Ubiquinol is essential in the fight against LDL cholesterol. It can also protect against heart disease and improve heart function. Research of Ubiquinol, a form of the enzyme COQ10, has shown positive correlations between this substance and the bodies ability to fight disease.

What is Ubiquinol?

Ubiquinol is a form of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). COQ10 is a vitamin like substance is found in all the cells in your body. It is essential for producing energy for which your body then uses to grow cells and maintain them. It is an unusual substance as it also acts as an antioxidant. It can protect your body from harmful molecules which can cause damage. Free radicals and oxidation can effect the aging process and cause age related diseases. It occurs naturally in some foods, but it thrives in meat cuts such as heart, kidney and liver. Soy oil, peanuts and mackerel also contain high levels. Coenzymes assist conventional enzymes in digesting food. CoQ10 has the ability to exist in three forms with Ubiquinol being the form with the highest absorption rate.

Sometimes Ubiquinol is referred to as Q10 when sold as a supplement and is available in liquid form or as a tablet. Ubiquinol itself contains an unstable molecule and should always be purchased from reputable sources. The substance reverts back to CoQ10 when exposed to light or air. This has in the past caused problems for pharmaceutical companies as it took over 10 years to stabilize the nutrient before going on sale as a supplement. Ubiquinone, another form of the substance, has been available for over 30 years, but the effectiveness of this supplement has been questioned.

What are the Results of Ubiquinol Clinical Trials?

Ubiquinol clinical studies have show a positive effect on the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body. Tests have also shown that taking just 150 mg a day can reduce LDL cholesterol by 12.7% in just two weeks. The denser particles of cholesterol, the ones shown to cause plaque formation and atherosclerosis, are more highly effected. Ubiquinol research has also suggested that it could be effective in combating advanced congenital heart failure. A recent clinical trial had patients taking Ubiquinol for just three months; some patients achieved a 50% increase in their hearts ability to pump blood. Also, levels of COQ10 more than tripled and improved the subject's overall health.

What are the Ubiquinol Side Effects?

Ubiquinol tests are ongoing, and the side effects are still not completely known. Some recent reports have questioned the safety of Ubiquinol after a number of patients experienced nausea, gastrointestinal upset and vomiting; despite this, random trials have concluded that the supplement form is safe. A single blind controlled study observed no significant and negative changes in the health of volunteers who took the supplement for 2 weeks.

People taking medicines to lower blood pressure can expect the effects of the supplement to be reduced. Also, care should be taken when COQ10 supplements are taken with blood thinning medicine and people with diabetes.