Have you ever wondered what actually 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 key to energy and performance.
Ubiquinone is found in almost all biological membranes and ensures mitochondria – the "power plants" of the cells – ensure that your body is supplied with energy. But that is only half the story: It also plays a role in the defense against oxidative stress and helps produce antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and regenerate glutathione.
However, with age or in times of increased oxidative stress, such as illness or stressful situations, the natural production of ubiquinone can decrease significantlyThis gap in supply can have a direct impact on our mental and physical performance. It is therefore no wonder that coenzyme Q10, known in its oxidized form as ubiquinone, has been and continues to be the subject of extensive scientific research in this context.
A system sufficiently 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 not sufficient - especially after the age of 25, when natural synthesis decreases rapidly. Chronic stress, environmental pollution and certain medications further exacerbate this deficit. 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 area.
Studies show that Ubiquinone plays a particularly important role in mitochondrial function – 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 carried out into the effect of coenzyme Q10 and its potential in mitochondrial dysfunction - one Hallmark of Aging researched. These are characterized by neurodegenerative processes, chronic fatigue and certain metabolic disorders. This versatility makes ubiquinone a molecule that could be a factor both in the preventive setting and as supportive therapyFuture 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 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.
- Plant sources: Nuts (e.g. peanuts), seeds and vegetable oils such as soy 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, the highest concentrations are found in tissues with high energy requirements, such as the heart, liver and kidneysThese organs require ubiquinone to maintain their functions optimally.
Although these foods contain ubiquinone, the amounts are often insufficient to meet the needs of oxidative stress or increased demands. In addition, Q10 levels decrease 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 indispensable engine in the electron transport chain of your mitochondriaThis "energy factory" produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate) - the fuel that powers every single cell in your body.
Organs such as the heart or your muscles, which have an enormous energy requirement, are particularly dependent on sufficient levels of coenzyme Q10. Without this molecule, energy production comes to a halt - you feel exhausted and lacking energy.
Antioxidant effect
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 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 such as vitamins C and E so that they can continue to perform their functions 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 aging can damage them and impair their function. Coenzyme Q10 supports the repair of these cells by mediating oxidative stress and maintaining the 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 work optimally - even under demanding conditions.
effects of a deficiency
A problem with mitochondrial energy supply can affect many areas of your body and cause various symptoms:
- loss of performance and exhaustion: These can even lead to chronic fatigue syndrome or burnout syndrome.
- cardiovascular diseases: In studies, heart muscle weakness and heart failure have correlated 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 disturbed, this can insulin sensitivity and increase the risk of derailment blood sugar levels increase.
- 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 performanceIn 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, especially 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 available in its original structure and is converted to ubiquinol in the body when needed to exert antioxidant properties. In many cases, this conversion process works efficiently, making ubiquinone a widely bioavailable option.
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ubiquinol (reduced form): This form exerts its antioxidant properties immediately and is often recommended for people who suffer from increased levels of oxidative stress or whose conversion processes may be limited.
bioavailability
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 one another in the body and fulfil 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 extremely bioavailable option.
Science and research on coenzyme Q10
cardiovascular system
Did you know that coenzyme Q10 also plays a role in changes in the heart muscle? Current research shows that it can not only improve function in cases of pre-existing weakness, but also reduces oxidative stress - a major factor in many age-related changes in the cardiovascular system. A meta-analysis has also shown that supplementing with CoQ10 can lead to a reduction in systolic blood pressure. In addition, in another experimental research study, it 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 to preserve cognitive functions for longer.
Chronic diseases
Chronic diseases such as diabetes or migraines are also associated with problems with mitochondria. Coenzyme Q10 stabilizes cellular energy production and could therefore have a positive effect on inflammations that play a central role in this. In migraine patients, the frequency and intensity of attacks could be significantly reduced by taking coenzyme Q10 regularly. 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 lacking 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.
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