Isotonix® Coenzyme Q10

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Coenzyme Q10?

  Coenzyme Q10 is actually a two-part compound that is composed of (1) a long, fat-soluble isoprenoid tail that anchors the molecule in the inner membrane of the mitochondria, and (2) a quinone that is capable of accepting and transferring electrons through a portion of the respiratory chain. A coenzyme is a non-protein substance that helps enzymes carry out their metabolic function and is not consumed in the reaction. Coenzyme Q10 is found in the cell membranes of all cells in our body, particularly in the inner mitochondrial membranes, and is especially concentrated in highly active organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, spleen and adrenal glands. Mitochondria produce large amounts of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which helps cells perform work. Since the manufacture of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the mitochondria is known to generate many harmful oxygen radicals, coenzyme Q10 serves an antioxidant function in that location by neutralizing radicals.

• What role does Coenzyme Q10 carry in the Kreb Cycle?

  Coenzyme Q10 is also required by a key enzyme in the Kreb Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle), which converts both carbohydrates and fat into usable energy for the cell. Besides these functions within all cells, coenzyme Q10 also works with vitamin E outside of the cell when both compounds are dissolved in circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles carrying cholesterol.

• What is the source of Coenzyme Q10?

  While our livers produce small amounts of coenzyme Q10, and this small amount is distributed to the rest of the body, we get most CoQ10 from foods, such as organ meats, muscle meats, fish, peanuts, spinach, soy and nuts. In the past, it was difficult and very expensive to isolate sufficient amounts of coenzyme Q10 from these food sources for the purpose of dietary supplementation. However, a Japanese company succeeded in synthesizing coenzyme Q10 in 1977, thus making an important nutrient available to the world.

• What is a safe and effective serving of supplemental Coenzyme Q10?

  A variety of clinical studies have demonstrated that a daily intake as low as 30 mg and as high as 300 mg of coenzyme Q10 is safe and can promote a healthier life. The circulating levels of coenzyme Q10 take about 60 to 90 days to reach a steady state depending on the amount taken. Granular coenzyme Q10, as used in Isotonix, is about equal to the oil-based form in terms of uptake from the small intestine and distribution throughout the body.

• What is the best way to store this product?

  Keep Isotonix stored in a dry, cool place. If Isotonix is stored in the kitchen, keep it away from the stove, sink, heat-generating appliances or window ledges. If you live in a very humid area, you may store Isotonix products in the refrigerato, but not in the fruits and vegetables area.