Kaneka Ubiquinol: Introducing A Bioavailable and Crystal-Free Reduced CoQ10 Supplement
What Is CoQH-CF?
A completely soluble, 100% crystal-free formulation of CoQ10 in the Ubiquinol form, with clinically-proven and superior bioavailability. There are some key differences between the two that set them apart. However, for this blog we will solely focus on what ubiquinol and more specifically, CoQH-CF does. We’ll soon publish a blog highlighting the key disparities between ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Keep watch for updates!
CoQH-CF is a unique formulation of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an important coenzyme that plays a major role in many functions throughout our body. You might know about our CoQsol-CF softgel formulation, which we’ve discussed in this blog. CoQsol-CF contains ubiquinone, while CoQH-CF contains ubiquinol, distinguishing the two formulations from each other.
There are some key differences between the two that set them apart. However, for this blog we will solely focus on what ubiquinol and more specifically, CoQH-CF does. Keep an eye out for our upcoming blog comparing ubiquinone and ubiquinol, discussing their key differences.
Unique Solubility Matrix
CoQH-CF uses a very high-quality form of Ubiquinol made by Kaneka. Kaneka produces this Ubiquinol from yeast derived Ubiquinone resulting in a bio-identical Ubiquinol supplement. Kaneka Ubiquinol exhibits good bioavailability on its own. Soft Gel Technologies, however, improved its bioavailability even further. The technology behind the bioavailability enhancement is very well thought out and has been shown to drastically enhance Ubiquinol absorption.
The first step in enhancing Ubiquinol CoQ10 bioavailability involves controlling the crystallization of Ubiquinol CoQ10. The size and shape of Ubiquinol CoQ10 crystals significantly impact bioavailability due to their low water solubility. Several strategies, including powder micronization or paste formation, are employed to overcome this limitation. Yet, none of these methods completely eliminate Ubiquinol CoQ10 crystals, preventing the attainment of maximum bioavailability. The best way to take crystal size and form out of the equation is to fully solvate the Ubiquinol CoQ10. This is quite hard, however, as Ubiquinol is not soluble in most common solvents such as water or glycerin. Soft Gel Technologies looked towards citrus fruits for a solution and landed on a unique citrus-based solvent called D-Limonene.
What is D-Limonene And Why Is It An CoQH-CF Ingredient?
D-Limonene is a terpene that is found in high concentrations in the peels of various citrus fruits. Lemons contain a particularly high concentration of D-Limonene and this is also where D-Limonene gets its name from. It’s safe for human consumption and even has some unique benefits of its own. D-Limonene may help promote liver health and metabolic health while also having a minor calming and stress-regulation effect. More importantly however, D-Limonene is a fantastic natural solvent that can be used to fully solvate Ubiquinol CoQ10 crystals. Furthermore, D-Limonene also has the ability to prevent Ubiquinol CoQ10 from re-crystallizing in solution.
Once the Ubiquinol CoQ10 is dissolved in the D-limonene, it is now crystal free, which is designated in the name CoQH-CF, where the CF stands for ‘Crystal Free.’ The crystal free nature of the product significantly aids in absorption, in addition to consistency of absorption. Furthermore, the CoQ10 is now in solution and D-Limonene is absorbed rapidly by the body. This further increases the overall bioavailability of Ubiquinol CoQ10.
Why Is Alpha Lipoic Acid An CoQH-CF Ingredient?
The last issue that Soft Gel Technologies had to overcome, is the fact that Ubiquinol can oxidize and turn into Ubiquinone. To prevent this, Soft Gel Technologies added Alpha Lipoic Acid dissolved in capric and caprylic acid to prevent the Ubiquinol CoQ10 from oxidizing. The full solubility and matrix that Soft Gel Technologies developed makes CoQH-CF one of the best iterations of a Kaneka Ubiquinol product available on the market. CoQH-CF is exceptionally stable and has unrivaled bioavailability. If you would like to take advantage of the plethora of Ubiquinol CoQ10 benefits, CoQH-CF should be your primary choice! Speaking of Ubiquinol benefits, what exactly are they? The rest of this article, will describe in depth, four of our favorite CoQH-CF benefits which are:
- May help promote healthy levels of oxidation
- May help promote cellular energy
- May help promote healthy cardiovascular function
- May help replenish ubiquinol stores
CoQH-CF Is Safe and Bioavailable
Study on safety and bioavailability of ubiquinol (Kaneka QH)
after single and 4-week multiple oral administration to healthy
volunteers
A single-blind placebo-controlled study published in Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology found that doses of up to 300 mg of ubiquinol were safe and bioavailable. In the first phase of the study, 15 healthy subjects were administered a single dose of either 150 mg or 300 mg of Kaneka QH. The treatment:
• Showed significant absorption in the gastrointestinal tract after both doses.
• Achieved peak plasma CoQ10 levels (1.88 µg/ml for the low dose and 3.19 µg/ml for the high dose) 6 hours after administration.
