Technical Data
Description
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is dynamically cycled between two stable states:
ubiquinone, the fully oxidized (energy supporting) state that shuttles electrons, and
ubiquinol, the fully reduced (antioxidant) state that releases electrons. While ubiquinol has more bioactive properties than ubiquinone, it is an extremely unstable compound and converts to CoQ10 upon exposure to light or oxygen.
1 New research has led to the development of a method to stabilize ubiquinol.
ActivLife Q10 contains KanekaQH™, patented, stabilized, active ubiquinol, clinical demonstrated to have greater bioactivity than CoQ10.
2 In scientific studies, supplementation with stable ubiquinol resulted in greater sustained plasma levels of active form of CoQ10 (ubiquinol) over ubiquinone.† It was also shown to enhance energy and stamina 5 fold over baseline and to improve glucose metabolism in test animals.†
UBQH:
- Exclusive, patented formulation containing ubiquinol
- Available in either 50 mg or 100 mg softgels
- Efficient delivery system – especially important for individuals requiring high dose CoQ10
- Demonstrated to increase serum levels 200% more than CoQ10 (ubiquinone)†
- No significant adverse effects reported during safety and toxicological studies
- Clinically shown to increase ejection fractions by 24 to 50 percent†
*Total CoQ10 measurement consists of the sum of both ubiquinone and ubiquinol levels. For most people, the Total CoQ10 measurement is approximately 97% ubiquinol and 3% ubiquinone.
Introduction
CoQ10, an essential component of cellular energy production, was first isolated from beef heart mitochondria in 1957 by Frederick Crane, PhD at the University of Wisconsin Enzyme Institute.
3 In 1958, a team of researchers at Merck Pharmaceuticals led by Karl Folkers, PhD determined the precise chemical structure of CoQ10 (2,3 dimethoxy-5 methyl-6 decaprenyl benzoquinone), synthesized it, and successfully produced it by fermentation.
4 That same year, another team of scientists led by RA Morton, PhD isolated the same substance from mitochondria and named it
ubiquinone because of its widespread (
ubiquitous) occurrence in nature.
5In the late 1970s, CoQ10 research dramatically increased as the technology to produce large quantities of pure CoQ10 was perfected and the ability to accurately measure its presence in blood and tissue samples was developed. To date, CoQ10 has been the subject of more than 4,000 studies, eleven international conferences, and, in 1978, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. British biochemist Peter Mitchell, PhD was awarded the Nobel Prize for his contribution to the understanding of biological energy transfer which includes the vital role of CoQ10 in energy transfer systems.6
This large body of evidence has established that CoQ10 supplementation can improve cell energy production and extend cell life by enhancing cellular mitochondrial levels of CoQ10, thus supporting all physical systems, including support of cardiac, neurological, periodontal, skin, and immune health.† It has also been previously demonstrated (through research utilizing Integrative Therapeutics, Inc.'s Vitaline CoQ10) that supplementation coenzyme Q10 raises serum and mitochondrial levels of CoQ10, thereby supporting healthy cellular respiration.†
How Does It Work?
Most of the cells in the human body contain mitochondria, small organelles that make adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy-rich compound that fuels the body's activities. The synthesis of ATP within the mitochondria is a highly complex, multi-stepped process involving a series of biochemical reactions called the electron transport chain.
