Could taking ubiquinol help your heart?
<p dir="ltr">An increasing number of supplements are including ubiquinol and claiming it can help improve heart health, energy levels and more - but do these claims stack up?</p>
<p dir="ltr">We spoke to Dr Ross Walker, a cardiologist and an expert in preventative health, about how ubiquinol works, as well as how to age healthily, and achieve a healthy lifestyle.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But, first things first, what is ubiquinol, and why should you consider taking it? </p>
<p dir="ltr">“Ubiquinol, the active form of CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10), is a lipid fat soluble antioxidant that is readily bioavailable and supports cellular energy throughout our body,” Dr Ross tells OverSixty.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Coenzyme Q, also called ubiquinone, is found in all animals and most bacteria - its ubiquitous nature is the reason for its name - with the most common form in humans being coenzyme Q10. Since it isn’t absorbed very well by the body, ubiquinol has become a preferred alternative in supplements and other health products.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Dr Ross explains that ubiquinol, and other antioxidants, help protect the cells inside the body by “fighting off free radicals, or rogue molecules, that may attack our cells”.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“The mitochondria, also known as the powerhouse of our cells, help to generate most of the chemical energy we need to perform vital, daily functions, such as breathing, regulating metabolism, and maintaining the immune system,” he explains.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Ubiquinol is the major driver of the mitochondria.”</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Ubiquinol, mitochondria and ageing</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Ageing comes with an increase in health issues, and our increasing life expectancies has resulted in many of us experiencing even more health issues according to Dr Ross.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“When one reaches the age of about 30, ubiquinol, the natural antioxidant found in our body that supports cellular energy production, starts to decline due to various environmental and lifestyle factors,” he explains.</p>
<p dir="ltr">He says that these include:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Increased metabolic demand as we age, since the process of ageing requires more energy</p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">A failure to replenish our ubiquinol levels due to not eating enough fatty fish, leafy greens and organ meats</p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The interference of certain medications with ubiquinol production in our bodies.</p>
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<p dir="ltr">But, this process isn’t irreversible, and changing some of these aspects of our lifestyle can be beneficial.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“By feeding the cells of our bodies properly with a balanced lifestyle and good nutrition we can strive to support and maintain healthy metabolism and mitochondrial function,” Dr Ross says. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Since ubiquinol is important for the healthy functioning of mitochondria, which are in turn responsible for so many of our bodily functions, it makes sense that increasing our ubiquinol levels as we age can lead to some benefits.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“As ubiquinol supports our cellular function, an increase in ubiquinol levels may help support energy and recovery; <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/6/1640" target="_blank" rel="noopener">relieve some symptoms of fatigue</a>, mitochondrial energy levels, support heart health and also support male fertility,” Dr Ross explains.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“There are more than 70 scientific research studies on ubiquinol and the role it plays in our bodies, the most prominent being around supporting mitochondrial energy, supporting a healthy heart, and supporting male fertility.”</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Ubiquinol isn’t the only thing our hearts need</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">As with everything, a healthy heart relies on us consuming various nutrients in a balanced way.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Dr Ross explains that the key to a healthy diet and heart isn’t really to do with eating low-GI, and more about the “HI factor” or human interference factor.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“The more people fiddle with food by the time it gets into your mouth, the worse it is for you,” he says.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids has proven to support the mechanical function of the heart and decrease the risk of heart health conditions.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">He recommends having between 2-3 pieces of fruit and 3-5 servings of vegetables every day to ensure your body has enough of the nutrients it needs.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Exercise, particularly cardio, is another way to look after our hearts according to Dr Ross, which can help to lower blood pressure and strengthen the heart.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Find an exercise you enjoy, whether it be power-walking, swimming or even dancing, and aim to move and increase your heart rate for at least 30 minutes every day,” he suggests.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Taking supplements might also be something to consider, on advice from your GP.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Some, like <a href="http://www.jeunesseglobal.com/en-AU/l1fe-cirqul8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">L1FE CirQul8</a>, offer combinations of ingredients like ubiquinol among others to support heart health, mitochondrial energy, and even immunity.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>Get to the heart of your health with a combination of scientifically researched ingredients that support immunity, cardiovascular health and mitochondrial energy. L1FE CirQul8 is formulated with a proprietary blend of ubiquinol, nicotinamide and pyridoxine to help support energy production and maintain energy levels. It also contains zinc to support mental function. </em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional. </em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>
