How Does the Body Make CoQ10?
The Ubiquinol form of CoQ10 is associated with over 95% of your body’s cellular energy production, which powers your heart and other organs.1 2 Ubiquinol plays a critical role in producing cellular energy by creating an energy-rich molecule called Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). To help give our bodies a consistent supply of cellular energy, our cells must convert conventional CoQ10 into its active form, Ubiquinol.
That’s why large amounts of Ubiquinol can be found in your heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and other organs that require cellular energy to function properly. In fact, Ubiquinol is found in 95% of our cells!
In the infographic below, explore how Ubiquinol is created in your body’s cells. Once Ubiquinol is created, it plays an essential role in creating ATP, which helps your organs function optimally.
Starting around the age of 40, it becomes more difficult for your body to turn conventional CoQ10 into Ubiquinol.3 4 The process becomes less efficient, which is why so many “older” adults are now taking Ubiquinol, the more advanced form of CoQ10.
References
- Becker 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.
- Forsmark-Andrée P, Ernster L. Evidence for a protective effect of endogenous ubiquinol against oxidative damage to mitochondrial protein and DNA during lipid peroxidation. Mol Aspects Med. 1994;15 Suppl:s73-81
- 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.
- 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.
