Optimizing cellular mitochondrial health with Kaneka Ubiquinol

Longevity at its core is living a longer and healthier life; the term health span similarly points to the interest in living as long as possible in optimal wellness.

When combining this interest in longevity with the growing focus on biohacking – spanning methods from lifestyle modifications and supplementation to tech hacks and more – there’s no question consumers have gone beyond the aches and pains of aging into a comprehensive approach to whole body wellbeing, down to the cellular level.

And the powerhouse of cellular health is the mitochondria, an organelle that is essential for producing required energy for various cellular functions. Present throughout the body, mitochondria convert chemical energy – fuel such as glucose – into cellular energy known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Mitochondria maintain and regulate proper cell function and thereby regulate the physiology of the body. Unfortunately, as the body ages, the mitochondria lose their ability to produce energy and generate excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing oxidative damage that impacts quality of life.

It’s only natural, therefore, that ingredients to support mitochondrial health are attracting attention. In fact, the global market for mitochondrial health supplements is estimated in the multibillion-dollar range, with projections for double-digit growth.^¹

And at the top of the list is coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which exists in two forms: ubiquinone (oxidized) and ubiquinol (the reduced, antioxidant form). Ubiquinol is synthesized in the body, one of the only fat-soluble compounds produced endogenously.

Ubiquinol is found in every cell in the body, driving ATP production, neutralizing free radicals and managing oxidative stress. During the production of ATP, ubiquinol facilitates the electron transfer necessary to both yield energy and counteract production of ROS. Cells and systems with greater energy needs have higher mitochondrial activity and increased ubiquinol requirements.

Heart health

CoQ10 has been recognized for years for its impact on heart health, as heart cells contain large numbers of mitochondria to support its energy needs – 8% of the body’s total energy consumption despite making up only 0.5% of total body weight.

Ubiquinol’s ability to reduce levels of ROS plays a role in endothelial vessel health and supports healthy levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. LDL helps to transport ubiquinol throughout the body while simultaneously protecting the LDL from oxidative damage.

Reproductive health

As much as mitochondria impact heart health, the greatest number of mitochondria in any cell is found in oocytes – by one to two orders of magnitude – due to the intense energy demands of the role in the reproductive process.^²

Both oocytes and sperm have high energy demands during the preconception and conception stages, and oxidative stress can damage the fragile DNA and biochemical pathways. Accumulated oxidative stress during aging can adversely impact oocyte function and quality, and a decline in mitochondrial function may be a key factor in accelerated aging of oocytes.^³

Muscle health

Increased energy demands in the muscle cells during exercise not only means those mitochondria are producing ATP, but also ROS; moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can increase the body’s ability to accommodate oxidative stress, but the decline in mitochondrial function with aging can overwhelm the system and lead to muscle tissue damage. Research is still evolving, but recent studies suggest higher CoQ10 levels may support higher muscle performance with reduced oxidative damage.^⁴

Providing active, reduced CoQ10

Within the body, CoQ10 shifts between its oxidized form, ubiquinone, and the reduced form ubiquinol. As it donates electrons to neutralize free radicals in the ATP production process, it flips between the forms thousands of times per second, generating energy and protecting the body from oxidative damage.

Unfortunately, this process slows down over time. It is estimated that by age 40, the body’s ability to generate ubiquinol is significantly altered, with major declines by age 60 and beyond.^⁵ While CoQ10 supplementation can offer a solution, the format makes all the difference.

“If you’re taking a lot of CoQ10, but it’s not bioidentical ubiquinol or you don’t have the ability to convert it into ubiquinol, you’re only adding to oxidative stress,” says Terese Mansell, Vice President of the Nutrients Division at Kaneka, producers of Kaneka Ubiquinol. “By taking bioidentical ubiquinol, you feed the mitochondria efficiently. While everyone’s physiology is different, the dosing levels generally increase with age.”

Kaneka Ubiquinol is the reduced, activated form of CoQ10 that is bioidentical to naturally occurring ubiquinol. Backed by over 85 human clinical studies, it has also been shown to be two- to four-times better absorbed than conventional CoQ10.^⁶ It has been traditionally delivered in a soft gel format, which stabilizes the fat-soluble ingredient and protects it from oxidation. However, there are certain limitations in terms of the ability to develop combination products as well as constraints in manufacturing expertise.

“We have really focused on stabilization and delivery methods in the last several years,” Mansell explains. The first step was the development of Kaneka Q30, an air-stable, 30% microencapsulated powder; it can be used in powdered beverages, stick packs, meal replacements, and capsules, with greater flexibility in combination formulas. However, as the 30% active still takes up a good amount of space, the Kaneka team continues to innovate.

New offerings include a cap-in-cap to assist in liquid formats, gels and sachets for combinations in a liquid matrix, and the newest offering: a gummy. “We have IP around a center-filled gummy with manuka honey that helps to protect and stabilize the ubiquinol,” Mansell adds. “As companies look to differentiate in a crowded market, this is a great new opportunity.”

Further, Kaneka ensures that its Ubiquinol is appropriately dosed and handled during manufacturing by doing its own manufacturing audits. The company doesn’t work with distributors or resellers, ensuring that companies manufacturing products with Kaneka Ubiquinol are audited and approved on how to handle the material properly. It also does finished product testing, ensuring that any product with Kaneka Ubiquinol does deliver the active, reduced form, which can be challenging for other products to match.

As companies continue to seek ways to tap into the healthy aging market, delivering unique formulations to support longevity, Kaneka Ubiquinol is the foundational ingredient to ensure every cell has what it needs for optimal wellness.

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