What is the best form of COENZYME Q10?
What is COQ10?
Coenzyme Q10 (aka CoQ10) is a versatile biochemical that plays an essential role in nerve, muscle, and cardiovascular function.
It is also involved in producing energy, protecting cell organelles, and reducing inflammation.
NOT QUITE A VITAMIN
While acting much like a vitamin, it is not technically one because it does not need to be obtained from food.
CoQ10 is synthesized and stored throughout body in the kidneys, heart, skeletal muscle, and liver.
As production declines with age, it is commonly supplemented to support overall vitality.
ROLES OF COQ10
cellular energy
antioxidant regneration
eye function
muscle function
gene expression
fatty acid & amino acid metabolism
COQ10 SUPPLEMENTATION TIPS
CoQ10 is not well absorbed, so consume with fat and/or find a colloidal form designed for improved absorption
DEFICIENCY: more common in older adults
TOXICITY: rare (supplementation very safe)
work with your provider to identify potential medication interactions
FORMS OF COQ10
UBIQUINOL
reduced form = more reactive
primary antioxidant form in humans
UBIQUINONE
oxidized form = more stable
most common form in supplements
derived from animals & bacteria
Which form is better?
Contrary to marketing claims, neither form is clearly superior over the other; the body converts between forms as needed.
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