July 30, 2005
Although Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a widely used nutritional supplement,
many people do not realize that, like most nutrients, Coenzyme Q10
comes in both natural and synthetic forms and that there are several
distinct differences between these forms that could affect their
safety and benefits.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant
important for heart and neurological function. Numerous clinical
trials have shown CoQ10 to be safe and effective in supporting cardiovascular
function in patients with coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction,
congestive heart failure, and cardiomyopathy. Recent studies
have also found administration of CoQ10 to be a valuable nutrient
for individuals with Parkinson disease.
All of these important studies have used the
natural “trans” form of Co Q10 produced through a fermentation process
that yields CoQ10 in its pure molecular trans configuration. This
natural trans isomer is identical to the CoQ10 produced by cells
in the body that is crucial for generating cellular energy and protecting
cell membranes against free-radical damage.
CoQ10 can also be produced synthetically via
a complex chemical process that results in a combination of CoQ10
molecules in both “cis” and “trans” configurations. Unlike trans
CoQ10, the cis form does not occur naturally in the body. Experts
are currently unsure how the body handles this form of CoQ10 and
whether it has similar protective capability. Although the safety
of all-trans CoQ10 has been studied and verified, safety/toxicity
studies have not been performed with all-cis or cis-trans CoQ10. In
addition, the potential effects of impurities such as coenzyme Q9
typically found in synthetically manufactured CoQ10 are unknown
at this time.
Based on this evidence, only 100% pure, natural
trans CoQ10 produced through a pharmaceutical manufacturing and
extraction process is used in ProThera and Klaire Labs CoQ10 supplements.
Although manufacture of natural CoQ10 is a difficult and more costly
process compared to synthetic processes, we find that current data
supports exclusive use of natural trans CoQ10 for highest reliability
of safety and clinical efficacy.
Unfortunately, the higher costs and difficulty
of producing the pure natural trans isomer has limited the number
of manufacturers supplying the market with natural CoQ10. And in
recent months, a huge increase in demand for CoQ10 has made it difficult
for raw material manufacturers to keep pace. This has resulted in
periodic shortages of natural CoQ10 raw materials throughout the
industry. It has also driven prices higher. Because synthetic CoQ10
is less expensive, some companies choose to use this material in
their products and may offer it at a lower price.
However, ProThera has always used and will continue to buy only
pure natural CoQ10 for use in our products so that healthcare professionals
and their patients can rely on the valuable benefits of this unique
nutritional compound.
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