To understand how the body naturally produces ubiquinol, let's review the basics first. CoQ10 exists in two main forms:
- Ubiquinone: the oxidized form of CoQ10
- Ubiquinol: the active antioxidant form of CoQ10
Although both forms play an important role in helping the body produce the energy that powers your heart and other organs, the ubiquinol form of CoQ10 plays a key role as an antioxidant, neutralizing the potentially damaging free radicals we are exposed to in our daily lives and that are a natural by-product of cellular energy production.
Learn More: What is Ubiquinol and What Are the Benefits?
Although ubiquinone and ubiquinol exist naturally in the body, age-related changes may impact its synthesis and the balance between the two forms of CoQ10. In this guide, we’ll review the natural production of ubiquinol and when supplementing with Kaneka Ubiquinol® may be beneficial.
How Does the Body Make Ubiquinol?
Ubiquinol is ubiquitous in that it can be found in every cell of the body, especially in mitochondrial membranes. The ubiquinol that is produced in the body starts out as CoQ10. CoQ10 is formed when cholesterol proceeds through a specific biochemical pathway called the mevalonate pathway. After CoQ10 is formed, the body converts it into ubiquinol as needed by adding two electrons. This occurs with the help of certain enzymes or as part of the redox cycle of the electron transport chain that produces cellular energy. In healthy adults, 95% of the total CoQ10 in the blood is in the form of ubiquinol, although this percentage tends to decline with age.
Why Ubiquinol Production Declines with Age
Although the conversion from CoQ10 into ubiquinol seems simple, this process becomes less efficient as we age. Lifestyle factors may also contribute to this decline. For example, because CoQ10 and cholesterol share the same biochemical pathway for their production, cholesterol-lowering medications (statins) may impact the body’s ability to make CoQ10, leading to lower levels of ubiquinol.
Impacts of Lower Ubiquinol Levels
Maintaining healthy ubiquinol levels is a key factor in maintaining overall health and supporting mitochondria in critical activities. As we age, the body’s ubiquinol levels naturally decline, which can impact:
Mitochondrial Health
You may remember that “mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell,” but did you know that mitochondria also play a leading role in the “housekeeping” functions that are vital for maintaining proper mitochondrial and cellular function? Maintaining a healthy level of ubiquinol helps the mitochondria continue to function properly to power your heart and perform other vital functions.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is caused when the amount of free radicals in the body surpasses the body’s antioxidant capacity and therefore its ability to neutralize them. When this happens, free radicals cause damage to cell membranes, proteins and DNA. Free radicals can be introduced into the body from poor dietary choices, pollution, cigarette smoke, and even too much sun exposure. They are also a by-product of many natural biochemical processes in the body, including essential processes such as the production of cellular energy. The body’s antioxidant capacity naturally declines with age, which can lead to increased oxidative stress. Over time, free radical damage results in changes that are commonly associated with premature aging. Antioxidants like ubiquinol help neutralize free radicals and lower oxidative stress in the body.
Signs of Low Ubiquinol Levels
Since ubiquinol works at the cellular level, you might not feel signs of low ubiquinol levels, although some people experience fatigue. If you’re over 40 or taking a statin, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about your ubiquinol and CoQ10 levels and about having them checked.
Can You Get Enough CoQ10 from Food?
Several foods supply CoQ10, such as
- Fatty fish (like salmon and tuna)
- Organ meats (like liver and heart)
- Nuts and seeds
- Avocados
- Cabbage
- Fruits (like strawberries and oranges)
While supplying some CoQ10, it is difficult to consume enough of these foods to obtain the level of ubiquinol your body needs. That’s why taking a Kaneka Ubiquinol® supplement can be an important step in helping you to maintain healthy ubiquinol levels.
Learn More: Foods with Ubiquinol
Should You Take a Kaneka Ubiquinol® Supplement?
A daily Kaneka Ubiquinol® supplement is one of the easiest ways to support optimal ubiquinol levels. If you’re over 40, taking a statin (which lowers CoQ10 levels), or want to promote your overall heart health and healthy aging journey, Kaneka Ubiquinol® supplementation can help support your health goals.
Kaneka Ubiquinol® vs. Conventional CoQ10 Supplements
While both Kaneka Ubiquinol® and conventional CoQ10 supplements are available for purchase, Ubiquinol is the active antioxidant form of CoQ10. This means your body can use it immediately to neutralize free radicals without the need for conversion, which becomes more difficult with aging. In addition, Kaneka Ubiquinol® has been shown to be better absorbed than conventional CoQ10.
Supporting Your Body’s Energy Naturally
Maintaining healthy levels of ubiquinol is critical to maintaining the body’s production of cellular energy and supporting overall wellness. Clinical research has shown that Kaneka Ubiquinol® supports healthy levels of ubiquinol, promoting heart health, healthy aging, and cellular energy production.
Curious about how you can support your body throughout life’s stages? Learn more about Kaneka Ubiquinol® supplements by downloading our Beginner’s Guide.