CoQH-CF May Support Healthy Levels of Oxidation
Maintaining Oxidation Balance with Ubiquinol
Ubiquinol naturally occurs in our bodies, primarily to mitigate oxidative stress, shielding us from its detrimental effects. However, as we age, CoQ10 levels decline, hampering the conversion of Ubiquinone to Ubiquinol. This decline may elevate oxidative stress levels.
Supporting Overall Health with Ubiquinol Supplementation
Diminished Ubiquinol levels can impact cardiovascular, metabolic, and brain health. Supplementing with a high-quality Ubiquinol CoQ10 supplement like CoQH-CF can bolster the body’s oxidative defenses, potentially slowing the aging process and supporting cardiovascular and cognitive functions.
Exploring Additional Benefits of Ubiquinol
Ubiquinol offers further benefits, such as regulating the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, commonly known as “bad cholesterol.” This regulation helps protect the cardiovascular system from oxidative damage without excessively reducing LDL levels, vital for fat transportation. Ubiquinol supplementation assists in maintaining optimal LDL levels and shielding it from oxidative stress.
Enhancing Mitochondrial Function and Vitality
CoQ10 supplementation may boost mitochondrial function, increasing ATP production and energy levels. Mitochondria, prone to oxidative damage, benefit from Ubiquinol’s protective effects, enhancing overall physical performance and vitality.
CoQH-CF May Promote Cellular Energy
As we briefly touched on in the section about oxidation, CoQ10 plays an important role in our mitochondria. CoQ10 can switch back and forth between Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol, and this reduction/oxidation (REDOX) reaction helps produce cellular energy in the form of ATP.
Within the Mitochondria, lies a system which produces the cellular energy our body needs. This system is called the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) and CoQ10 plays a vital role in the ETC. CoQ10 has the ability to accept electrons, and shuttle them through the ETC. In addition to this, CoQ10 helps create a proton gradient within the ETC which is ultimately what creates ATP. By supplementing with Ubiquinol CoQ10, you can both increase mitochondrial function and overall mitochondrial health.
ATP demand is much higher in highly metabolic organs such as the heart and brain and this is where CoQ10 will exert some of its most beneficial effects. By keeping the energy centers of these organs safe from oxidative damage and by enhancing their function, CoQH-CF may help enhance the health of these organs. The net effect this may have is enhanced full body health!
A randomized, double-blind trial on the bioavailability of two CoQ10 formulations
Study on safety and bioavailability of ubiquinol (Kaneka QH)
after single and 4-week multiple oral administration to healthy
volunteers
Researchers compared the oral bioavailability of a single dose of 100 mg of
CoQH-CF (as a hermetically sealed softgel) versus a single dose of 100 mg
of standard CoQ10 crystalline powder (in a two-piece hard shell). Ten subjects
over 60 years of age participated in this randomized, double-blind, two-arm crossover human clinical trial published in the Journal of Functional Foods.
The researchers concluded that “…reduced Coenzyme Q10 liquid softgel formulation was found to be superior to the commercial formulation of Coenzyme Q10 for bioavailability.”
CoQH-CF May Promote Cardiovascular Health
As we have already discussed, CoQ10 is an essential component of overall health as it is used to produce the energy that is vital for organ function. The heart, in particular, has a very high concentration of mitochondria and CoQ10. So it is important for overall cardiovascular health that adequate levels of CoQ10 are maintained. By supplementing with CoQ10, we may be able to help our heart perform at optimal levels by providing it with the energy that it needs. In fact, research has shown that CoQ10 is a highly beneficial supplement for maintaining overall cardiovascular health. As we discussed earlier, Ubiquinol CoQ10 may also help protect us from oxidized LDL which does not support cardiovascular health.
Furthermore, Ubiquinol CoQ10 may also help enhance blood flow. This effect may be attributed to it oxidation-regulating effects which can help preserve levels of nitric oxide in our blood vessels. Nitric oxide has the ability to relax the walls of our blood vessels, a process known as vasodilation. By increasing vasodilation, CoQH-CF may be able to optimize blood flow which may help enhance overall cardiovascular function even further.
Overall, CoQH-CF would be a fantastic product to take if you want to help optimize your cardiovascular function. This can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals such as athletes or just those seeking a little bit more vitality.
Who Should Take CoQH-CF?
People Over The Age Of 40.
People who are young and healthy can easily convert ubiquinone (the form of CoQ10 featured in most supplements) to ubiquinol (the form used by the body to neutralize free radicals and create energy in the form of ATP). But with age, we produce less CoQ10 and we become less efficient at converting ubiquinone to ubiquinol. By providing CoQ10 already reduced to its ubiquinol form, CoQH-CF supplies the body with ready-to-use CoQ10.
If You Have Elevated Levels Of Oxidative Stress
One of the primary benefits of CoQ10, particularly in the ubiquinol form featured in CoQH-CF, is to provide oxidative support.* Equipped with two hydroxyl groups, ubiquinol acts an electron donor, which means it can help neutralize unstable free radicals (oxidants) — without becoming a free radical itself.
