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Coenzyme Q10 — an important building block in our cells

Coenzyme Q10, also known as Q10 for short, became widely known primarily through the cosmetics industry. However, it is important not only for our skin but for each and every one of our approximately 37 trillion body cells. It is found in particular in the “powerhouses of the cells”—themitochondria—where about 90% of our body’s total energy is produced. And this energy is needed for almost all processes in our body. Without energy, these processes cannot take place.


CoQ10 belongs to the group ofvitaminoids, meaning it is a vitamin-like substance that the body—unlike vitamins—can produce on its own. Studies show, however, that the body’s own production of CoQ10 declines steadily starting around age 20. In addition, factors such as stress, competitive sports, an unhealthy lifestyle, smoking, and the use of certain medications can accelerate this process. To specifically counteract a Q10 deficiency, taking a dietary supplement in addition to maintaining a healthy diet may be beneficial.

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Coenzyme Q10: High Concentrations in Organs with High Energy Requirements

CoQ10 is found in all the body’s cells—except red blood cells—and is primarily located in the mitochondria. It is in the mitochondria that the energy essential for life is produced from food. Q10 is present in all organs, but thosewith high energy requirementshave a particularly high concentration of Q10. 

These include, above all: 

  • Heart 
  • Brain
  • Muscles 
  • Liver 
  • Kidneys

Q10 is also found in particularly high concentrations in membranes that surround the interior of cells and cell organelles. These membranes regulate, among other things, the exchange of substances such as sodium, potassium, and calcium ions, as well as the transmission of information. In this process, Q10—along with the equally valuableomega-3 fatty acids—plays a key role in determining the quality of the membranes. 

Graphic “Q10 is found in all organs”: heart, muscles, brain, immune system, lungs, digestive tract, liver, kidneys, sensory organs, and skin

Ubiquinol Q10: What's the difference between it and coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 occurs in our bodies in two biochemical forms:the oxidized form, ubiquinone—commonly referred to as coenzyme Q10—andthe reduced form, ubiquinol. Both forms are found in all cells, especially in the mitochondria. 

First, our body produces Q10 in the form of ubiquinone. During energy production,ubiquinone acts asa mobile transport molecule,transferringelectrons from one protein complex to another and temporarily converting to ubiquinol in the process. After releasing the electron, it reverts to its ubiquinone form. This conversion between the two forms of Q10—ubiquinone and ubiquinol—occurs many times per second. Ubiquinone is therefore the starting substance in this process.

In other parts of the cell,however, ubiquinolplays a key role and can effectively neutralize free radicals that can cause cellular damage. Although ubiquinol oxidizes to ubiquinone in the process, it can be converted back to ubiquinol with the help of three enzymes produced by the body and the two trace elements selenium and zinc.

Illustration of the formation of coenzyme Q10: Mevalonic acid, tyrosine, and methionine combine with the help of vitamins B3, B6, B12, folic acid, and pantothenic acid to form ubiquinone, the oxidized form of coenzyme Q10. Reduction (+2 electrons) converts it to ubiquinol, the reduced form; oxidation (−2 electrons) converts it back to ubiquinone.
Chart: The CoQ10 content of the organs decreases with age. Starting at 100% at age 20, by age 40 the levels are 100% in the lungs, 95% in the liver, 72% in the kidneys, and 68% in the heart; by age 80, the levels are 83% in the liver, the kidneys at 65%, the lungs at 52%, and the heart at 43%

How does a CoQ10 deficiency develop?

A deficiency in CoQ10 can result from various factors, such as:

  • Stress
  • Competitive Sports
  • Weight-Loss Diets 
  • low-fat diet
  • Smoking
  • an insufficient intake of micronutrients necessary for the body's production of CoQ10 (particularly vitamins B3, B6, and B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid, selenium, and zinc)
  • taking certain medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), which can reduce the body's own production of CoQ10
  • a loss of Q10 in food due to longer transport and storage times, preservation, or intense heating during cooking

Studies also show that thebody's own production of CoQ10in various organsdeclines steadily starting around age 20, as shown in the following figure.

