CoQ10 WITH COFACTORS

Coenzyme CoQ10 Background

Coenzyme CoQ10 is a fat soluble antioxidant nutrient that is found in a variety of foods in relatively small quantities. The typical daily dietary intake of this nutrient from food has been found to range between 3-5 mg coming largely from meat, fish and poultry.1 Thus the amounts provided from diet are quite low and far from the amounts required for therapeutic effects.

Coenzyme CoQ10 is an integral component of oxidative phosphorylation. Thus, the mitochondria of cells require coenzyme CoQ10 to convert the energy from food into the main cellular fuel known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Coenzyme CoQ10 may help the heart during times of stress by improving cardiac energy utilization. This fat soluble coenzyme has also been found to act as a potent antioxidant as reflected by its capacity to increase endogenous (internally produced) antioxidant enzymes and reduce lipid peroxidation (damage to lipids and fatty cell membranes). Favorable modifications in plasma lipid concentrations have also been associated to the intake of coenzyme CoQ10, thereby reducing potential risk factors for cardiovascular events. 2

The latter biochemical functions of coenzyme CoQ10 may largely explain the health benefits associated with its therapeutic applications. Indeed, clinical evidence shows that the supplemental intake of coenzyme CoQ10 benefits conditions associated with cellular energy and antioxidant abnormalities including mitochondrial encephalomyopathies (myoclonic epilepsy with lactic acidosis and stroke like episodes, Kearns-Sayre syndrome, etc.), and congestive heart failure. 3, 4 Improvements in blood pressure and protection from myocardial infarctions have also been associated with the supplementation of coenzyme CoQ10. 5, 6 Preliminary evidence is also showing that Coenzyme CoQ10 may be beneficial for improving the management of diabetes and athletic performance, however, research is still warranted to confirm these effects.

Certain preparations of CoQ 10 have received FDA approved Orphan drug status for the treatment of genetic and acquired disorders of mitochondrial dysfunctions. Ongoing large scale multi-center trials are further evaluating the benefits with CoQ 10 in the management of heart disease. Thus the health potentials of this fat soluble antioxidant nutrient are definitely receiving much recognition by the scientific community.

CoEnzyme CoQ10 Quality and Bioavailability

Given the therapeutic potential of coenzyme CoQ10, supplemental forms of this nutrient are being explored for maximum bioavailability. Typical pre-supplemental plasma concentrations of coenzyme CoQ10 in healthy adults range between 0.50-0.52 micrograms/ml. Three months of supplemental intake (120mg daily) can potentially elevate these levels 3 fold. 8

Better Quality Delivery Systems May Improve Coenzyme CoQ10 Absorption

To date many forms of supplemental coenzyme CoQ10 are available in the market with a large variance in both price and bioavailability.7 According to product formulators, it is suggested that a more costly delivery system (ie. Enteric coated caplets) and the use of high quality fat soluble emulsifying agents increases the bioavailability of Coenzyme CoQ10. It was shown in a recent study that coenzyme CoQ10 in an oil suspension demonstrated better bioavailability, likely due to its fat soluble nature.7 Although the price of these higher quality Coenzyme CoQ10 formulas tend to be higher, the therapeutic potentials are said to be much better due to greater absorption.

Absorption Dynamics

Given the fat soluble nature of this coenzyme, it requires fat to promote its absorption. The lipids associated with fat soluble nutrients induce the release of bile thus promoting emulsification (micellar suspensions) to facilitate there absorption via the small intestine.9 Naturally occurring food source emulsifiers, such as lecithin, are known to possibly support the latter process. It was demonstrated that the bioavailability of sitostanol, a phytosterol compound, was significantly increased when formulated with lecithin.10 Another study showed that absorption of the fat soluble carotenoid lycopene was enhanced with the enteral administration of soybean phosphatidylcholine.11 It is therefore plausible that adding phosphatidylcholine to a coenzyme CoQ10 formulation may increase its absorption.

