Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is the energy source used for all body processes. ATP is manufactured through a complex process in a tiny part of the cell known as the mitochondria. Within the mitochondria, CoQ10 plays a major role in the production of energy (ATP) and as an antioxidant to help protect the cell. In order to carry out these respective tasks, CoQ10 gets converted from the ubiquinone form, which is involved in the production of energy (ATP), to the ubiquinol form, which functions as an antioxidant.
Ubiquinol and coenzyme Q10 are in fact very similar molecules. But the small alteration that makes them different is what gives them their unique role in energy production. That change also makes a big difference in the bioavailability, transportability, and antioxidant activity in the body.† The difference between Ubiquinol and CoQ10 lies in two electrons (along with the 2 hydrogen atoms, "H," that come with the electrons). Look at the structures below – see the two lone "Os" (oxygens) of coenzyme Q10? Add the two electrons and the hydrogens and those Os turn into "OHs" (hydroxyl groups), and now you have Ubiquinol. [4]
How is food turned into energy? The bonds that hold together a molecule of food, say sugar, contain lots of energy. By breaking those bonds, that energy is released and can be captured and used. The capturing mechanism is like a line of crisis workers who are quickly passing sandbags one to the next to get them to the site of use. Coenzyme Q10/Ubiquinol is like one of these workers, and what it is passing is the released energy, in the form of... electrons! So coenzyme Q10/Ubiquinol spends its day flipping back and forth as it passes electrons along to their final destination, while the energy is put into a usable form. [4]
And you can also see how a deficiency in coenzyme Q10/Ubiquinol would have a great impact on the body's ability to produce energy. † 
Hence, age and health deficiencies, can affect the body’s ability to manufacture ubiquinol from the ubiquinone form. This can lead to sub-optimal levels which can reduce energy production and weaken the body’s immune and antioxidant defenses. Q10 levels may also be depleted by intense physical exercise, illness or lipid-lowering statin drugs. †
Supplementation with CoQ10 in the reduced, ubiquinol form, supports the body’s antioxidant requirements to help combat free radicals, while helping it to maintain healthy ATP (energy) levels.† Ubiquinol is the form that is most preferred by the body for transport in the blood. In a healthy adult, more than 95% of the total coenzyme Q10 in the blood is in the Ubiquinol form. If coenzyme Q10 is ingested, the body quickly transforms it into Ubiquinol. Some people cannot perform that transition very efficiently, and therefore receive very little benefit if they take coenzyme Q10 as opposed to Ubiquinol. [4] †
How does Dr. Kenawy’s Ubiquinol formula (Kaneka Ubiquinol™) compare to other Coenzyme Q10 products?
Firstly, there are two forms of CoQ-10 that you could choose from, ubiquinone and ubiquinol. These are actually two forms of the same compound. However, the latter, Ubiquinol, is the reduced, active form that goes right into action and plugs itself directly into making energy so we feel good, energized, clear and centered.
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. It took scientists and researchers more than a decade to stabilize ubiquinol for use in supplements because it was so easily oxidized outside of the body. †
Ubiquinone is the form of CoQ10 most recognized by consumers. Ubiquinol is the active and more absorbable form of CoQ10, but is not as well known because it wasn't available in supplements until 2006 when Kaneka Nutrients introduced Kaneka Ubiquinol™. †
Ubiquinone will continue to be an important supplement for those who want to maintain good health in their 20s and 30s. Kaneka Ubiquinol™, however, will be of particular importance for those 40 and older, or with hindered ability to convert CoQ10. †
***More details below regarding Dr. Kenawy’s Ubiquinol formula (Kaneka Ubiquinol™)***
As with all of Dr. Kenawy's professional line products, we use the best manufactures in making our formulas. Dr. Kenawy’s Ubiquinol formula containing Kaneka QH™ is patented and manufactured by Kaneka, one of the world's leaders in natural pharmaceutical grade CoQ10. It is produced through a patented process that stabilizes this reduced form of CoQ10 against oxidation. Ubiquinol is the antioxidant form of CoQ10. Studies show this form of CoQ10 is absorbed more efficiently and offers enhanced bioavailability over other forms of CoQ10 (ubiquinone). Age and health status significantly affect the body's ability to manufacture ubiquinol from the ubiquinone form of CoQ10. Providing an oral supplement of this powerful antioxidant can help the body maintain optimal levels despite age and/or health status. †
Features:
- Ubiquinol from Kaneka, one of Japan’s leading manufacturers of CoQ10.
- Reduced antioxidant form, no conversion necessary; more bioavailable.
- Kaneka QH™ (Active form of coenzyme Q10, Ubiquinol) is stabilized through a patented process.
- All trans form; no cis isomers.
- Identical in structure to the CoQ10 produced in the body.
- Processed through natural fermentation; not synthetic.
- Easy to swallow soft gel capsule.
- Gluten free.
†Benefits:
- Provides a direct source of ubiquinol bypassing the need for conversion.
- Several factors such as aging, certain medications and disease state can affect the conversion of ubiquinone to ubiquinol.†
- Ubiquinol CoQH offers improved absorption and bioavailability, especially to individuals who fall into one of the above categories and have difficulty achieving optimal levels of this nutrient.†
- High levels of energy (ATP) are necessary for the optimal function of all body systems. Ubiquinol plays an indirect role in providing support for the production of optimal levels of ATP.†
- In addition to its role in energy production, the main role of ubiquinol (reduced CoQ10) is its ability to help neutralize free radicals by providing antioxidant support.†
- Kaneka led the world in successfully developing stabilization technologies for regenerative coenzyme Q10 in bulk and soft capsule forms. More than 90% of the coenzyme Q10 in the blood plasma of healthy people is regenerative. This product helps maintain the health of middle-aged and older people whose regenerative abilities have declined. †
- Kaneka Ubiquinol™ is more absorbable than conventional CoQ10, which means that optimal levels of CoQ10 can be restored quickly and efficiently, especially in those who are over 40 or are affected by certain age-related conditions. †
- Kaneka Ubiquinol™ has been tested for more than a decade by scientists and researchers. †
†These statements have not been evaluated by The Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your General Practitioner. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
References:
[1] Ubiquinol and CoQ10 Ingredients for Business - Kaneka Nutrients. (n.d.). Kaneka. https://www.kanekanutrients.com
[2] Ubiquinol Declines With Age image. (n.d.). - https://www.superhealthsprays.com
[3] Schulman, R. (n.d.). CoQ10 vs Ubiquinol : What is the difference? Ubiquinol.Org. https://ubiquinol.org/blog/coq10-vs-ubiquinol-what-difference