Ubiquinol can support women’s health in many ways
Globally, life expectancy for women is higher than for men. However, the goal is not just to live a long life, but a healthy one and to enjoy the extra years as good as possible. “Healthy aging” is the buzzword. Especially in midlife, women can actively support their own health. In addition to a balanced diet and exercise, supplements such as the micronutrient ubiquinol can help to stay fit and age healthily.
No ubiquinol – no energy
Ubiquinol – the physiologically active form of coenzyme Q10 – is found in almost every cell and is produced by the body itself. It is an important antioxidant and at the same time responsible for more than 95 percent of the energy produced in our bodies. Organs with high energy consumption such as heart and muscles depend on sufficient amounts to function properly. Due to its central role in energy metabolism, ubiquinol positively influences many areas of the body and is recommended for various indications, as the following examples show.
1) Plant-based diets
Since women are more likely to eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, they are often affected by ubiquinol deficiency without realizing it. A study conducted 2021 in Osaka, Japan, explored whether there are dietary differences in blood plasma ubiquinol levels. [1] In fact, the researchers found that levels were significantly lower in vegetarians and vegans than in people who also ate meat. A lack in essential micronutrients can lead to serious health problems. For example, veganism is associated with a higher risk of hip fractures in women. Given the trend towards plant-based diets, supplementation with ubiquinol is therefore advisable for anyone who actively avoids animal products.
2) Migraine
There is also a link between low ubiquinol levels and the occurrence of migraine – a condition which statistically affects more women than men. Studies have shown that ubiquinol is clearly effective thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. In a study, women received either 400mg of coenzyme Q10 or a placebo daily.[2] Over the study period, the number of monthly migraine attacks in the Q10 group was reduced from an average of eight to three. The micronutrient improves cellular function and reduces inflammation, therefore contributing to migraine relief. In general, ubiquinol is more suitable as a dietary supplement. Unlike coenzyme Q10, the body can absorb ubiquinol directly and reach effective levels more easily.
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[1] Kaneka Corporation: “Comparison of plasma coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels in healthy omnivore subjects and vegetarian/vegan subjects”, April 2021.
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3) Menopause
Another important factor for ubiquinol deficiency is age, because the body’s own production decreases with time. At around 40 years, an age-related reduction can be detected in various tissues. In menopausal women, a deficit of ubiquinol and other vital substances can easily develop due to hormonal changes. Metabolism decelerates, oxidative processes increase. The resulting free radicals can damage cells and mitochondria. Antioxidant defence mechanisms of the body – which include ubiquinol – can counteract these free radicals. [3]
Good market prospects
A better quality of life in advanced age is becoming increasingly important for women. Therefore, the demand for women’s wellness products will continue to grow in the future. As a science-backed, versatile ingredient, ubiquinol has great potential for manufacturers of dietary supplements. Ubiquinol from Kaneka is the only nature-identical ubiquinol on the market and produced via natural yeast fermentation.
[2] Dahri, M., Tarighat-Esfanjani, A., Asghari-Jafarabadi, M., & Hashemilar, M. (2018). Oral coenzyme Q10 supplementation in patients with migraine: Effects on clinical features and inflammatory markers. Nutritional neuroscience, 1–9.
[3] Palacios S et al.: Clinical Trial to know the effectiveness of Coenzyme Q-10 (ubiquinol) on the quality of life in postmenopausal women Toko-ginecología práctica, ISSN 0040-8867, Nº. 762, 2019, pp 19-23.