Coenzyme Q 10 is a compound produced by the body. In its reduced form, it is known as Ubiquinol, but both names may be used interchangeably, although there is a slight difference. In recent years, there has been a great deal of research done on Ubiquinol since it works as an antioxidant in the body. Ubiquinol also plays a vital role in energy production.
The cells in the human body are constantly multiplying, digesting essential nutrients and removing waste from the body. To successfully power the body throughout the day, cells run on a form of energy known as ATP. The body’s cells actually produce ATP in a sophisticated production system that relies on Ubiquinol. Without enough of this in the body, cells cannot produce ATP and fatigue, disease or death may result. Some people may choose to take Ubiquinol as a supplement especially those who are well along in years and the natural production of this vital enzyme is greatly reduced.
Role of Ubiquinol
Each cell in the body contains mitochondria. This would be comparable to a power company that produces power at a plant and then supplies it to a certain area. However, instead of using either coal or water to produce electricity, the mitochondria take carbohydrates from the food eaten every day and turn them into a molecule known as adenosine triphosphate or ATP. This is the fuel that the body needs to successfully run every day.
Ubiquinol is contained in the inner part of the mitochondria chamber where ATP is produced. It is in this inner compartment that electrons are transferred down an electron transport chain. Ubiquinol collects and transfers these electrons which helps the body to produce ATP. It functions as an essential part of the electron transport chain and without sufficient quantities (of Coenzyme Q10); the entire process will come to a halt. The body can then break the bonds in the ATP molecule to produce energy and power normal daily activities. The body only stores enough ATP to sustain vigorous activity for about 8 minutes so it has to continuously make it in the mitochondria.
Ubiquinol is essential for the production of ATP and if the body does not contain enough, individuals will have numerous health problems as well as experience fatigue on a regular basis. Even just a deficiency of 25% in the body can cause illness while 75% will lead to death. In individuals who may not get enough enzymes through their diet, supplementation is encouraged. Also, supplementation may be used to boost cellular energy production and treat some diseases. The body can produce some Coenzyme Q10 by itself. However, this is not enough to power the body effectively.
Ubiquinol is also concentrated in the biggest energy consumers of the body. It can be found in the muscles, brain, kidney, heart, and liver. In order to get an idea of a person’s health status, their Ubiquinol levels may be measured. This essential compound is necessary to fuel every process in the body and it is constantly being used, requiring regular replenishment. This nutrient can be obtained through diet, the body’s natural production or through supplementation. It is highly recommended in individuals who are 40 years and older.
References
- http://speednutritionals.com/coq10/energy-production/
- http://www.naturalnews.com/026128_energy_supplement_health.html
- http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/coenzyme-q10
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