Q10 is the fat-soluble compound that the body produces itself in several organs, such as the heart, kidney, liver, and pancreas. The produced Q10 is then distributed throughout the body for better performance. However, as we age, the production of the Q10 naturally decreases. With the decrease in Q10, the ability of the body to convert ubiquinone to ubiquinol decreases. Therefore, to maintain the level of Q10 in blood, we need supplements. So, which supplement is better? Ubiquinone or ubiquinol? Let us find out the answer in this article.
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What Is CoQ10: Ubiquinone Vs Ubiquinol?
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant often used for the health of muscles, heart and fertility. Ubiquinone and ubiquinol are the forms of coenzyme CoQ10. Antioxidants are crucial for the overall health of the body for protecting the cells against oxidative stress. Stress can negatively affect the health of sperm and can lead to chronic diseases. CoQ10 is produced in the body naturally and helps the body to generate energy in the cells. The highest rate of CoQ10 is found in the heart, kidney, liver, and spleen, as these organs have the highest rates of metabolism.
There are two forms of coenzyme CoQ10, ubiquinone and ubiquinol. In this article, we see Ubiquinone vs ubiquinol benefits and effects so we can select which is best for us. Ubiquinone is the oxidised form of it, and ubiquinol is the reduced and most active form. Both are considered effective for the health and wellbeing of the body; however, the body must convert the ubiquinone into ubiquinol before this antioxidant can be used to support cellular energy. Most people prefer the ubiquinol form of CoQ10 for therapy because of the more active nature and the superior bioavailability of ubiquinol.
A sufficient amount of CoQ10 can convert the ubiquinone into ubiquinol. The molecules of coenzymes convert back and forth from reduced form to oxidised form and vice versa. According to numerous health providers, both ubiquinone and ubiquinol supplements are effective for the better functioning of the body as they both function similarly in the body. However, let us see the differences between these two to find out, which is better.
What Are The Benefits Of Coenzyme (CoQ10)?
The coenzyme Q10, known as CoQ10, is a compound helpful for generating energy in your cells. The body produces coenzymes naturally but its production tends to decrease with the growing age. To maintain sufficient levels of these in blood, supplements along with foods are used. The deficiency of coenzymes leads to health conditions like heart diseases, diabetes, cancer, and brain diseases. Consuming food items rich in antioxidants and CoQ10 supplementations results it has a wide range of benefits.
This compound, when made by the body, is stored in the mitochondria of the cells. Mitochondria produces energy and protects the cells from viruses, bacteria, and oxidative damage. Several conditions result in the deficiency of coenzymes.
- Nutritional deficiency
- Genetic defects
- Mitochondrial diseases
- Oxidative stress.
A sufficient amount of CoQ10 in the body plays certain key roles. One of the primary functions is to generate energy in the cells. It is also involved in making ATPs. Another benefit is to serve as an antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage. An excessive amount of stress leads to oxidative damage, which affects the regular functioning of the cells. This leads to many health conditions. The ATP in the body is used to carry out all the functions of the body and prevent oxidative damage. Adequate levels of CoQ10 prevents a number of chronic diseases. Co enzymes are found in every cell of the body. However, due to the high metabolism level in some organs of the body, such as the heart, kidney, liver and spleen, the highest concentration of CoQ10 is found in these organs.
What Is Ubiquinone?
Ubiquinone is the coenzyme used by most people to improve heart functioning and treat the risks of heart failure. Ubiquinone supplementation is also used for lowering high blood pressure. It is also considered safe for diabetes and migraines. With age, the body reduces the production of coenzymes, and supplementations may be required to maintain the levels. Most people take ubiquinone to help with muscle or nerve problems caused by deficiency of CoQ10. However, before starting taking this supplementation, make sure to consult your doctor and know about all the side effects associated with it.
What Are The Benefits Of Ubiquinone?
One of the most popular benefits of ubiquinone is its ability to improve heart health and fertility. According to several studies, ubiquinone appears to be more stable. In addition, it is less expensive to manufacture than ubiquinol. In terms of bioavailability, both ubiquinone and ubiquinol function similarly. Some of the benefits of taking ubiquinone supplements are:
- The absorption rate of ubiquinone is the same as ubiquinol.
- The ubiquinone supplements are tested and backed by thousands of trials by clinics.
- Ubiquinone supplements are effective in enhancing the cardiac function
- Ubiquinone prevents the migraine
- It supports healthy skin and lowers inflammation
- It combats infertility in men and women
- It reduces fatigue and can be used as an antidepressant
- Ubiquinone supplements reduce fatigue.
What Is Ubiquinol?
