Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) or ubiquinone is a vitamin like compound that is found in virtually every cell in the human body.  Although the body synthesizes CoQ10, as we age, levels of the nutrient start to decline and supplementation becomes crucial to help prevent a number of disorders namely heart disease.

In relation to its benefits for heart health, CoQ10 has two main functions: as an antioxidant and a coenzyme in the production of energy for each cell in the body . Both functions are crucial for maintaining a healthy, well functioning heart. As an antioxidant, CoQ10 plays a vital role in combating free radical damage. Specifically, CoQ10 may help to prevent the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol which is a process implicated in atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries due to plaque build-up) and coronary artery disease .

As a critical part of energy production, CoQ10 is vital for the constant pumping action of the heart . Low levels of CoQ10 have been correlated to weak heart muscle and heart failure. Because of the compound's energy-generating properties, some experts suggest that CoQ10 might ease congestive heart failure by increasing the amount of cellular fuel available to the heart, enabling it to pump more effectively .

Since CoQ10 is fat soluble and a fairly large molecule, it is poorly absorbed into the blood . Research has shown that coenzyme Q10 dosed in oil preparations may be better absorbed, while dry (powder) preparations are poorly absorbed. Water-miscible (or water soluble) forms of CoQ10 are now available and recent research has shown these to be highly absorbed into the blood .

CoEnzyme Q10 (Co Q10) is a vital nutrient for energy production in the body. Without sufficient Co Q10, body systems cannot function optimally because they simply do not have enough fuel to do their job. The cardiovascular and immune systems are the most sensitive to Co Q10 deficiency because they have such high-energy needs. In addition to energy production, Co Q10 also offers important antioxidant protection to all cells.

Co Q10 is essential to life processes. Without it, life would cease to exist. Let’s find out how this is possible by taking a closer look at the cellular processes of the body.

During digestion, much of what we eat is converted to glucose to be used as fuel. The mitochondria (which are the energy generators of the cell) must further convert the glucose to ATP, or cellular energy. Co Q10 is required for this process.

Although Co Q10 may be synthesized in the body and found in food, as we age, levels of the nutrient seem to decrease. After age 35, Co Q10 levels in the body start to diminish drastically. Studies have shown that if levels decline by 25%, our bodies won't have enough cellular energy to stay healthy.

Highest concentrations of Co Q10 are found in the heart, brain and liver, which makes sense, as these organs have the highest energy demands in the body.

Research on Co Q10 therapy and heart disease has revealed very impressive findings. For example, many clinical trials demonstrated that Co Q10 is useful in the treatment and prevention of congestive heart failure, angina, heart muscle degeneration and high blood pressure. In one study, 80% of patients with severe cardiomyopathy (heart muscle dysfunction) showed significant improvement after they began supplementing daily with Co Q10. The results of this study suggest that CoQ10 supplementation for heart disease can potentially add years to a patient’s life. In another trial, over 50% of high blood pressure patients were able to eliminate their hypertension medications after 5 months of daily Co Q10 treatment.

Many Co Q10 supplements are available commercially, however not all are equally absorbable. CoQ10 is poorly soluble in water which translates into poor absorption. With this in mind, came the development of CoQ10 MRB QGel® – a water soluble and highly absorbable form of CoQ10. When comparing different brands and formulations, CoQ10 MRB QGel® was found to significantly raise serum CoQ10 levels showing a three fold increase over competitor brands. Hence individuals taking a 60mg supplement of CoQ10 MRB QGel® were able to derive more absorption and benefit than a standard CoQ10 supplement.

In summary, Co Q10 is profoundly important in preventing and perhaps successfully treating various diseases. As Co Q10 levels decline, the incidence of symptoms we associate with aging tend to increase. Daily supplementation of 60mg for general health and wellness can help to prevent various life threatening illnesses. Since CoQ10 is only as good as its absorbability, the development of QGel® is revolutionary in its ability to ward off potentially fatal diseases and add years to our lives.

References available upon request.