'Overlooked' vitamin could be key to combating fatigue and boosting energy
Despite its benefits, nearly 80% of people have never heard of it according to new research
The nutrient powers cells and reduces oxidative stress
(Image: Getty )
Many people are interested in nutrition. Lifestyle modifications, including nutrition, can fundamentally affect the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological diseases. Following a balanced diet, alongside regular exercise and making healthy life choices, can make a significant difference to overall well-being.
Up until now, most of the interest has been in macronutrients (energy, carbohydrates, protein, and fibre) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Yet there is growing interest in another 'fascinating' nutritional compound known as ubiquinol.
Yet many do not even know what ubiquinol is. Data from a real-world research study commissioned by Kaneka Ubiquinol - the bioavailable form of Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which offers help for couples struggling to conceive, revealed that 80% were not sure what ubiquinol was.
Three-quarters (74%) had never heard of ubiquinol, 62% disagreed with the statement that they understood what ubiquinol does, and 64% did not know if ubiquinol could play a role in their health. Further data highlighted that:
Just over three-quarters (76%) did not know the difference between coenzyme Q10 and ubiquinol.
Just under three-quarters (72%) were unsure whether ubiquinol or ubiquinone was more bioavailable.
As we age, the body's capacity to transform CoQ10 into ubiquinol diminishes, which may make ubiquinol-rich foods and supplements helpful for older adults. Additionally, some medications such as statins, along with lifestyle elements like sun exposure, can influence CoQ10 and ubiquinol levels.
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Over the years, the body's capacity to transform CoQ10 into ubiquinol diminishes
What is ubiquinol?
Public health nutritionist and part of the Kaneka Ubiquinol (the bioavailable form of Co-Enzyme Q10 - CoQ10) expert hub, Dr Emma Derbyshire, says: "Ubiquinol is a vitamin-like substance that acts as a powerful antioxidant, playing a key role in the production of cellular energy needed by human cells and organs.
"Just as a lamp is powered by electricity or a car by electricity or petrol, human cells and organs are powered by cellular energy. Some of us may have heard of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), but many of us are unaware that there are two forms of this nutrient – ubiquinol and ubiquinone."
Ubiquinol is the active and bioavailable form of CoQ10. Other forms of CoQ10, such as ubiquinone, need to be converted to ubiquinol before they can be used by the human body. Ubiquinol is sometimes referred to as 'fully loaded' CoQ10 as it contains extra electrons compared to ubiquinone. Ubiquinol's oral bioavailability has been reported to be greater than that of ubiquinone in healthy adults. Kaneka Ubiquinol is three to five times better absorbed than conventional CoQ10.
Studies suggest that taking ubiquinol can help reduce fatigue
How can ubiquinol improve health?
The vitamin-like substance is found in every cell of the body, with particularly high concentrations in the heart. It's essential for energy production and acts as an antioxidant. Ubiquinol consumption has increasingly been linked to several vital health essentials, including:
1. Reinforcing fertility
Public health nutritionist, Dr Emma Derbyshire who headed a new research review published in the journal of Gynaecology and Women's Health Research, explains: "After reviewing 17 trials we found that Ubiquinol appears to contribute to improvements in female egg quality, fertilisation, markers of sperm quality, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms and hormone levels."
2. Reduction of oxidative stress
Ubiquinol contains extra electrons that can neutralise free radicals, which can damage human cells and contribute to oxidative stress. Free radicals can be generated by exposure to tobacco smoke, fried foods, alcohol and air pollutants.
Oxidative stress happens when there's a mismatch between the generation of free radicals and the body's capacity to counteract them with antioxidants. Ubiquinol, a potent antioxidant, is crucial in reestablishing this equilibrium. It functions by neutralising free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm cells and lead to a range of health issues.
Speak to a GP if you have any health concerns, especially regarding tiredness
3. Cellular energy production
Ubiquinol is found in every cell of the human body. It is needed for 95% of cellular energy production, which includes the production of the energy molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Ubiquinol is a key player in the mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of the cell. It helps mitochondria produce energy more efficiently.
4. Offsetting fatigue
Studies suggest that taking ubiquinol can help reduce fatigue, particularly in instances of mild fatigue and fatigue caused by exercise. Research has indicated that ubiquinol may enhance the function of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling bodily functions such as heart rate and breathing, and it can also boost cognitive abilities that might be impacted by fatigue.
Other research has looked at ubiquinol's ability to help offset fatigue. In the study of 20 adults (mean age 44 years) experiencing fatigue in daily life, taking 150mg ubiquinol daily over four weeks was found to significantly relieve feelings of mild fatigue. Ongoing studies are needed, but these are interesting findings that make sense given ubiquinol's ability to power human cells.
Where isubiquinol
Ubiquinol can be found in certain foods, such as oily fish, turkey, poultry, citrus fruits, nuts and seeds, such as pistachio nuts, peanuts, and sesame seeds, but you need to consume a fair amount of these foods to obtain sufficient amounts. It can also be found in supplement form, such as Kaneka Ubiquinol.
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"Ubiquinol is certainly a substance that we will be hearing much more about in the future, particularly in relation to reinforcement of fertility, active lifestyles and healthy ageing", reports Dr Emma Derbyshire, Public Health Nutritionist. It is, however, always useful to consult your healthcare provider before taking any formulations.
Ubiquinol is typically regarded as safe for most adults when used as directed, and it has minimal side effects. However, it may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and medications for blood pressure.
It is best to speak with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplements, such as ubiquinol, particularly if you have pre-existing health issues or are on other medications. This information is intended for general knowledge and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional prior to starting any new supplement routine.
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