Differences Between Conventional and Ubiquinol CoQ10

Written by Andrew Shea•Reviewed by Robert Barry, PhD

Millions of Americans take a CoQ10 supplement to support heart health. Many are surprised to learn that Coenzyme Q10 actually exists in two main forms with important differences.

Conventional CoQ10, technically known as ubiquinone, is the oxidized version of the nutrient. We get some of it from the food we eat but most of our supply is made naturally inside our bodies.

More than 90% of the total CoQ10 in the blood of a healthy young adult is in the Ubiquinol form. 1

Before it can do many of the wonderful things people associate with CoQ10, the conventional form of CoQ10 needs to be converted by our bodies into a more advanced form called Ubiquinol CoQ10.2 

This conversion into Ubiquinol (pronounced “you-bik-win-all”) becomes more difficult to complete as we get older or when we have certain health conditions.3 4

Turning Conventional CoQ10 into Ubiquinol CoQ10

Ubiquinol CoQ10 has two special traits missing from its less-advanced cousin: hydrogen molecules and extra electrons.5 They can make a big difference in the nutrient’s ability to move through the blood and be absorbed into cells. The two traits also impact antioxidant activity and play a critical role in making cellular energy.6

Our bodies must convert conventional CoQ10 into Ubiquinol before it can be used to create cellular energy.

Unfortunately, turning conventional CoQ10 into Ubiquinol isn’t easy for many of us as we get older. 

Imagine me as a healthy 18 year old needing to push several heavy balls up a hill. Young and carefree Andy has little trouble getting each ball to the top and returning for another one. He barely broke a sweat.

Now imagine me as a 65 year old trying to do the same thing. Though wiser and more mature, 65 year old Andy has a difficult time with this repeating activity. Each trip becomes slower and requires increased recovery time.

A similar uphill process happens in our bodies with conventional CoQ10 when we attempt to convert it into Ubiquinol.

Why the Need to Change into Ubiquinol? 

Our most important organs and muscles – the brain and the heart, for example – require massive amounts of cellular energy to function at optimal levels. To make this energy, we need CoQ10 in its Ubiquinol form.  

Starting around the age of 30, our bodies have a harder time changing conventional CoQ10 into the more advanced Ubiquinol form, impacting our bodies' supply of cellular energy.

Inside tiny cellular power plants called mitochondria, Ubiquinol CoQ10 uses its two electrons in a very specific way to help convert food to a type of fuel (called ATP) needed by our bodies.

Young, healthy people like 18 year old Andy easily turn ubiquinone into Ubiquinol CoQ10.

But starting around the age 30 and especially after 40, our ability to turn that conventional CoQ10 into the desirable Ubiquinol becomes harder and less efficient. This has an impact on the amount of cellular energy available for our organs to use.

Ubiquinol CoQ10: Another Important Difference

So far we’ve established that the Ubiquinol form of CoQ10 plays a critical role in producing cellular energy needed by important organs such as the heart and the brain. We’ve also covered how, starting around the age of 30, our bodies have a harder time changing conventional CoQ10 into the more advanced Ubiquinol form, impacting our bodies’ supply of cellular energy.

But there’s something else that makes Ubiquinol CoQ10 special.

Unlike conventional CoQ10, Ubiquinol is a very powerful antioxidant by virtue of its two extra electrons. Those electrons are important because they hold the key to neutralizing substances called free radicals.

Free radicals are harmful because they are constantly looking to steal electrons wherever they may be found, including DNA, proteins and lipids. Removing an electron oxidizes the molecule (oxidative stress) and can cause damage that impacts our health. 

The Ubiquinol form of CoQ10 doesn’t mind giving up an electron to neutralize a free radical that might have otherwise caused some metabolic trouble.

What’s more, Ubiquinol CoQ10 is one of the few antioxidants that work not just in the fatty parts of our body (such as cell membranes and LDL cholesterol) but also in the mitochondria where energy is manufactured.7 Like car engines produce exhaust, the mitochondria have their own form of exhaust filled with free radicals.

Ubiquinol is the only form of CoQ10 capable of protecting the mitochondria and their lipid membranes from free radical attack.

What’s The Connection to CoQ10 Supplements?

Plenty of Americans take CoQ10 supplements to assist in creating cellular energy that, among other things, is essential in supporting a healthy heart. That’s an important step in promoting good health, but the type of CoQ10 being consumed is critically important.

The energy demands of the human heart are among the highest in the body. This important muscle needs Ubiquinol CoQ10 to function optimally.

Many of the people who take a CoQ10 supplement are taking it in its conventional form. Conventional CoQ10 is fine if you’re a healthy 20-something because your body can easily convert it into Ubiquinol.

