What is CoQ₁₀?

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀), also known as ubiquinone, is a fat-soluble nutrient produced naturally by our bodies and has fundamental roles in human health. CoQ₁₀ is found in every cell and is concentrated in the organs that require the most energy such as the heart, liver, muscles and kidneys. Its responsibility in helping to produce cellular energy demonstrates the importance of maintaining adequate amounts of this multi-tasking molecule to maintain health and prevent chronic diseases.

CoQ₁₀ is also important for preserving mitochondrial function.  Since mitochondria are the “engine” of the cell responsible for producing energy, as well as a major source of reactive oxygen species (natural byproduct of energy production), it seems only commonsense that CoQ₁₀ status plays a key role in our health.  CoQ₁₀ is also a powerful antioxidant which can help negate some of the free radical damage caused during the necessary process of our cell’s producing energy.

The Hype is False: CoQ₁₀ cannot be taken orally and reach Therapeutic Dosages

Despite the potential beneficial effects of CoQ₁₀, therapeutic applications are greatly limited by many factors. In fact, oral CoQ₁₀ is only about 10% bioavailable, which could explain the lack of consensus in clinical trials with this compound.   The science is clear that the full health potential of this compound cannot be fully realized when taken as an oral supplement.  Research states that CoQ₁₀ is:

• insoluble in water (hydrophobic),
• not orally bioavailable (low absorption), and
• a large molecule. The larger the molecular size the more difficult it is to cross cellular structures and be absorbed.

“We previously reported that the bioavailability of CoQ₁₀ was very low, less than 10%.   It is therefore important to improve the absorption of CoQ₁₀ to enhance its physiological and nutritional benefits.” ^{https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/36/12/36_b13-00447/_article}

“The absorption of dietary CoQ10 is slow and limited due to its hydrophobicity and its large molecular weight.” ^{https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/yakushi/127/8/127_8_1251/_article}

“CoQ₁₀ is absorbed slowly from the small intestine, possibly because it has a high molecular weight and is not very water soluble.  It then passes into the lymphatics and finally to the blood and tissues.” (High dosages are needed to show significant increases in total CoQ10. ^{http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4112525/}

However, there is a solution.

Zetpil™ CoQ₁₀ Delivers!

Zetpil™ CoQ₁₀ is unique because it represents the marriage of science and reality.  Research has shown that if CoQ₁₀ can be embedded in a fat, greater absorption will occur. By embracing the physical properties of CoQ₁₀ (low oral bioavailability yet lipophilic), the researchers and scientists at Zetpil™ conceived that an alternative delivery method may increase the levels of CoQ₁₀ one could achieve over a longer period of time.  Based on research-proven concepts of absorption-enhancing natural compounds, excipients, therapeutically effective dosages and state-of-the-art production methods, Zetpil™ has formulated a CoQ₁₀ product which is cost-effective, safe, non-competitive, avoids enzymatic breakdown in the stomach and liver and is patient-friendly.

Research has shown that when taken orally, people cannot achieve therapeutic dosages of CoQ₁₀ that will actually make a difference in true pathological conditions. One Zetpil CoQ₁₀suppository is equal to approximately 4,000 milligrams of oral CoQ10 absorbed orally.  Suppositories offer the health-conscious consumer the opportunity to potentially increase their levels of CoQ₁₀.

^{http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3084451/pdf/nihms-290167.pdf ,}             

^{http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4246621/}                          

^{http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17482886}

Why include N-Acetyl-Cysteine?

N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) is an important antioxidant which also stimulates the production of glutathione, one of the body’s own powerful antioxidants.  Since glutathione has also been proven to help protect mitochondria as well as scavenge free radicals, its inclusion in the formula proves Zetpil™’s commitment to providing you with a highly effective product.  Not only are the primary ingredients (CoQ₁₀) at therapeutic dosages, but all the ingredients are beneficial in multiple ways.

Important Therapeutic Applications of CoQ₁₀

The rationale for CoQ₁₀ therapy is supported by the evidence that CoQ₁₀ levels decrease with both advanced age (over 30) and in pathological conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, metabolic diseases, oxidative stress and age-related diseases.

