The reality is that both work well and the body freely switches from its oxidised ubiquinone form to its reduced ubiquinol form as needed. The most important issue is that CoQ10 is only soluble in fats and is difficult to absorb from supplements.
Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory compounds such as curcumin and is a potent antioxidant. I use this product for support of serious energy issues especially where there is some background inflammatory or neurological problem. This is a serious supplement for serious problems.
We know that statin drugs reduce CoQ10 production by as much as 50%. Logic says the higher the statin dose the greater the reduction in CoQ10 levels which is why I set supplemental CoQ10 levels based on doses and any statin side effects.
The effects on the body are much the same as reduced fuel flow to your car engine and additionally having dirty spark plugs. Low CoQ10 will be felt as low energy, stiff and achy muscles and tendons Unlocking Coenzyme Q10 (Part 1)
You may have heard of Co enzyme Q10. Sometimes CoQ10 should be taken as a separate supplement while in others it is best when combined with other compounds.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is one of the most important substances made in our bodies. We get a tiny amount from diet but is mostly made in the liver via a series of enzymes. These enzymes make several compounds including cholesterol.
Main role of CoQ10
The main role is in our cell mitochondria where it is essential for making the energy our bodies need. It acts a little like both the fuel line and spark plugs in your car. It is used to transport energy within cell mitochondria and then acts like a spark plug to ignite energy. Aging, some drugs and several diseases can reduce CoQ10 levels which can have dire consequences for our health.
The unique chemistry of CoQ10 means it is also able to act as an antioxidant. It is particularly effective at helping protect the cholesterol travelling in our blood from oxidation which is the first step in the process of forming artery plaques.
CoQ10 made alongside cholesterol
CoQ10 is made in the same biochemical pathway (mevalonate) as cholesterol. The enzyme HMG-CoA reductase that makes cholesterol is at the top of this complex metabolic tree. Some drugs especially cholesterol-lowering statin drugs inhibit HMG-CoA reductase.
The technical name for statin drugs is ‘HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.’ The statin compounds occupy a particular binding site which slows the rate of this enzyme which downstream results in less cholesterol. Think of the enzyme like a little turbine producing electricity. Slow the turbine and you will get less power. Slow down HMG-CoA reductase and you will have less cholesterol, less CoQ10 and less of many other things our bodies need.
We know that statin drugs reduce CoQ10 production by as much as 50%. Logic says the higher the statin dose the greater the reduction in CoQ10 levels which is why I set supplemental CoQ10 levels based on doses and any statin side effects.
The effects on the body are much the same as reduced fuel flow to your car engine and additionally having dirty spark plugs. Low CoQ10 will be felt as low energy, stiff and achy muscles and tendons and in some cases depressed mood.
CoQ10 can switch states
CoQ10 is what chemists call a ‘redox’ agent. This means it can switch between its oxidised state as ubiquinone then change to its reduce state of ubiquinol. It does this by gaining and losing electrons. When it loses electrons, it becomes fully oxidised ubiquinone. When it gains electrons, it becomes fully reduced ubiquinol.
Ubiquinone and ubiquinol
Both forms are important. Ubiquinone is needed to make energy while as ubiquinol it acts like an antioxidant. If taking CoQ10 as a supplement, ubiquinone is preferred if the goal is energy processes while as ubiquinol it is better as an antioxidant. The CoQ10 made in the liver is ubiquinone which is changed to ubiquinol as needed. Once ubiquinol has donated its electrons it reverts to ubiquinone. When it gains electrons, it becomes ubiquinol.