Unfortunately, millions of Americans over the age of 30 are unknowingly doing themselves a disservice when they consume CoQ10 in its conventional form. They receive limited value because they may be unable to convert much of the conventional CoQ10 into heart-healthy Ubiquinol.

So what happens when a person takes conventional CoQ10 instead of Ubiquinol?

Sadly, only some of that conventional CoQ10 makes it into their blood, and even less is converted into the desired Ubiquinol form of CoQ10.

If you’re age 30 (or better!) and taking CoQ10 to support your health, be sure to take it in the advanced Ubiquinol form so your body enjoys the maximum benefit possible.

You can find over 170 Coenzyme Q10 products at IHERB.COM 

References

1. Tang PH, Miles MV, DeGrauw A, Hershey A, Pesce A. HPLC analysis of reduced and oxidized coenzyme Q(10) in human plasma. Clin Chem. 2001 Feb;47(2):256-65.
2. Tomasetti, M, Alleva R, Borghi B, Collins AR. In vivo supplementation with coenzyme Q10 enhances the recovery of human lymphocytes from oxidative DNA damage. FASEB J. 2001 Jun;15(8):1425-7.
3. Wada H, Goto H, Hagiwara S, Yamamoto Y. Redox status of coenzyme Q10 is associated with chronological age. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2007 Jul;55(7):1141-2.
4. Niklowitz P, Onur S, Fischer A, Laudes M, Palussen M, Menke T, Döring F.  Coenzyme Q10 serum concentration and redox status in European adults: influence of age, sex, and lipoprotein concentration.  J Clin Biochem Nutr.  2016 Jan.  Online publication.
5. Frei B, Kim MC, Ames BN. Ubiquinol-10 is an effective lipid-soluble antioxidant at physiological concentrations. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1990 Jun;87(12):4879-83.
6. Beamer WM and Deamer DW. Energy from Chemical Bonds: The aerobic mode. In: The World of the Cell, 2nd Ed., The Benjamin Cummings Publishing Company, Inc, Redwood City , CA., pps. 275-313.
7. Forsmark-Andrée P, Lee CP, Dallner G, Ernster L. Lipid peroxidation and changes in the ubiquinone content and the respiratory chain enzymes of submitochondrial particles. Free Radic Biol Med. 1997;22(3):391-400. 
8. Wada H, Goto H, Hagiwara S, Yamamoto Y. Redox status of coenzyme Q10 is associated with chronological age. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2007 Jul;55(7):1141-2.
9. Niklowitz P, Onur S, Fischer A, Laudes M, Palussen M, Menke T, Döring F.  Coenzyme Q10 serum concentration and redox status in European adults: influence of age, sex, and lipoprotein concentration.  J Clin Biochem Nutr.  2016 Jan.  Online publication.
10. Miles MV, Horn P, Milesc L, Tanga P, Steele P, DeGrauwa T. Bioequivalence of coenzyme Q10 from over-the-counter supplements. Nutr Res.  2002:22(8):919-929.
11. Evans M, Baisley J, Barss S, Guthrie N.  A randomized, double-blind trial on the bioavailability of two CoQ10 formulations. Journal of Functional Foods. 2009. 1: 65-73.

全員５％OFF＋初回限定５％＆５ドルOFFダブルの割引クーポン掲載中！＋全員ロイヤルティクレジット５％OFF＋期間限定４０ドル以上で送料無料セールも実施中
以下のリンクで割引が適用されます。
⇒　アイハーブ日本語サイト

Sleeping Aids

When you can’t sleep, the temptation to pop a sleeping pill is strong. But did you know you could be risking your life?

There’s a large body of research indicating that sleeping pills may contribute to as many as 500,000 deaths each year in the United States. Most sleeping pills are “sedative hypnotics”— a class of drugs used to treat anxiety. Examples include Xanax, Valium, Lunesta, and Ambien. Most of these drugs are highly addictive and come with a range of side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination. 

Sleeping Pills’ Dark Side

The most serious risks of these drugs relate to their effects on memory and behavior. Because they act on brain chemistry, sleeping pills can cause changes in brain function and behavior, including memory impairment, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, and aggressiveness. They have also been shown to increase feelings of depression, including suicidal thinking.

Daniel F. Kripke, MD, Professor of Psychiatry Emeritus at the University of California, San Diego, has worked for more than 30 years assessing the risk of sleeping pills, and his findings are stunning.

For one thing, 18 population-based studies have shown a clear link between the use of sleeping pills and increased mortality risk. Four of these studies specifically found that the use of sleeping pills predicted increased risk of death from cancer.