To specifically prevent or counteract a CoQ10 deficiency—which can arise for various reasons—it is advisable to take a suitable CoQ10 supplement.

Q10 Capsules: Look for High Bioavailability

Conventional CoQ10 (ubiquinone) in powder form inside a capsule is absorbed very poorly by the intestines—at most about 5 to 8 percent. This is due to its crystalline structure, its molecular size, and its properties as a fat-soluble substance. 

However, ifubiquinoneis encapsulated in a water-soluble, natural “shell,” it can be absorbed by the body much more effectively. This can be achieved, for example, bycomplexingitwith cyclodextrins—special ring-shaped carbohydrates derived from plant starch. An innovative branded raw material in this context is CAVAQ10Ⓡ, which is18 times more bioavailablethan conventional Q10. 

Furthermore, Q10 in its reduced form—that is, asubiquinol—is better absorbed by the body than ubiquinone. However, ubiquinol is very sensitive to oxygen and easily oxidizes back to ubiquinone. For this reason, ubiquinol in Q10 products should always be protected from oxidation and thus remain stable. This is achieved in KanekaⓇ’s ubiquinol throughmicroencapsulation(a natural coating), which results in7 times better absorption.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q10 is a cellular energy source and is essential for energy production in the mitochondria. It contributes to vitality, performance, and healthy cell membranes—especially in organs with high energy demands such as the heart, brain, and muscles. You’ll find it in high doses in Pro Q10 Spectrum.

Q10 is used to support energy metabolism, prevent fatigue, and protect cellular health. Supplementation is recommended because the body’s natural production of Q10 declines steadily starting at age 20.

Yes, Q10 can also support mental health. Because it promotes energy supply to nerve cells and has antioxidant properties, it can have a positive effect on concentration and mental resilience.

Ubiquinol is the active, reduced form of CoQ10 and is better absorbed by the body than ubiquinone. It also has particularly strong antioxidant properties and protects cells from free radicals. Pro Q10 Spectrum combines both forms—ubiquinone and ubiquinol.

The recommended dosage of coenzyme Q10 may vary depending on individual needs and health status. For general health support, a daily dose of 100 to 200 milligrams is often recommended. 

However, there are situations in which the body’s need for it may increase. This is the case, for example, with stress, exercise, smoking, weight-loss diets, and when taking statins. Taking CoQ10 also makes sense as we age, since the body’s own production of the coenzyme begins to decline around the age of 20.

The best time to take coenzyme Q10 can vary and depends on individual preferences as well as the purpose of taking it. Many people prefer to take coenzyme Q10 in the morning or at lunchtime, as it can provide energy for the day. Coenzyme Q10 is also fat-soluble, so it is recommended to take it with a meal.

Coenzyme Q10 is associated with numerous health benefits, including:

  • Coenzyme Q10 is essential for energy production in the body’s cells and is found primarily in the mitochondria—the cells’ powerhouses—which play a key role in the body’s energy production. For this reason, Q10 is found in significant amounts in organs that have higher energy demands—such as the heart, brain, muscles, immune system, and nervous system.
  • Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that helps the body fight free radicals.

Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance that our bodies can produce on their own and that is also obtained through diet. It is a crystalline substance that is odorless and tasteless and belongs to the ubiquinone family.

The duration of Q10 supplementation may vary depending on an individual's specific situation and health status. For general health support, a course of at least 3–4 months is usually recommended. 

However, there is no maximum duration for taking Q10. It is therefore possible to take Q10 long-term to support your body.

Coenzyme Q10, also known as Q10 for short, occurs in the body in two different chemical forms: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Both forms are needed by the body and can be converted into one another.

FACT-BASED KNOWLEDGE FOR YOUR HEALTH

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