Have you ever wondered what drives your cells? The answer includes: Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone/ubiquinol. This molecule is an important component of your body and is considered a key to energy and performance.
Ubiquinone is found in almost all biological membranes and ensures that your body is supplied with energy in the mitochondria – the "powerhouses" of the cells. But that's only half the story: it also plays a role in defending against oxidative stress and helps regenerate antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione.
However, with age or during times of increased oxidative stress, such as during illnesses or stressful situations, the natural production of ubiquinone can significantly decrease.This gap in supply can directly affect our mental and physical performance. It is no wonder that coenzyme Q10, known in its oxidized form as ubiquinone, has been extensively researched scientifically in this context and continues to be.
An adequately supplied system with coenzyme Q10 is important for the immune system, stabilizes cell membranes, and provides the foundation for optimal cellular performance – and all of this makes it a central component of a balanced lifestyle for a powerful life.
How does our body get supplied with coenzyme Q10?
Unfortunately, the body's own production is often not sufficient – especially after the age of 25, when natural synthesis decreases rapidly.Chronic stress, environmental pollutants, and certain medications further exacerbate this deficiency. Since many foods contain only small amounts of ubiquinone, targeted and needs-based supplementation can help support energy levels and antioxidant defenses. For this reason, ubiquinone is often considered one of the key nutrients in the longevity field. Studies show that ubiquinone plays a role particularly in mitochondrial function – a crucial factor in post-viral stress or chronic exhaustion, which often accompanies restricted energy production and increased oxidative stress. Currently, research is intensively focused on the effect of coenzyme Q10 and its potential in mitochondrial dysfunction - a hallmark of aging.Characterized by neurodegenerative processes, chronic fatigue, and certain metabolic disorders. This versatility makes ubiquinone a molecule that could be a factor in both preventive settings and as supportive therapy. Future studies will show in which direction the areas of application will develop. Occurrence of Coenzyme Q10 Coenzyme Q10 is found in both your body and your food. Here are some of the best sources: Animal sources: Meat, especially organ meats like liver, heart, and kidneys. These contain particularly high concentrations of ubiquinone.
In the human body, the highest concentrations are found in tissues with high energy demands, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. These organs require ubiquinone to maintain their functions optimally.
Although these foods contain ubiquinone, the amounts are often not sufficient to meet the needs during oxidative stress or increased demands. Additionally, the Q10 level decreases with age, as is the case with many micronutrients.
What does coenzyme Q10 do?
Energy production
Imagine your cells are small high-tech factories that tirelessly produce energy. And this is where coenzyme Q10 plays such an important role: It acts as an essential motor in the electron transport chain of your mitochondria. In this "energy factory," ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is produced – the fuel that powers every single cell in your body.
Particularly organs like the heart or your muscles, which have an enormous energy demand, rely on sufficient coenzyme Q10 levels. Without this molecule, energy production stalls – you feel exhausted and lifeless.
Antioxidative Effect
Excess free radicals are one of the biggest challenges for your cells. These unstable molecules attack cell structures and accelerate degenerative developments and thus the aging process. This is where coenzyme Q10 comes into play: As a molecule with antioxidant properties, it protects cell membranes and mitochondria from oxidative stress.
It neutralizes free radicals and thus prevents damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA.But that's not all: Coenzyme Q10 helps to regenerate other antioxidants like vitamins C and E so they can continue to perform their functions in the body. Q10 is therefore a true bodyguard for your cells.
Cellular Repair Mechanisms
Your cells are under immense pressure every day. Environmental factors, stress, and aging can damage them and impair their function. Coenzyme Q10 supports the repair of these cells by mediating oxidative stress, as mentioned above, and maintaining energy supply. It plays a key role, especially in tissues with a high cell turnover rate, like your skin. It ensures that cells regenerate and function optimally – even under demanding conditions.
Effects of a deficiency
A problem with mitochondrial energy production can affect many areas of your body and cause various symptoms:
- Decrease in performance and exhaustion: These can range from chronic fatigue syndrome to burnout syndrome.
- Cardiovascular diseases: Heart muscle weakness and heart failure have been correlated in studies with low Q10 levels.
- Neurodegenerative diseases: Diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are associated with problems in mitochondrial function.
- Diabetes and metabolic disorders: If mitochondria are impaired, it can affect insulin sensitivity and increase the risk of fluctuating blood sugar levels.
- Immune system: A weakened immune system can increase susceptibility to infections.
Mitochondrial dysfunction affects ATP production and contributes to symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, and declining cognitive performance. In the long term, these symptoms can significantly impair quality of life. Adequate supply of micronutrients such as Q10 is therefore essential for maintaining physical and mental health.
Studies have investigated to what extent supplementation can compensate for a deficiency.It has been shown that ubiquinone can have positive effects, especially in chronic mitochondrial dysfunction, by stabilizing cellular energy production and reducing oxidative stress.
Different forms of coenzyme Q10: Ubiquinol vs. Ubiquinone
Ubiquinone exists in two main forms:
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Ubiquinone (oxidized form): This form is widely available in its original structure and is converted into ubiquinol in the body as needed to unleash antioxidant properties. In many cases, this conversion process works efficiently, making ubiquinone a generally bioavailable option.
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Ubiquinol (reduced form): This form unfolds its antioxidant properties immediately and is often recommended for individuals affected by elevated oxidative stress levels or whose conversion processes may be impaired.
Bioavailability
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble molecule, which is typically associated with poor bioavailability. In the case of Ubiquinone, however, the manufacturer of Q10Vital® has succeeded in refining the molecule through a special technology to make it water-soluble. This innovation has been shown to lead to increased bioavailability of the active ingredient. In a comparative study with conventional Ubiquinol, Q10Vital® even demonstrated better bioavailability.*
Basically, both forms can be converted into each other in the body and fulfill an essential function in energy metabolism. The choice of the appropriate variant should be tailored to individual needs and health goals. Thanks to modern developments, Q10Vital® ubiquinone today represents an effective and highly bioavailable option.
Science and research on coenzyme Q10
Cardiovascular system
Did you know that coenzyme Q10 also plays a role in changes to the heart muscle? Current research shows that it can not only improve function in pre-existing weakness but also reduce oxidative stress – a major factor in many age-related changes in the cardiovascular system.A meta-analysis has also shown that CoQ10 supplementation can lead to a reduction in systolic blood pressure. Additionally, it had positive effects on the endurance of the heart muscle in another experimental research study.
Brain and Nervous System
The role of coenzyme Q10 in the health of your brain is worth a closer look. Research findings suggest that it may protect nerve cells from oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function. This could be interesting in processes that develop based on mitochondrial dysfunction. Also interesting: It is suspected to preserve cognitive functions for a longer time.
Chronic Diseases
Chronic conditions such as diabetes or migraines are also associated with problems in mitochondria. Coenzyme Q10 stabilizes cellular energy production and could thereby have a positive effect on inflammation, which plays a central role in this. In migraine patients, the frequency and intensity of attacks could be significantly reduced through regular intake of Coenzyme Q10. Similarly, an improvement in insulin sensitivity and a reduction in oxidative markers are considered effects of well-functioning supply.
Recovery after viral infections
After a viral infection, many people feel exhausted and drained of energy.Studies show that supporting mitochondrial function can alleviate symptoms such as fatigue or muscle weakness. This is particularly relevant in post-viral syndromes, where energy production is often severely impaired.
