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Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) has been
taken as a supplement by millions of people over the past
thirty years. Because
of its wide availability and popularity as a supplement,
ubiquinone is the form of CoQ10 most recognized by consumers. Because
it was not available in nutritional supplements until 2006,
ubiquinol is a lesser-known but equally important nutrient.
Ubiquinone,
one of the most powerful known lipid-soluble antioxidants,
is produced naturally within the body. Its
importance in cellular energy production is well established.
Ubiquinol is the reduced, active antioxidant form
of CoQ10. It also plays an essential but different
role in the cellular energy production process.
Both ubiquinone
and ubiquinol are critical to the cellular ATP (energy)
production cycle. Without the presence
of both ubiquinone and ubiquinol within the body’s
cells, cellular energy cannot be generated or sustained.
Until
recently, the only way to increase ubiquinol
levels in plasma was to convert it from ubiquinone within
the body, which research has shown becomes increasingly
difficult with age. Because it was so easily oxidized
outside of the body, it took scientists and researchers
more than a decade to stabilize ubiquinol for use
in supplements.
Ubiquinone will continue to be an
important supplement for those who want to maintain good
health in their 20s and 30s. Ubiquinol, however,
will be of particular importance for those 40 and older,
or with hindered ability to convert CoQ10.
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