Ubidecarenone [Coenzyme Q10]

The USP calls Coenzyme Q10 Ubidecarenone, a fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance. It is present in every cell of the body and acts as an intermediate in the electron transport system of the mitochondrial membrane, which is needed for cellular respiration and ATP production. Cells and tissues that are metabolically active need the most Ubidecarenone, such as the heart, immune system, skeletal muscle and gingiva, and these are the most susceptible to its deficiency. Production of Ubidecarenone slows down with age, and this contributes to the manifestation of aging.

Ubidecarenone is lipophilic, so less of it is absorbed on an empty stomach and more is absorbed when it is taken with food high in fat. After oral use, it is absorbed from the small intestine into the lymphatic system. The liver then takes it up and incorporates it into lipoproteins, which release it into the blood circulation, and at that point it becomes concentrated in the tissues.

Ubidecarenone is distributed to the various tissues of the body and can enter the brain. The concentration differs from tissue to tissue. Tissues with high metabolic activity and high energy demands, such as the heart, muscle, liver, kidney and brain, contain relatively high concentrations. Ubidecarenone is metabolized in all tissues of the body. Approximately 60% of an oral dose is excreted in the feces, and the main elimination of Ubidecarenone is with the bile.