Coenzyme Q10 Q-Gel®

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Coenzyme Q10 is a crucial component in the cellular energy production cycle. CoQ10 is naturally produced in all cells of the human body, and has been studied extensively for more than 40 years. CoQ10 plays a crucial role in the production of cellular ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which provides energy to all cell functions.

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that has great importance as a free radical scavenger. CoQ10 protects the stability of the cell membrane, protects DNA from free radical induced oxidative damage, and helps recycle Vitamin E. The human body gradually loses its ability to synthesize CoQ10 as we age. Research indicates that supplementation with CoQ10 may support normal heart function, protect DNA from free radical induced oxidative damage, and maintain healthy energy levels.*

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Coenzyme Q10 is Critical for Vital Organs

All tissues in humans possess Coenzyme Q10, but there are great differences in concentration. The heart muscle has the highest concentration, followed by the liver, kidney, spleen and pancreas. CoQ10 is found in concentrated quantities inside the cell's organelles, especially within the Golgi bodies and mitochondria.

Within the mitochondria, CoQ10 is utilized in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. More than 90% of the energy from our cells is produced from the aerobic respiration that takes place in the mitochondria. CoQ10 facilitates electron transfer within this inner membrane for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the usable unit of energy.

Coenzyme Q10 is also naturally present in the cell membranes. Another function of CoQ10 is to make sure the cells' plasma membranes remain flexible. The fluidity of the membranes is crucial to proper physical performance since membrane fluidity affects membrane receptors, carriers and enzymes.

Advancements in Coenzyme Q10: Q-Gel®

Rejuvenation Science^® Coenzyme Q10 Q-Gel® is an advanced form of CoQ10. Commonly available CoQ10 in capsule or softgel forms are poorly absorbed, and therefore require large doses (and correspondingly high costs) for therapeutic effect. Q-Gel® is submicronized, with particle sizes between 0.2 and .45 microns, and proven in dissolution tests to be water-soluble. Because of this, Q-Gel® is highly absorbable, exhibiting 300% greater absorption than other CoQ10 forms. Published studies show that blood levels rise almost immediately, and therapeutic levels are reached within weeks.

Rejuvenation Science Q-Gel®, the 100% hydrosoluble CoQ10, has been proven via seven separate relative bioavailability studies in human subjects, to be the most bioavailable CoQ10 oral supplement available. Q-Gel® provides up to a 600% increase in serum CoQ10 levels after just 3 weeks of supplementation. Rejuvenation Science Coenzyme Q10 Q-Gel® 30 mg softgels are equivalent to taking 90 mg of conventional CoQ10.

Results of certification by Consumer Labs

View Consumer Labs test results of raw materials used in Rejuvenation Science^® Coenzyme Q10 Q-Gel®.

The Most Bio-Available Form of Coenzyme Q10

Most Coenzyme Q10 dosage forms exhibit negligible dissolution indicating potentially poor bioavailability. In order to improve its dissolution profile and thereby its absorption, a new process (Bio-Solv®) was employed to produce Q-Gel® Softsules. This novel formulation in the form of a softgelatin capsule passes the USP Dissolution requirement for nutritional supplements. When compared with other commercially available dosage forms for relative bioavailability in human subjects, Q-Gel® was found to be vastly superior (a 6 fold increase in plasma CoQ10 values over baseline, and several fold greater relative bioavailability over other dosage forms tested).

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) is a lipid-soluble compound found in the mitochondria of all living cells. It also occurs in the food chain and is endogenously produced in the liver. There are conditions in which adequate production of CoQ10 in the body is impaired, and in such situations supplementation with CoQ10 has been shown to be very beneficial.

CoQ10, being lipid soluble, follows the same pathway as that of fats for its absorption in the body. This involves emulsification in the intestine (with the help of bile salts) and the formation of micelles prior to absorption. Among the other factors affecting the absorption of exogenously administered CoQ10 are its particle size, degree of solubilization, and the type of food ingested with the supplement.

Although CoQ10 is classified as a lipid soluble substance, its degree of solubility is extremely limited. Commercially available CoQ10 capsules contain either oil-based suspensions (softgels), or dry powder blends (hard gels). When tested in the laboratory, these products show a total lack of dissolution according to current USP methodology. Such lack of dissolution properties are often indicative of poor absorption and bioavailability.

In order to improve the dissolution profile and bioavailability of CoQ10, Tishcon Corp. acquired an exclusive technology/process from BioSytes, USA, Inc. This novel Bio-Solv® process provided the key to the solubilization of CoQ10. Q-Gel® softgels® based on the Bio-Solv® process exhibit optimum dissolution, which is indicative of improved absorption and bioavailability.

Several human studies have been subsequently carried out to compare the relative bioavailability of Q-Gel® with other currently available dosage forms (softgels, tablets and capsules), and the data obtained from these studies clearly demonstrate that Q-Gel® is vastly superior (several times higher relative bioavailability than all other dosage forms tested).

Adverse Effects

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) facilitates research and evaluation of complementary and alternative practices, and provides information about a variety of approaches to health professionals and the public. The following statement on CoQ10 side effects is provided by NCCAM from their PDQ:

No serious side effects have been reported from the use of coenzyme Q10. Some patients using coenzyme Q10 (100 mg or higher/day taken at night) have experienced mild insomnia (inability to sleep), elevated levels of liver enzymes (in patients taking doses of 300 mg/day for extended periods of time, but no liver toxicity has been reported), rashes, nausea, and upper abdominal pain. Other reported side effects have included dizziness, visual sensitivity to light, irritability, headache, heartburn, and fatigue.

Patients should talk with their health care provider about possible interactions between coenzyme Q10 and prescription drugs they may be taking. Certain drugs, such as those that are used to lower cholesterol or blood sugar levels, may reduce the effects of coenzyme Q10. [In these cases, more CoQ10 may be needed for a beneficial effect.] Coenzyme Q10 may also alter the body’s response to warfarin (a drug that prevents the blood from clotting) and insulin.

References

These data were presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Nutritional Sciences/Experimental Biology in New Orleans on April 9, 1997.

Chopra, R., Goldman, R., Bhagavan, H.N., Relative bioavailability of Coenzyme Q10 formulations. Annual Meeting Abstracts 108; J Amer Pharm Assn. 1998; Vol 38, No. 2.

Chopra, RK., Goldman, R., Sinatra, ST., Bhagavan, HN. Relative Bioavailability of Coenzyme Q10 Formulations in Human Subjects; Internat. J. Vit. Nutr. Res. 68; 109-113.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/coenzymeQ10/HealthProfessional/page6.