In the latest study, published February 2012 in BMJ Online, Kripke’s team obtained medical records for 10,529 people prescribed hypnotic sleeping pills, and compared them to records for 23,676 matched patients never prescribed sleeping pills. Over an average of 2½ years, the death rate for those who did not use sleeping pills was 1.2 percent, versus 6.1 percent for those who did. Subjects with sleeping pill prescriptions also had a 35 percent higher risk of cancer. Based on these findings, Kripke estimates that sleeping pills can be linked to 320,000—507,000 US deaths each year. 

Poor Sleep Quality 

Sleep recharges the energy within our cells and, among other things, helps to remove harmful chemicals from the body—particularly the brain. Sleep also helps enhance antioxidant mechanisms that reduce free radical damage. 

A likely explanation for the potential negative effects of sleeping pills is that they interfere with these normal sleep patterns, thereby robbing the body of sleep’s powerful healing effects.

Sleeping pills are also notorious for preventing deeper stages of non-REM sleep. That’s usually why these drugs produce a morning “hangover” feeling.

Cause and Effect 

The first step is to identify and address the causes of the problem. Consider sleep maintenance insomnia, when people are able to fall asleep but awaken in the middle of the night and have difficulty getting back to sleep. Many people with this condition suffer from faulty blood sugar control, so addressing that issue can dramatically improve sleep quality.

Other common causes of insomnia are stress, depression, anxiety, caffeine sensitivity, and even certain medications—there are well over 300 drugs that can interfere with normal sleep.

Natural Sleep Aids

I recommend a combination of melatonin (3 mg), 5-HTP (30 mg), and L-theanine (200 mg). These ingredients work together to decrease nighttime awakenings and the time required to fall asleep.

Recent studies have substantiated the herb valerian’s ability to improve sleep quality and relieve insomnia. As a mild sedative, use up to 900 mg, 30—45 minutes before going to bed.

You can find all supplements from article at iherb.com

제품 결제시, 프로모션 코드 WELCOME5 를 입력하시거나 아래 버튼을 클릭하여 프로모션 코드를 장바구니에 직접 적용하세요.

При расчете введите промокод WELCOME5 или нажмите кнопку ниже, чтобы сразу использовать промокод в своей корзине.

Ingrese el código promocional WELCOME5 al momento de pagar o haga clic en el botón de abajo para aplicar el código promocional directamente a su carrito de compras.

在结算时使用促销代码WELCOME5 或者点击下方按钮直接将此促销代码应用于您的购物车。

Geben Sie bei der Bezahlung den Aktionscode WELCOME5 ein oder klicken Sie auf den Button unten, um den Aktionscode direkt auf Ihren Warenkorb anzuwenden.

Insira o código promocional WELCOME5 ao finalizar a compra, ou clique no botão abaixo para aplicar o código promocional diretamente ao seu carrinho.

Natural Relief For PMS

Think PMS is a normal part of being a woman? It doesn’t have to be! You can feel better—less moody, bloated, and fatigued, for example—by trying a few select nutrients

 Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)—a recurrent condition that develops 7-14 days before menstruation—affects 30-40 percent of women, with peak occurrences among those in their 30s and 40s. In most cases, symptoms are relatively mild, but they can be quite severe.

What Causes PMS?

Scientists now believe that PMS is the result of alterations in brain chemistry that influence the brain’s sensitivity to hormones—the chief of which may be low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Not surprisingly, then, conventional medicine has focused on antidepressant drugs to treat PMS, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac and Zoloft—with their significant side effects. Fortunately, many natural agents also show the ability to relieve symptoms and provide PMS relief.

 Nutritional Supplements for PMS

Common Conventional A Second Opinion:	Treatments for PMS Dr. Murray’s Top Natural Therapies:
Birth control pills	Vitamin B6 and Magnesium
Antidepressants	5-HTP Chaste Berry/Vitex

Vitamin B6 has been shown to be effective in relieving PMS symptoms in over a dozen double-blind clinical trials. It may work in part by boosting the accumulation of magnesium within cells–magnesium deficiency has been implicated as a contributor to PMS.

 Studies have shown that when PMS patients are given a supplement containing high doses of Magnesium and B6, they experience a substantial reduction in symptoms. Recommended daily dosages are 25-50 mg of B6 and 300-450 mg of magnesium.

 5-HTP is the “intermediate” compound between tryptophan and serotonin. It is more helpful in boosting serotonin levels than tryptophan, and has also shown greater effects in improving mood and reducing sugar cravings. The typical dosage recommendation is 50–100 mg three times daily before meals. 

