Doctor's Best: Best Ubiquinol

Best Ubiquinol featuring Kaneka QH contains the reduced form of coenzyme Q10. Both ubiquinol (CoQ10-H2) and ubiquinone (CoQ10) are metabolically active, and are found naturally in the body and in food sources. The two forms are interchangeable as the body appears to keep the reduced and oxidized forms in the 'total pool' at a constant ratio.1,2,3 Each form has unique roles to play in cells including antioxidant actions and enhancement of energy production in the mitochondria.* The commonly available supplement form of coenzyme Q10 has been the oxidized form (ubiquinone), as until recently the reduced form was difficult to manufacture due to its rapid oxidation in the air. New technology has allowed for the manufacturing of stable coenzyme Q10 in the reduced form.4

The results from an animal study that compared the absorption of the two different forms, as well as a human study showing significant absorption of ubiquinol, together suggest that taking ubiquinol orally may offer improved bioavailability in individuals who have difficulty achieving high levels of this nutrient, such as aging adults or those concerned with nutrient absorption.4* Comparison studies of the two forms are now necessary in humans to confirm this idea, as well as determine the specific circumstances under which ubiquinol may be more beneficial.

Scientific References

1. Mohr, D., V.W. Bowry, and R. Stocker, Dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q10 results in increased levels of ubiquinol-10 within circulating lipoproteins and increased resistance of human low-density lipoprotein to the initiation of lipid peroxidation. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1992. 1126(3): p. 247-54.
2. Weber, C., et al., Effect of dietary coenzyme Q10 as an antioxidant in human plasma. Mol Aspects Med, 1994. 15 Suppl: p. s97-102.
3. Okamoto, T., et al., Human serum ubiquinol-10 levels and relationship to serum lipids. Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 1989. 59(3): p. 288-92.
4. Hosoe, K., et al., Study on safety and bioavailability of ubiquinol (Kaneka QH) after single and 4-week multiple oral administration to healthy volunteers. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol, 2007. 47(1): p. 19-28.