Coenzyme Q10 capsules and its molecular structure

The importance of Coenzyme Q10

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    Coenzyme Q10 (aka. ubidecarenone or ‘CoQ10’)

    Coenzyme Q10 or ‘CoQ10’ is a vitamin-like compound that acts as a cofactor in many critical metabolic pathways, including the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in oxidative respiration, which is responsible for the production of 95% of the body’s energy. It also serves important roles as an antioxidant and cell membrane stabiliser. As the body is capable of synthesising coenzyme Q10, it is not technically considered a vitamin, despite functioning in a similar way to typical vitamins obtained from dietary sources.
    
    CoQ10 is ingested in small amounts in dietary sources – most notably meat and seafood, with lower amounts consumed from fruits and vegetables. Absorption of coenzyme Q10 from food sources appears to be equivalent to absorption of coenzyme Q10 from supplements. However, the majority of the body’s daily CoQ10 requirement is normally derived via biosynthesis within the body. The biosynthesis of CoQ10 is dependent on a 17-step process involving a myriad of vitamins and trace elements, including vitamins B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacinamide), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folate), B12 (cobalamin) and vitamin C. Because its biosynthesis is dependent on these nutrients, it is important that sufficient quantities are consumed in the human diet, as deficiencies in any of these cofactors can result in suboptimal CoQ10 biosynthesis.
    
    Vitamin B12 in particular is almost exclusively sourced from animal food products, and B12 deficiency is therefore more common in those who consume strict plant-based diets without adequate supplementation. Some vegetarians and vegans are at risk of other B vitamin deficiencies. For example vegetarian athletes are more susceptible to vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency due to increased demands and insufficient intake due to avoidance of B2-rich animal sources. B vitamin deficiencies uncommonly occur in isolation, with B12 deficiency for example often associated with deficiencies in other B vitamins including vitamin B6.
     
    Due to plant-based diets having lower quantities of CoQ10 than animal products, and its biosynthesis being dependent on several cofactors which are more prevalent in animal foods, IMUNI recommends strict vegetarians and vegans consider taking a supplement containing at least 60mg of CoQ10 on a daily basis to ensure adequate intake of this important energy-producing powerhouse and antioxidant.
    
    References:
    1. Mantle & Dybring. 2020. Bioavailability of Coenzyme Q10: an overview of the absorption process and subsequent metabolism. Antioxidants. 9 (5): 386. [cited 24 Nov 2021]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7278738/
    2. Coenzyme Q10. TRC natural medicines database. [cited 24 Nov 2021]. Available from: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/
    3. Vitamin B12. Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. [cited 24 Nov 2021]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
    4. Riboflavin. Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. [cited 24 Nov 2021]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Riboflavin-HealthProfessional/
    5. Vitamin B6. Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. [cited 24 Nov 2021]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/

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    What It Actually Does

    Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen - a substance that helps the body adapt to physical and psychological stress. But that description undersells the specificity of the evidence.

    In peer-reviewed clinical trials, ashwagandha root extract has been shown to:

    01

    Reduce serum cortisol levels significantly in adults under chronic stress

    02

    Support testosterone levels and muscle recovery in resistance-trained adults

    03

    Improve subjective measures of stress, anxiety, and wellbeing

    04

    Improve subjective measures of stress, anxiety, and wellbeing

    05

    Improve sleep quality and reduce time to sleep onset

    Why The Form Matters

    Here is where most supplement labels become misleading.
    The clinical trials that produced the evidence above didn't use generic ashwagandha root powder. They used standardised, patented extracts - specifically KSM-66® and Sensoril®, both of which are produced from roots using proprietary extraction methods that concentrate the active withanolides to a consistent, clinically meaningful level.
    Generic ashwagandha powder can contain anywhere from 1% to 8% withanolides. KSM-66® is standardised to a minimum of 5% withanolides with a full-spectrum root extract, which means it retains the natural balance of the plant's compounds rather than isolating one component.
    When you buy a supplement that says "ashwagandha" without specifying the extract form, you have no way of knowing whether it contains enough active compounds to do anything at all.
    At Arise, we use KSM-66® in every formula that contains ashwagandha. It's more expensive. It's worth it.

    Third-party Testing

    Supplements are not regulated the same way pharmaceuticals are. In most markets, a supplement company can put almost anything in a capsule and make almost any claim about it, as long as they don't claim to treat a specific disease.
    This is why third-party testing matters. It means an independent laboratory - one with no financial relationship to the supplement company - has tested the product to verify that:

    1. The ingredients listed are actually present
    2. They're present at the stated concentrations
    3. The product doesn't contain contaminants, heavy metals, or undisclosed substances

    Look for: NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport, or USP Verified certification on any supplement you take. These are the most rigorous third-party standards available.
    Every Arise formula is third-party tested before it reaches you. The results are available on request.

    The Honest Bottom Line

    Ashwagandha works. The evidence is genuinely strong. But the quality of the extract determines the quality of the outcome — and most of what's available on the market doesn't use the forms that the clinical research actually studied.
    Read the label. Ask for the extract form. Expect a specific answer.