The benefits of Chaste Berry in PMS appear to be related to its effects on hypothalamus and pituitary function. As a result, the herb (also called chaste tree berry or vitex) is able to normalize the secretion of various hormones. 

One double-blind trial compared a daily dose of vitex (20-mg tablet) with a placebo in 170 women. Over the course of three menstrual cycles in a row, the women were asked to rate changes in their PMS symptoms. Women taking vitex reported a 52-percent reduction in symptoms, compared with only 24-percent for those taking placebo. The recommended dosage of chaste berry (often standardized to contain 0.5 percent agnuside) is 175–225 mg per day in tablet or capsule form, or 2–4 mL (1/2–1 tsp.) per day for liquid extracts.

Is your diet to blame? Women suffering from PMS typically eat a diet that is even worse than the much-maligned standard American diet. Compared with symptom-free women, PMS sufferers typically consume:

• 62% more refined carbohydrates
• 275% more refined sugar
• 79% more dairy products
• 78% more sodium
• 53% less iron*
• 77% less manganese*
• 52% less zinc*

* Foods rich in iron include soybeans, spinach, lentils, sesame seeds, and olives; mustard greens, kale, chard, romaine lettuce, raspberries, pineapple, garlic, and eggplant are among foods plentiful in manganese; and some good food sources of zinc are beef, lamb, scallops, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, oats, yogurt, and turkey.

Natural approaches to whole body inflammation

Natural approaches to whole body inflammation

Inflammation occurs as a reaction to injury or infection. It’s characterized by pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes loss of function. It’s actually part of our natural defense against invading organisms. During inflammation, white blood cells rush to the area to destroy harmful microorganisms and dead cells, thus preventing the spread of irritation and permitting tissue to repair itself.

But sometimes inflammation can produce harmful effects, and that’s a problem. Chronic low-level inflammation plays a central role in many diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and osteoporosis.

When you scrape your knee, it’s easy to see and feel the inflammatory response. But chronic, low-level inflammation, known as “silent inflammation,” is stealthier. To determine the extent of the problem, physicians can measure blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). For this reason, I recommend adding a CRP test to your yearly physical. It’s actually a stronger predictor of heart attack than cholesterol levels.

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Diet plays a definite role in triggering the inflammatory response. Studies have shown that CRP levels tend to be higher in people with high-glycemic diets. Conversely, a diet that’s rich in fiber and low in refined carbohydrates is associated with lower CRP levels.

In general, diet rich in fruits and vegetables has the greatest benefit. It’s also important to avoid refined or simple sugars, which increase the glycemic load linked to inflammatory response.

Fight Fire with Supplements

Vitamins C and E, zinc, selenium, and flavonoid-rich extracts—such as grape seed or pine bark extract (Pycnogenol)—are the most important antioxidants for fighting inflammation. Supplementation with fish oil products that provide a combined dosage of 3 grams EPA+DHA daily has also proved to be effective in reducing inflammation and producing positive changes in numerous trials.

Preparations of proteolytic enzymes—including chymotrypsin, trypsin, bromelain, papain, fungal proteases, and Serratia peptidase—have been shown to be useful in a wide range of inflammatory situations. Look for products that contain a combination, and follow label instructions. You can also find Serratia peptidase as a stand-alone product for inflammation.

MicroLactin, a special milk protein, is gaining recognition as a natural treatment for joint inflammation. During the inflammatory response, the “junctions” between cells that line the joint spaces increase, which allows white blood cells to enter the joint. Once inside, these cells cause more inflammation and ultimately more joint damage. By tightening up these cellular junctions, MicroLactin prevents the migration of white blood cells into joint spaces. This mechanism of action is similar to that of drugs such as prednisone, but without side effects.

Whole-Body Approach

Reducing whole-body inflammation—especially in severe cases—requires a truly comprehensive approach. The examples given above are just a few of the possibilities. A consultation with a nutrition-oriented physician can help map out the best possible course of treatment for you.

The Science of MicroLactin

MicroLactin is made through a unique process whereby a small, low-molecular-weight fraction of milk is super-concentrated so that it can be delivered in convenient dosages. Two independently conducted clinical trials have confirmed that it is highly effective at improving joint function in cases of inflammation. In a double-blind study, MicroLactin showed a significantly better treatment effect in improving joint health versus placebo than did glucosamine. In fact, this treatment effect, which measured the overall improvement in joint function scores over a period of six weeks, was 60 percent greater for MicroLactin than for glucosamine. The typical dosage for MicroLactin is 2 grams twice daily for the first 7—10 days, followed by a maintenance dose of 2 grams once daily thereafter.