Plasma concentrations of coenzyme CoQ10 may be further enhanced via supplemental intake of the cofactor Pyridoxyl 5’ Phosphate (PLP), the active form of vitamin B6 which is essential to the endogenous (internal) synthesis of coenzyme CoQ10. It is known that the endogenous (internal) biosynthesis of coenzyme CoQ10 from the precursor tyrosine is dependent on adequate PLP levels. In fact, research has found that individuals with low plasma coenzyme CoQ10 status are also low in plasma PLP levels. 12

Experts in formulation have suggested that the supplemental intake of coenzyme CoQ10 formulated with phosphatidylcholine and PLP would enhance plasma concentrations of coenzyme CoQ10 thereby improving its therapeutic potentials. These effects may further be enhanced with the use of an exclusive proprietary enteric coating process (vegetable cellulose coating), thus, potentially increasing the delivery of active ingredients directly to the small intestine.

Enerex Formulators Consider Novel Ways to Improve Absorption

Formulators at Enerex Botanicals Inc. have recently developed a unique proprietary enteric coated formula of CoEnzyme CoQ10 with PLP, and phoshpatidylcholine. This formula contains a combination of nutrients that could potentially make it the most bio-available form of CoEnzyme CoQ10 in the market. In addition, the combination of nutrients may also help reduce the levels of plasma homocysteine (a possible independent marker for cardiovascular disease risk), since PLP and phosphatidylcholine support the methylation pathways responsible for lowering homocysteine levels.

1. Weber C et al. Coenzyme CoQ10 in the Diet- Daily Intake and Relative Bioavailability. Mol Aspects Med. 1997; 18 Suppl: S251-4.
2. Modi K et al. Effect of Coenzyme CoQ10 on Catalase Activity and Other Antioxidant Parameters in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. Biol Trac Elem Res. 2006 Jan;109(1):25-34.
3. Chan A et al. Metabolic Changes in Patients With Mitochondrial Myopathies and Effects of Coenzyme CoQ10 Therapy. J Neurol. 1998 Oct; 245(10):681-5.
4. Hofman-Bang et al. CoEnzyme CoQ10 as an Adjunctive in the Treatment of Chronic Congestive Heart Failure. The CoQ10 Study Group. J Card Fail. 1995 Mar; 1(2): 101-7.
5. Singh RB et al. Effect of Hydrosoluble Coenzyme CoQ10 on Blood Pressures and Insulin Resistance in Hypertensive Patients With Coronary Artery Disease. J Hum Hypertens. 1999 Mar; 13(3): 203-8.
6. Singh RB et al. Effect of Coenzyme CoQ10 on Risk of Atherosclerosis in Patients With Recent Myocardial Infarction. Mol Cell Biochem. 2003 Apr; 246(1-2): 75-82.
7. Weis M et al. Bioavailability of Four Oral Coenzyme CoQ10 Formulations in Healthy Volunteers. Mol Aspects Med. 1994; 15 Suppl: s273-80.
8. Chopra RK et al. Relative Bioavailability of CoEnzyme CoQ10 Formulations in Human Subjects. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 1998; 68(2):109-13. Shils ME and Young VR. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. Lea and Febiger. 988.
9. Richard EO et al. Sitostanol Administered in Lecithin Micelles Potently Reduces Cholesterol Absorption in Humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999; 70(5): 826-831.
10. Nishimukai M and Hara H. Enteral Administration of Soybean Phosphatidylcholine Enhances the Lymphatic Absorption of Lycopene, but Reduces That of Alpha-Tocopherol in Rats. J Nutr; 2004; Aug;134(8): 1862-6.
11. Willis R et al. Clinical Implications of the Corellation Between Coenzyme CoQ10 and Vitamin B6 Status. Biofactors. 1999; 9(2-4):359-63.
12. Willis Retal. Clinical Implications of the Corellation Between Coenzyme CoQ10 and Vitamin B6 Status. Biofactors. 1999; 9 (2-4):359-63.