7 7As ATP cannot be stored, it must be replaced as it is used. This means that ATP production is an ongoing event. While ATP can be produced by a number of distinct cellular processes, the majority of ATP is generated by the electron transport chain.†
7,8Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural nutrient that's found in the mitochondria. Called a “coenzyme” because of its unique ability to participate in chemical reactions and remain unchanged, CoQ10 assists in two vital cellular activities: ATP production and free radical scavenging.† 7 To carry out these activities, mitochondrial CoQ10 continuously cycles from ubiquinone, its ATP production state, to ubiquinol, its antioxidant free radical scavenging state.†9
As previously stated, the generation of ATP within the electron transport chain is a complex process. Each step results in the building up of energy. Ubiquinone contributes to ATP production by the shuttling or transporting of electrons.10 Similar to people in a bucket brigade passing buckets of water to one another, ubiquinone passes electrons from one enzyme complex to another. To meet the considerable energy needs of cellular activities, the electron transport chain makes considerable quantities of ATP.†6
The electron transport chain also creates an enormous amount of free radicals – about 1 trillion oxygen radicals per cell every day.† Most of these oxygen radicals are contained within the membrane folds of the mitochondria; however, about two percent are able to get free, generating toxins that present a significant danger to the entire cell.†11-13The antioxidant form of CoQ10, ubiquinol, scavenges free radicals within the mitochondria and cell membranes. 1
While free radical formation is harmful to all cells, it is especially dangerous to cells with high biologic activity, such as heart and brain cells.† The highest concentration of CoQ10 is found in cardiovascular (heart) and nervous system (brain) cells to protect their vital functions.† 9,10Ubiquinol is such an important antioxidant, primarily because it is present at sites where free radicals inflict significant damage.† 1,4,6
While more than 90 percent of the CoQ10 found in a healthy person's plasma is in its reduced form, ubiquinol is highly unstable and reverts back to CoQ10 when it is exposed to air and light. This is why, until very recently, only ubiquinone has been available in supplement form. The process of stabilizing ubiquinol outside of the body took several years to test and perfect.4 The ubiquinol in ActivLife Q10™, patented KanekaQH, is the world's only ubiquinol supplement.15 The KanekaQH in ActivLife Q10 has the innate ability to be absorbed more efficiently than ubiquinone.† While supplemental CoQ10 must be cycled to ubiquinol for absorption, the KanekaQH in ActivLife Q10™ is able to avoid this reduction reaction as it is already in the reduced state.† ActivLife Q10 is especially helpful for those individuals whose DNA cannot properly process CoQ10 or those that are experiencing a natural decline in CoQ10 production associated with aging.†
Scientific Research
When individuals have substandard plasma levels of (total) CoQ10, less than 2.0=g/ml, CoQ10 supplementation frequently fails to provide an adequate therapeutic response, even at doses up to 900mg/day.†16,17Many individuals respond poorly, if at all. A study by Watson demonstrated a mean plasma CoQ10 level of only 1.7 =g/ml in the treatment group with only two of 30 patients having a level greater than 2.0 =g/ml.16 The Khatta trial demonstrated a mean plasma CoQ10 level of 2.2±1.2 =g/ml indicating that some patients on treatment had levels as low as 1.0 =g/ml.17
A recent clinical study of seven adult men and women with low serum CoQ10 levels (mean level 1.4 =g/ml) and corresponding left ventricular output decreases investigated their response to Kaneka QH supplementation. After three months, the subjects experienced a 24 to 50 percent increase in their left ventricular output and in some individuals, a tripling of their ubiquinol levels (mean serum levels 4.1 =g/ml).†18
In an evaluation of energy (calculated as time to fatigue) in an animal model, older animals received placebo, CoQ10, and ubiquinol in a crossover study. Running times were measured in each group. When the animals received ubiquinol running times were prolonged 150 fold versus placebo.† Increases during the CoQ10 supplementation period did not reach statistical significance.†19
In an experiment which used an animal model of aging, ubiquinol supplementation was associated with healthier aging (as determined by skin, eye, skeletal and general health) in comparison to aging in the both the CoQ10 and control group.† The control group in this experiment experienced double the senescence scores in mid-life when compared to the ubiquinol group, while the CoQ10 supplemented group had senescence scores approximately 1.5 times as high as the ubiquinol group.†19 Increased senescence scores are an indication of the signs of aging.†