Wish To Strengthen Cardiovascular Or Brain Health
Because of its role in energy production, CoQ10 supports the functioning of organs with a high demand for energy, such as the heart and brain.* The heart muscle in particular is in constant need of a ready supply of energy to efficiently pump blood throughout the body. In fact, the majority of cardiac tissue is abundant in mitochondria requiring ample and consistent levels of CoQ10 for proper functioning.
CoQH-CF is already in the reduced ubiquinol form
The body produces CoQ10 in the ubiquinone form, but it converts it to ubiquinol for use in neutralizing free radicals and generating energy.* With age, we become less efficient at this conversion process. CoQH-CF starts working immediately upon ingestion and absorption — no conversion needed.
If You Are Seeking A Non-Dietary Way To Increase CoQ10 Levels
Most people don’t eat enough foods containing CoQ10 — such as fatty fish, organ meats, and whole grains — to raise blood levels of the nutrient. In fact, the average dietary intake of CoQ10 is only 3-5 mg a day, much lower than what’s needed to have any effect on CoQ10 concentrations. CoQH-CF has been clinically demonstrated to achieve significantly higher plasma concentrations of CoQ10 compared with CoQ10 crystalline powder.
CoQH-CF May Help Replenish Ubiquinol Stores
One of the hallmarks of aging is a loss of total CoQ10, and more specifically, a loss of Ubiquinol. Research has shown that individuals over the age of 40 may already start experiencing decreased stores of CoQ10 and Ubiquinol. As has become clear throughout this article, maintaining adequate CoQ10 levels is very important to supporting optimal health. With this in mind, we would particularly suggest CoQH-CF supplementation to people over the age of 40. That being said, anyone who is 18 or older can benefit greatly from enhancing their CoQ10 stores, and more specifically, their Ubiquinol stores.
If you are above the age of 40, replenished Ubiquinol stores may give you a restored sense of vitality. You will have more daytime energy and have an easier time getting in some solid physical exercise. Furthermore, enhanced Ubiquinol stores may also help enhance cognitive function which is always a fantastic added bonus!
For those under the age of 40, replenishing Ubiquinol stores can still have benefits. For example, it has been shown that CoQ10 may help with headaches, muscle function and mood. This makes CoQH-CF a very versatile supplement and no matter what your age, you can benefit from adding a CoQH-CF supplement to your daily supplement regime!
Why Choose CoQH-CF?
Several factors can deplete CoQ10
Research shows that aging, certain medications such as statin drugs, and certain disease states can deplete CoQ10 levels in the body. Therefore, for many people, supplementation is indicated to replenish CoQ10 stores to normal levels.
CoQ10 in crystalline powder form is difficult to absorb
Because of its highly lipophilic (fat-loving) structure, CoQ10 is practically insoluble in water, making its absorption poor, highly variable, and strongly dependent on stomach contents. Plus, the CoQ10 molecule is large in size, contributing to its poor absorption, and when heated and re-cooled, even larger crystals are created.
The most effective solution for achieving CoQ10 bioavailability is complete solubility
Suspending fine particles of CoQ10 in an emulsion or paste is an effective means of increasing bioavailability. However, the most effective solution is to achieve complete solubility. Thanks to Soft Gel’s crystal-free technology, CoQsol-CF® is a completely soluble, liquid, crystal-free solution of CoQ10. This patent-pending formula combines ubiquinol with ingredients that protect it from being oxidized and crystallized, including alpha-lipoic acid, d-Limonene, and capric and caprylic acid.
CoQH-CF is already in the reduced ubiquinol form.
The body produces CoQ10 in the ubiquinone form, but it converts it to ubiquinol for use in neutralizing free radicals and generating energy.* With age, we become less efficient at this conversion process. CoQH-CF starts working immediately upon ingestion and absorption — no conversion needed.
• CoQH-CF is stable.
Ubiquinol easily oxidizes and converts back to ubiquinone on contact with air. CoQH-CF features Kaneka QH, a patented and stabilized form of ubiquinol that is protected from oxidation. Soft Gel further takes great care when working with Kaneka QH to prevent the introduction of oxygen through the manufacturing process.
• CoQH-CF has clinically proven superior bioavailability
How To Take A CoQH-CF Supplement
Since CoQH-CF is a solubilized form of Ubiquinol, it matters much less whether you take it with our without food. This makes dosing easy and consistent as the CoQH-CF will absorb reliably and consistently. In addition to its highly enhanced bioavailability, the enhanced ease of dosing makes this one the the best ubiquinol supplement currently out on the market.
CoQH-CF Recommended Dosage
The recommended Ubiquinol dose, as is contained in CoQH-CF is set at 100 mg per dose. This will provide you with a large Ubiquinol dose, allowing you to experience all of the Ubiquinol benefits to their fullest potential!
Also read our blog on CoQ10