“Current clinical goals for mitochondrial disease therapy are to increase energy production in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reduce free radical production in an effort to improve, or at least stabilize, disease signs and symptoms.”  ^{http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3561461/}

Heart Disease

It is scientific fact that:

• Statin drugs, used to lower cholesterol, deplete one of the heart’s most essential nutrients- CoQ₁₀.
• Over the age of 20, our bodies naturally produce less CoQ10 and our levels drop dramatically after 50, by as much as 75%.

Age- and drug-induced decreases in CoQ₁₀ substantially increase the risk for a severe cardiac event (ie: heart attack). These dual effects severely deplete cellular vitality, especially in the heart. ^{http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3552608/}  As a result, CoQ₁₀ supplementation has become, on paper, part of the “standard of care” for the prevention and treatment of heart diseases.

“A large number of studies relate to cardiovascular diseases where CoQ₁₀ has been used as an adjunct to standard medical therapy.”  ^{http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17482886}

Neurodegenerative Diseases

“Mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress are thought to be important in aging, and aging is the principal risk factor for Alzheimer’s Diesease (AD). Mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress may also be directly involved in the pathogenesis of AD.

Consequently, CoQ₁₀ supplementation might potentially modulate a major contributor to Alzheimer’s Disesase (AD) pathogenesis. Indeed, CoQ₁₀ supplementation reduces plaque burden. Additionally, oxidative stress occurs early in AD pathogenesis, so antioxidants are most likely to have greatest effect at very early or presymptomatic stages.” ^{http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3267988/}

Diabetes

“Many studies suggest a central role for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of this metabolic disorder. This has prompted investigations to use antioxidants as a complementary therapeutic approach. Serum CoQ₁₀ levels in type 2 diabetic patients are often decreased and may be associated with subclinical diabetic cardiomyopathy, reversible by CoQ₁₀ supplementation.” ^{http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4112525/}

Cancer

“Mechanisms for CoQ₁₀‘s benefit for cancer may include immune system enhancement and antioxidant activity. CoQ₁₀ can be depleted by the use of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (Adriamycin®), resulting in cardiotoxicity. Supplemental CoQ₁₀ can prevent cardiac damage without decreasing chemotherapeutic effectiveness.” ^{http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC411252}

References

There are more than 9,800 free peer-reviewed scholarly articles about ubiquinone and 2,700 articles about CoQ10 at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (www.ncbi.com).  We encourage anyone looking for scientific and medical information to follow these links.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/?term=ubiquinone   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/?term=CoQ10

Coenzyme Q₁₀ Therapy

Mol Syndromol Jul 2014; 5(3-4): 187–197

Juan Garrido-Maraver, et al

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4112525/

Emulsification using highly hydrophilic surfactants improves the absorption of orally administered coenzyme Q10

Biol Pharm Bull 2013;36(12):2012-7

Sato Y, et al

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/36/12/36_b13-00447/_article

A Water Soluble CoQ₁₀ Formulation Improves Intracellular Distribution and Promotes Mitochondrial Respiration in Cultured Cells

PLoS One 2012; 7(3): e33712

Christian Bergamini, et al

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3303850/

Effect of coenzyme Q₁₀ supplementation on heart failure: a meta-analysis

Am J Clin Nutr Feb 2013; 97(2): 268–275

A Domnica Fotino, et al

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3742297/

Coenzyme Q₁₀ levels are low and associated with increased mortality in post-cardiac arrest patients

Resuscitation Aug 2012; 83(8): 991–995

Michael N. Cocchi, et al

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3658101/

Coenzyme Q10 Decreases Amyloid Pathology and Improves Behavior in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

J Alzheimers Dis 2011; 27(1): 211–223

Magali Dumont, et al

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3267988/

Oxidative Stress Correlates with Headache Symptoms in Fibromyalgia: Coenzyme Q₁₀ Effect on Clinical Improvement

PLoS One 2012; 7(4): e35677

Mario D. Cordero, et al

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3330812/