.”
#2 Reduction of oxidative stress– Ubiquinol contains extra electrons that can neutralise free radicals which can damage human cells and contribute to oxidative stress.[8] Free radicals can be generated by exposures to tobacco smoke, fried foods, alcohol and air pollutants.
#3 Cellular Energy Production – Ubiquinol is found in every cell of the human body. It is needed for 95% of cellular energy production which include the production of the energy molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP).[9]
#4 Offsetting fatigue
Other research[10] has looked at ubiquinols ability to help offset fatigue. In the study of 20 adults (mean age 44 years) experiencing fatigue in daily life taking 150mg ubiquinol daily over 4-weeks was found to significantly relieve feeling of mild fatigue. Ongoing studies are needed but these are interesting findings that make sense given ubiquinols ability to power human cells.
Where can we get it?
Ubiquinol can be found in certain foods such as oily fish, turkey, poultry, citrus fruits and nuts and seeds such as pistachio nuts, peanuts and sesame seeds but you need to consume a fair amount of these foods to obtain sufficient amounts. It can also be found in supplement form, such as Kaneka Ubiquinol[11].
“Ubiquinol is certainly a substance that we will be hearing much more about in the future, particularly in relation to reinforcement of fertility, active lifestyles and healthy ageing” reports Dr Emma Derbyshire, Public Health Nutritionist. It is, however, always useful to consult your healthcare provider before taking any formulations.
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