Last year supply was reported to be so tight that the on-the-spot price of CoQ10 was said to have reached between US$4000 and $5000 per kg.

By the beginning of May this year the on-the-spot price was said to have dropped to around $1500 per kilo - a significant come-down as the major manufacturers increased capacity to meet demand.

A fat-soluble substance found naturally in all forms of animal life, CoQ10 is present in cell membrane and is vital in the production of energy. Considered the power plant of the human body, it has especially high concentration in the heart.

For these reasons CoQ10 is used as a dietary supplement, with the rationale that boosting intake of the nutrient could support cellular metabolism, particularly in cells with energy deficiencies.

It is also used for cosmetics purposes, with its powerful anti-oxidants helping to contribute to significant anti-ageing properties. It is general found in premium properties, as it is a fairly expensive ingredient, where it comes in both oral and topical form.

Leading manufacturers that uses the ingredient in the beauty sector include Colose Cosmetics, Jason Natural Cosmetics and Orjene.

Kyowa Hakko also makes branded ingredients Cognizin, Citicoline, Resilen and Lumistor