Ubiquinol is a reduced form of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10; ), which exists in three redox states: fully oxidized (CoQ10/ubiquinone), partially reduced (semiquinone/ubisemiquinone), and fully reduced (ubiquinol). CoQ10 acts as an electron shuttle in the electron transport chain via its reduction to ubiquinol between mitochondrial complexes I and II, also known as NADH dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase, respectively, and mitochondrial complex III, also known as cytochrome bc1 complex. CoQ10 is also reduced to ubiquinol by ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) with NADPH as a cofactor, and ubiquinol traps lipid peroxyl radicals and inhibits lipid peroxidation helping to prevent ferroptosis.
Light Yellow-Orange Solid
Reduced coenzyme Q for improving nervous system cell functions.
ChEBI: Ubiquinol-10 is a ubiquinol in which the polyprenyl substituent is decaprenyl. It has a role as a metabolite and a biomarker. It is a polyprenylhydroquinone and an ubiquinol.
The reduced form of CoQ10, ubiquinol, is a powerful lipid-soluble antioxidant that provides critical antioxidant protection in the lymph and blood throughout the body. Ubiquinol is the only known fat-soluble antioxidant that human cells can synthesize. In its reduced form, ubiquinol coenzyme Q10 plays a significant role in preventing oxidation in both the lipids that make up much of the structure of cellular membranes in cells throughout the body and also in lipoprotein lipids present in circulation. Coenzyme Q10 can also recycle or regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin E7 and vitamin C. Ubiquinol plays a critical role in mitochondria by protecting mitochondrial membranes and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from free radical damage[1].
Coenzyme Q10 supplements appear to be safe and produce few side effects when taken as directed. Mild side effects might include digestive problems such as: Upper abdominal pain, Loss of appetite, Nausea and vomiting, and Diarrhea.
Other possible side effects may include Headaches and dizziness, Insomnia, Fatigue, Skin itching or rashes, and Irritability or agitation.
[1] Pelton, Ross. “Coenzyme Q10: A Miracle Nutrient Advances in Understanding.” Integrative medicine 19 2 (2020): 16–20.
