Have you ever wondered what actually drives your cells? The answer is, among other things: Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone/ubiquinol. This molecule is an important component of your body and is considered the 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 "power plants" of the cells. But that's only half the story: it also plays a role in the defense against oxidative stress and helps to regenerate antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione.
However, with age or in times of increased oxidative stress, such as during illness or stressful situations, the natural production of ubiquinone can decrease significantly. This gap in supply can have a direct impact on our mental and physical performance. So it's no wonder that coenzyme Q10, known as ubiquinone in its oxidized form, has been and continues to be the subject of a great deal of scientific research in this context.
A system adequately supplied with coenzyme Q10 is important for the immune system, stabilizes cell membranes and provides the basis for optimal cellular performance - and all this makes it a central component of a balanced lifestyle for a powerful life.
How is our body supplied with coenzyme Q10?
Unfortunately, the body's own production is often insufficient - especially from the age of 25, when natural synthesis declines rapidly. Chronic stress, environmental pollution and certain medications further exacerbate this deficit. Sincemany foods only contain small amounts of ubiquinone , targeted and needs-based supplementation can help to support energy levels and antioxidant defenses. For this reason, ubiquinone is often considered one of the key nutrients in longevity.
Studies show thatubiquinone plays a role in mitochondrial function in particular - a crucial factor in post-viral stress or chronic fatigue, which are often associated with reduced energy production and increased oxidative stress.
Currently, intensive research is being conducted into the effect of coenzyme Q10 and its potential in mitochondrial dysfunction- a hallmark of ageing . It is characterized by neurodegenerative processes, chronic fatigue and certain metabolic disorders. This versatility makes ubiquinone a molecule that could be a factor both in a preventive setting and as a supportive therapy . Future studies will show in which direction the areas of application will develop.
Occurrence of coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is found both in your body and in your food. Here are some of the best sources:
- Animal sources:Meat, especially offal such as liver, heart and kidneys. These contain particularly high concentrations of ubiquinone.
- Fish:Mackerel, sardines and herring are rich in ubiquinone and are an important source for people who consume little meat.
- Vegetable sources:Nuts (e.g. peanuts), seeds and vegetable oils such as soybean and rapeseed oil.
- Vegetables:Spinach, broccoli and cauliflower are also notable plant sources, although the concentration is lower than in animal products.
In the human body, thehighest concentrations are found in tissues with high energy requirements, such as the heart, liver and kidneys . These organs need ubiquinone to maintain their optimal functions.
Although these foods contain ubiquinone, the amounts are often insufficient to meet the needs of oxidative stress or increased demands. In addition, the Q10 level decreases with age, as is the case with many micronutrients.
What does coenzyme Q10 do?
Energieproduktion
Imagine your cells are little high-tech factories that tirelessly produce energy. And this is exactly where coenzyme Q10 plays such an important role: it acts as anindispensable motor in the electron transport chain of your mitochondria . ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is produced in this "energy factory" - the fuel that powers every single cell in your body.
Especially organs such as the heart or your muscles, which have an enormous energy requirement, depend on sufficient coenzyme Q10 levels. Without this molecule, energy production comes to a standstill - you feel exhausted and lacking in energy.
Antioxidative Wirkung
Free radicals in excess are one of the biggest challenges for your cells. These unstable molecules attack cell structures and accelerate degenerative developments and thus the ageing 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 such as vitamin C and E so that they can continue to perform their tasks in the body. Q10 is therefore a real bodyguard for your cells.
Cellular repair mechanisms
Your cells are under immense pressure every day. Environmental factors, stress and ageing can damage them and impair their function. Coenzyme Q10 supports the repair of these cells by mediating oxidative stress and maintaining energy supply, as mentioned above. It plays a key role especially in tissues with a high cell turnover rate, such as your skin. It ensures that cells regenerate and function optimally - even under demanding conditions.
Effects of a defect
A problem with mitochondrial energy supply can affect many areas of your body and cause various symptoms:
- Loss of performance and exhaustion:These can extend to chronic fatigue syndrome or burnout syndrome.
- Cardiovascular disease:Heart muscle weakness and heart failure have been correlated with low Q10 levels in studies.
- Neurodegenerative diseases:Diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are associated with problems in mitochondrial function.
- Diabetes and metabolic disorders:When mitochondria are impaired, this can affect insulin sensitivity and increase the risk of derailing blood glucose levels .
- Immune system:A weakened immune system can increase susceptibility to infections.
Mitochondrial dysfunctionaffects 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. An adequate supply of micronutrients such as Q10 is therefore essential for maintaining physical and mental health.
Studies have investigated the extent to which supplementation can compensate for a deficiency. It was shown that ubiquinone can have positive effects, particularly in cases of 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 distributed in its original structure and is converted to ubiquinol in the body as needed to provide 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 delivers its antioxidant properties immediately and is often recommended for individuals who are affected by increased oxidative stress levels or whose conversion processes may be impaired.
Bioverfügbarkeit
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble molecule, which is usually associated with poor bioavailability. In the case of ubiquinone, however, the manufacturer of Q10Vital® has succeeded in refining the molecule using a special technology and making it water-soluble. This innovation has been proven to increase the bioavailability of the active ingredient. In a comparative study with conventional ubiquinol, Q10Vital® even showed better bioavailability*
In principle, 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 is now an effective and highly bioavailable option.
Science and research on coenzyme Q10
Herz-Kreislauf 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. In another experimental research study, it also had positive effects on the resilience of the heart muscle.&
Brain and nervous system
The role of coenzyme Q10 in your brain health is worth a closer look. Research suggests that it may protect nerve cells from oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function. This could be exciting for processes that develop on the basis of mitochondrial dysfunction. Also interesting: it is suspected of preserving cognitive functions for longer.
Chronische Krankheiten
Chronic diseases such as diabetes or migraines are also associated with problems with mitochondria. Coenzyme Q10 stabilizes cellular energy production and could in turn have a positive influence oninflammation , which plays a central role in this. In migraine patients, the frequency and intensity of attacks could be significantly reduced by regularly taking coenzyme Q10. An improvement in insulin sensitivity and a reduction in oxidative markers are also considered to be effects of a well-functioning supply.
Regeneration after viral diseases
After a viral infection, many people feel exhausted and lack 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.
