FAQ

Ubiquinol and Ubiquinone are both forms of CoQ10 and both are necessary in order to produce cellular energy. Ubiquinol is the active form of CoQ10 and Ubiquinone is the oxidised form of CoQ10. In order to create energy, our body must convert Ubiquinone into Ubiquinol. Ubiquinol has only been available in supplement form since 2007.

Ubiquinol, which is found naturally in our body, declines as we age and as we are exposed to internal and external stresses. Ageing and exposure to stresses results in reduced cellular energy levels and reduced protection against oxidative stress. This may result in excess free radical activity which may cause damage to the body’s cells. As a natural, potent antioxidant, Ubiquinol helps our body fight oxidative stress caused by free radical damage. As a result, the natural levels of Ubiquinol in our body may need to be replenished in order to help support cellular energy and help maintain general health and wellbeing. Consult your healthcare practitioner for advice.

Ubiquinol is suitable for a range of people and may contribute to overall health and wellbeing. If taking prescription medications – particularly Statin medication for lowering cholesterol – the amount of CoQ10, and therefore Ubiquinol, in the body may be further depleted, in which case you may benefit from taking a Ubiquinol supplement.^1,2 However, it is advised to seek the advice of a healthcare professional when supplementing. Some health conditions such as stress and certain illnesses also diminish the body’s levels of Ubiquinol. If the body is under stress or is overly exerted physically or mentally, Ubiquinol levels may become depleted, leaving you feeling fatigued.

For individuals who cannot effectively convert CoQ10 into Ubiquinol, supplementing with Ubiquinol may help restore healthy levels of CoQ10 in the body, thereby supporting energy production.

Ubiquinol is a powerful antioxidant and can, therefore, assist in protecting the body from damaging effects of free radicals. It also has a number of other health benefits including supporting heart health, exercise recovery, and fertility.

Ubiquinol has been the subject of more than 60 research studies including numerous safety and toxicity studies. A number of new promising studies and trials are currently underway.

In young individuals, the body naturally produces CoQ10 and easily converts it into Ubiquinol. However, due to the natural ageing process as well as exposure to environmental toxins and stresses, our natural Ubiquinol levels begin to decline around the age of 30.

Ubiquinol is not a quick-fix solution. It generally takes 2 to 3 weeks to reach optimal Ubiquinol levels in the body.³ Outcomes may vary per person.

Ubiquinol can be found in a number of fresh foods. However, in order to consume the sufficient amount needed for optimum CoQ10 levels in the body (150mg), you would need to consume the following:

• 3.4kg of meat
• 5.7kg of chicken
• 1.6kg of peanuts
• 50 cups of spinach
• 120 cans of sardines

Alternatively, you may be recommended to supplement with Ubiquinol, with the guidance of your healthcare practitioner.

A double blind placebo study⁴ published in 2013 found that in a group of 100 German athletes, after six weeks of training those who were given Ubiquinol demonstrated higher levels of muscle power compared to those who did not receive the supplement.

1. Passi S, Stancato A, Aleo E, Dmitrieva A, Littarru GP. Statins lower plasma and lymphocyte ubiquinol/ubiquinone without affecting other antioxidants and PUFA. Biofactors. 2003;18(1-4):113-24.
2. Ghirlanda, et al., Evidence of plasma CoQ10-lowering effect of HMG-COA reductase inhibitors: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 1993 Mar; 33(3):226-229.
3. CoQ10 – A Nutritional Powerhouse for Mitochondrial Health. (2016). Mercola.com. Retrieved 16 August 2017, from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/10/31/coq10-ubiquinol-mitochondrial-health.aspx
4. Alf D, Schmidt ME, Siebrecht SC. Ubiquinol supplementation enhances peak power production in trained athletes: a double-blind, placebo controlled study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2013;10:24.