Stability and Safety
As previously noted, ubiquinol outside of the body is not stable, and quickly converts back to CoQ10 in the presence of oxygen. Therefore, its potential use as an oral supplement has been limited. A patented process to prevent ubiquinol from oxidizing has now been developed.15ActivLife Q10 features this stabilized form of ubiquinol, in an exclusive softgel capsule. This product remains shelf-stable to deliver potent ubiquinol, and has been demonstrated to significantly raise serum levels of CoQ10.†21
The safety, absorption, and bioavailability of ubiquinol have been well-established. Results to date have found that intake of active ubiquinol is associated with total serum CoQ10 (ubiquinone plus ubiquinol) levels at least 2 times higher than oxidized CoQ10.†22 Acute toxicity and safety studies of ubiquinol including genotoxicity tests, Ames, chromosome, and micronucleus tests have all been negative.21
In a recent placebo-controlled safety trial, single doses of Kaneka QH were given to 15 healthy volunteers (5 males and 5 females for the 150mg dose and 5 males for the 300mg dose). No safety concerns were noted, no changes in standard laboratory tests were observed, and no adverse events were reported in doses of up to 300mg for up to two weeks after the study's completion. In the bioavailability arm of the study, 78 healthy volunteers (10 males and 8 females each for placebo, 90 mg, 150mg, and 300 mg dose groups) received Kaneka QH for 4-weeks. No clinically relevant changes induced by Kaneka QH were noted in the subjects' standard laboratory tests, physical examination, vital signs, or electrocardiograph (ECG) readings in any dosage group.†23
Conclusion
Kaneka QH™ in ActivLife Q10™ is the same form of CoQ10 that is present in over 90 percent of the human bloodstream. Requiring no conversion from ubiquinone to ubiquinol, ActivLife Q10 is ready to support nervous system and cardiovascular health. As supplemental CoQ10 must be cycled to ubiquinol for absorption, Kaneka QH in ActivLife Q10 is already reduced and is able to avoid this reduction reaction. To date, the Kaneka QH in ActivLife Q10 is the only ubiquinol supplement on the market. Representing a huge scientific discovery, ActivLife Q10 can provide significant support for human health.†
Recommendations
One softgel daily with a glass of water .
Precautions
If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.
How Is It Supplied?
- 06513;30 softgels
- 06516;60 softgels
Storage Recommendations
Store at controlled room temperature, 59° to 86°F (15° – 30°C).
References
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2. Unpublished data. Kaneka Corporation. January 19, 2005.
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Biochim Biophys Acta 1957;25: 220-1.
4. Langsjoen P H. Introduction to CoQ10. Available at: http://faculty.washington.edu/ely/coenzq10.html. Accessed March 14, 2008.
5. Morton RA. Ubiquinone.
Nature. 1958;182:1764-7
6. Barry R.
The Power of Kaneka QH: The Key to Energy, Vitality, and a Healthy Heart. Sherman Oaks, CA: Health Point Press; 2008: 1-48.
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15. Ueda T, Ono T, Moro M, Kitamura S, Ueda Y. Method of stabilizing reduced coenzyme Q10. Patent application number US 2005/0008630 A1. January 13, 2005.
16. Watson PS, Scalia GM, Galbraith A, Burstow DJ, Bett N, Aroney CN Lack of effect of coenzyme Q on left ventricular function in patients with congestive heart failure.
J Am Coll Cardiol 1999;33:1549-1552.
17. Khatta M, Alexander BS, Krichten CM, Fisher ML, Freudenberger R, Robinson SW, et al. The effect of coenzyme Q10 in patients with congestive heart failure.
Annals of Internal Medicine 2000;132:641-648.
18. Langsjoen PH. Supplemental ubiquinol in patients with advanced congestive heart failure. Presented at the 5th International CoQ10Conference. November11, 2007, Kobe Gakuin University at Port Island, Kobe, Japan.
19. Yan J, Fujii K, Yao J, et al. Reduced coenzyme Q10 supplementation decelerates senescence in SAMP1 mice.
Exp Gerontol. 2006 Feb;41(2):130-40.
20. Kaikkonen J, Tuomainen TP, Nyyssonen K, Salonen JT. Coenzyme Q10: absorption, antioxidative properties, determinants, and plasma levels.
Free Radic Res. 2002;36(4):389-97.
21. Unpublished data. Kaneka Corporation. October 22, 2003.
22. Zhang J. Association of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) C609T polymorphism in a German Caucasian and a northern Chinese population.
Carcinogenesis. 2003;24(5):905-9.
23. Hosoe K, Kitano M, Kishida H, Kubo H, Fujii K, Kitahara M. Study on safety and bioavailability of ubiquinol (Kaneka QH) after single and 4-week multiple oral administration to healthy volunteers.
Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2007;47:19-28.