Ubiquinol is a bioidentical nutrient and is similar to vitamin D. Vitamin D is synthesised in the body but still, you need supplementation especially, when you have less exposure to sunlight. Because the body cannot synthesise the ubiquinol in enough amount to fulfil its needs. Most clinical research has shown that up to 99% of the blood plasma in a healthy person is in the form of ubiquinol. Ubiquinol is the reduced form of coenzyme Q10, essential for life. The ubiquinol supplementation entered the market in 2006 and is available as a nutritional supplement. With the process of ageing or with any disease, the ability of the body to produce this naturally occurring substance reduces. To stay from the deficiency of ubiquinol, supplements are used.
As the consumers are seeking something premium, special and high-quality supplements that deliver the benefits to support optimal health, most people claim that the oxidised form of CoQ10 (ubiquinone), which has been available in the market for three decades, is not as powerful as the ubiquinol. As a result, most people switched to the new reduced form of CoQ10, which is considered more bioactive.
What Are The Benefits Of Ubiquinol?
- Ubiquinols play an efficient role in mitochondrial function. It transfers electrons to generate cellular energy known as ATP. The electron transferring ability makes ubiquinol a different and powerful antioxidant. Over the age of 30, the levels of production of ubiquinol start decreasing, making you dependent on several foods’ rich in antioxidants and supplements of ubiquinol.
- The highest concentration of ubiquinol is found in the heart and the heart requires a large amount of energy to sustain proper functioning. The antioxidant properties of ubiquinol promote heart health and reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
Ubiquinol Or Ubiquinone: How Are They Different?
CoQ10 is the naturally occurring substance in the body and it shifts between its two forms: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. This conversion or shifting works in a continuous cycle. Both ubiquinone and ubiquinol are the forms of Coenzymes CoQ10 and are often used interchangeably. From the chemistry point of view, ubiquinol is the reduced form of coenzyme, whereas ubiquinone is the oxidised form. So, regardless of what form you take as a supplement, your body automatically converts that to the effective form as needed by the body. Therefore, there is no significant difference between these two forms.
Until 2007, ubiquinone was the only form of CoQ10 supplementation available in the market. After that, the active form of CoQ10 was produced known as ubiquinol. Ubiquinol is more expensive comparatively, that is why most people think that it is better. However, there is no clear and compelling research to support the claim. Although the research has not proven one form more effective than the other it is important to note that ubiquinone has been in the market longer and has been used in the majority of clinical trials. With few side effects, both forms of CoQ10 are considered safe.
Which Form Of CoQ10 Is More Bioavailable?
Bioavailability of the substance means the ability of the substance, drug, or any supplement to be absorbed and used by the body. The research against the more bioavailability between two substances is mixed and blurred. However, some researchers have proven that ubiquinol is more bioavailable than ubiquinone. According to a study, two-week supplementation with ubiquinol results in enhanced CoQ10 conversion ability, when compared to the supplementation with ubiquinone.
A recent study has shown no significant difference in bioavailability between ubiquinone and ubiquinol. It further elaborates that even when ubiquinone form is consumed, the CoQ10 appears in the blood plasma as ubiquinol. It indicates that the body is capable of converting the CoQ10 into its most effective form. However, the type of supplement also matters more than the form to test the bioavailability. According to another study, soft gel capsules are effective either containing ubiquinone or ubiquinol.
After studying all this research, there is no clear evidence showing that ubiquinol is superior to ubiquinone when taken in the form of supplements. However, ubiquinol is the most effective form of CoQ10.
Ubiquinol Or Ubiquinone: Which Form Of CoQ10 Should You Take?
Both ubiquinone and ubiquinol have different roles to play, but you do not need to take both supplements. The body can convert between the two forms automatically depending on the needs. However, overage, the body becomes less able to metabolise coenzymes and convert them into ubiquinol. Apart from age, some other factors such as genetic variation may also affect the conversion of ubiquinone to ubiquinol. The CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that protects the heart and other organs from damage. It can also be taken to prevent migraine.
While the body is capable of synthesizing CoQ10, ubiquinol is a more bioavailable form. The food items rich in antioxidants are fish, meats, soybean, oils, sesame etc. these food items provide additional benefits beyond supplementation. Ubiquinol is the active and reduced form of CoQ10 and has superior bioavailability as compared to ubiquinone. Ubiquinol is a strong antioxidant that keeps the cells stable and protects the cell membrane. It offers a range of benefits; it supports heart health, production of cellular energy and increases male and women fertility. Moreover, a sufficient amount of ubiquinol is essential for the healthy cholesterol level and the general well-being of ageing people.
Conclusion
As we age, the natural production of Q10 decreases, thus the ability to convert the ubiquinone to ubiquinol also decreases. The largest decrease of Q10 happens in the heart. Besides ageing, constant smoking, cholesterol-lowering medications, and stress also disrupt the conversion. However, taking ubiquinol supplements along with a healthy diet and suitable exercise results in higher Q10 levels in the blood. In most studies, it is proven that ubiquinol is better than ubiquinone. To determine what is best for you, it is good to discuss it with your health professional.
Check this video explanation on CoQ10 – Ubiquinol or Ubiquinone?
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