Ubiquinol: A powerful antioxidant that is 'fuel' for your heart

Fatigue and a heightened stress response are two of the main symptoms of ubiquinol deficiency. — Images: Freepik

First, it was coenzyme Q10 or better known as CoQ10.

Of late, ubiquinol (CoQH2) has become the talking point to improve heart health.

Very few of us know what it is exactly and how it functions.

CoQ10 is an antioxidant that is naturally produced in the body; every cell uses it for growth and maintenance but as we age, the levels start decreasing.

Lower CoQ10 levels have been found in people with certain conditions, such as heart disease, and in those who take cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins.

While CoQ10 can be found in foods such as meat, fish and nuts, consumption alone is not enough to significantly increase its level in the body.

There are two available products of CoQ10 – the inactive form called ubiquinone and the active form called ubiquinol.

“Ubiquinone needs to be converted by an enzyme called diaphorase for the body to use it, while ubiquinol does not need this conversion.

“The enzyme diaphorase also markedly reduces in our body from the age of 30 and dramatically after the age of 50.

“Hence, ubiquinol is the superior form of CoQ10,” explains Australian cardiologist Dr Ross Walker.

Basically, it provides the “fuel” your heart needs to contract, relax and maintain its cellular structure.

The main symptoms of ubiquinol deficiency are fatigue, a heightened stress response and decreased exercise capacity.

Although CoQ10 levels in the blood can be measured, they are not often tested.

If all other bloods tests return normal, doctors may recommend dietary supplementation based on symptoms.

“Ubiquinol has been shown to address these symptoms by helping to maintain a healthy heart and vascular system, keeping low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels healthy, and reducing the oxidation of small, dense LDL cholesterol particles in the blood.

“This support for healthy cholesterol levels additionally benefits heart health.

“With the average heart beating 150,000 times per day, a steady supply of energy from ubiquinol and mitochondria is essential,” says Dr Walker.

The mitochondria are the “powerhouse” of our cells – found in the highest concentrations in tissues and organs requiring the highest levels of energy production, such as the heart, brain, liver, lungs and muscles.

He adds: “Ubiquinol works to relieve fatigue almost immediately. However, the more ingrained the problem, the longer it takes for ubiquinol to show its effectiveness.

“Depending on the severity of the condition, one may start to experience some benefit of regular dosing from four weeks onwards.

“But, before starting ubiquinol or any other supplement, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare practitioner first.”

With the average heart beating 150,000 times per day, it needs a steady energy supply to keep it functioning.

Prevention is best

Globally, atherosclerotic coronary artery disease remains the most common form of heart disease.

Atherosclerosis is the build-up of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls.

This build-up, known as plaque, can cause arteries to narrow and block blood flow. It can also burst and lead to a blood clot.

“There is growing research focusing on the role of inflammation and microvascular dysfunction as significant contributors to all types of heart disease.

“Additionally, various stressors are recognised as major triggers for acute events related to heart disease,” says Dr Walker, whose key focus for the past two decades has been on preventative cardiology.

Besides being regularly featured in Australian media, he has also authored seven best-selling books on the subject, including If I Eat Another Carrot I’ll Go Crazy and Diets Don’t Work.

On how to tackle the side effects of statins, Dr Walker says: “Statins affect Complex 111 in the mitochondria of all cells, blocking the beneficial action of ubiquinol in maintaining mitochondrial function.

“It is my practice, as a cardiologist of over 40 years, to prescribe 150mg of ubiquinol daily to all my patients on statins. This helps prevent the symptoms associated with this issue and, hopefully, minimises statin-induced muscle dysfunction.”

Life is incredibly busy for most people these days, and to function at our optimum best, we need all aspects of our life working for us.

Dr Walker shares his five keys to good health:

> Lose the addictions

Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or using illegal drugs are bad habits that can be detrimental to health.

Start by acknowledging you have a problem and seek professional help, if necessary.

> Get enough good sleep

Poor sleep is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, so it is important to prioritise sleep.

Try to get six to eight hours of restful sleep every night.

> Eat less, eat natural

Following a Mediterranean diet based on good quality fats, protein and carbohydrates, including olive oil and fish, is important.

The diet is low in calories and an excellent way to stay healthy.

> Exercise

We all know that physical and mental exercises are vital for good health but not everyone partakes in them.

For best results, engage in a mix of cardiovascular endurance and weight training. Aim for 45 minutes of exercise daily.

> Find the best drug in the world

Happiness is the best drug in the world, so go out and seek something that makes you happy.

This could be anything from pursuing enjoyable activities to travelling, spending more time with family/friends or simply having a cup of tea while watching the sun go down.

Research shows that lifelong contentment is more powerful that lifestyle factors when it comes to preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Walking the talk

At 68, Dr Walker practises what he preaches.

Dr Walker says his five keys to good health, which he practises daily, has kept him in optimal shape. — Handout

“Along with the five keys to good health, I regularly take high-quality supplements. I have not experienced any major illnesses, but I had my right knee replaced four years ago from actively playing many different sports from the age of five to 52.

“I continue to exercise on an average of 45 minutes per day with 30 minutes of cardio and 15 minutes of strength training.

“Then I do stretching to maintain flexibility,” he says.

No doubt, there are seniors who age gracefully without the need for supplementation.

Dr Walker says: “A small group of superagers are still leading fulfilling and enjoyable lives well into their 90s and beyond.

“They have rock-solid protective genetic mechanisms, so they probably would derive minimal additional benefits from any form of supplementation.

“However, these individuals represent the exception rather than the rule. In my view, the vast majority of the population can benefit from daily intake of high-quality, evidence-based supplements to augment healthy lifestyle practices.”