Coenzyme Q10 is a popular antioxidant supplement promising profound health benefits, but in order to reap the benefits of this potent molecule, your body must properly absorb it. We’ll compare two leading brands that tackle this problem head-on: Natural Factors Coenzyme Q10 and MitoQ.
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cells, synthesizing energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is a necessary component in many biological functions, including muscle contraction and nerve communication, but the process of generating ATP can introduce harmful byproducts into the body. Mitochondria produce free radical oxygen molecules, which are highly reactive due to their odd numbers of electrons. In small quantities, free radicals aren’t dangerous and can even help the immune system fight infections.
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However, free radical oxygen can also react with healthy cells, damaging them over time in a process called cell oxidation. The body’s natural solution for this is the release of antioxidants, but as people age, their ability to produce a sufficient quantity of natural antioxidants diminishes. Therefore, the best way to support mitochondrial and cellular health is by taking a supplementary antioxidant. Natural Factors coenzyme Q10 and MitoQ mitoquinol mesylate are two similar antioxidants that may benefit mitochondria and prevent cell oxidation caused by free radicals, but their efficacy for different applications varies. Read on for a head-to-head comparison of two best-selling antioxidant supplements: Natural Factors coenzyme Q10 and MitoQ mitoquinol mesylate.
Natural Factors Coenzyme Q10 vs MitoQ is an original (HealthXWire) article.
Natural Factors Coenzyme Q10 vs. MitoQ:
Chemical sources and similarity
Both Natural Factors coenzyme Q10 and MitoQ are high-quality organic products containing no unnecessary additives. Unlike coenzyme Q10, which occurs naturally in the human body, mitoquinol mesylate is a synthetic supplement; however, that doesn’t mean it’s unnatural. Structurally and functionally, mitoquinol mesylate is similar enough to coenzyme Q10 to be called a chemical analog to the naturally occurring compound. Also, unlike coenzyme Q10, mitoquinol mesylate has been subject to extensive research to ensure its total safety and efficacy. As a result, mitoquinol mesylate isn’t just an alternative to the body’s natural antioxidants — it’s actually superior in many categories.
Natural Factors Coenzyme Q10 vs. MitoQ:
Heart health benefits
Natural Factors coenzyme Q10 and MitoQ are both marketed on their potential to promote a healthy heart and circulatory system. Free radical oxygen can damage the circulatory system over time, reducing the elasticity of blood vessels and thereby constricting blood flow throughout the body.
Antioxidants like coenzyme Q10 and mitoquinol mesylate may help prevent this by preempting the reactions between free radicals and healthy cells. However, a 2016 review of studies on heart health found insufficient evidence to declare that supplementation with coenzyme Q10 has a significant effect on blood pressure. More high-quality studies are needed to verify the claims of products like Natural Factors coenzyme Q10 to promote heart health. Meanwhile, a 2018 trial found that mitoquinol mesylate — specifically MitoQ brand — improved vascular function in older adults. While coenzyme Q10’s benefits to the circulatory system are uncertain, MitoQ’s are well documented.
Natural Factors Coenzyme Q10 vs. MitoQ:
Anti-aging effects
Damage caused by oxidative stress is a natural part of aging, but with proper antioxidant supplementation, it’s possible to mitigate some of the adverse effects of cell oxidation. Coenzyme Q10 and mitoquinol mesylate have been studied for their anti-aging potential in many different parts of the body: the circulatory system, the immune system, and even exterior signs of aging, like skin elasticity.
However, coenzyme Q10’s poor absorption and instability requires it to be diluted with additives in order to achieve its maximum anti-aging potency. In contrast, mitoquinol mesylate was found to have effective anti-aging properties as-is, with no additives required. Although both Natural Factors coenzyme Q10 and MitoQ have anti-aging potential, studies show that MitoQ’s is far greater.
Natural Factors Coenzyme Q10 vs. MitoQ:
Absorption and efficacy
As an indispensable part of overall cell health, mitochondria are protected by powerful membranes. As such, it can be difficult for mitochondria-supporting antioxidants to penetrate that membrane; therefore, sometimes antioxidants go unabsorbed and can’t reach their full potential.
Natural Factors coenzyme Q10 promises enhanced absorption — in fact, it’s written right on the bottle. However, a 2020 study found that coenzyme Q10 has low bioavailability, particularly when taken in capsule form as in Natural Factors coenzyme Q10 product.
Mitoquinol mesylate, on the other hand, has far greater bioavailability in any form. According to MitoQ CEO Mahara Inglis, “MitoQ is chemically proven to penetrate into the mitochondria and offset that cellular stress so you can be healthier in every aspect of your life.” This claim is backed by a 2016 study in which mitoquinol mesylate was found to penetrate the mitochondrial membrane and directly offset oxidative stress. This is due to mitoquinol mesylate’s smaller size and positive charge, which creates attraction from within the cell. When it comes to absorption and bioavailability, mitoquinol mesylate far exceeds coenzyme Q10.
Natural Factors Coenzyme Q10 vs. MitoQ:
MitoQ is an excellent antioxidant supplement
Mitoquinol mesylate beats coenzyme Q10 in just about every category. It can benefit the heart, immune system, and overall energy and cognitive function. Both Natural Factors coenzyme Q10 and MitoQ are high-quality, all-natural supplement products, but with mitoquinol mesylate’s smaller size and positive charge promoting greater absorption, MitoQ has a leading edge over any coenzyme Q10 product. Further research may discover further benefits of mitoquinol mesylate, and its greater bioavailability may just be the secret to its success.
Additional Links for Further Reference:
American Chemical Society: Adenosine triphosphate
University of Nebraska Omaha: Impacts of Mitoquinol Mesylate Intake on Vascular Function and Cognitive Impairment
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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