CoQ10 (Co-enzyme Q10)

This section will spill the beans and reveal which nutrients are worth supplementing and why, which should not be taken even if the nutrient is valuable, and which should definitely NOT be consumed at all.

Qunoltm analysis at bottom.

There are 3 issues to consider.  FORM, Form, and form...and Dosage. These pretty much dictate absorption 

• The body produces CoQ10, but tends to slow down production with age.
• First, CoQ10 has two forms, Ubiquinone (the oxidized form) or Ubiquinol (QH, the reduced form).  After age 50 or in disease conditions, QH is preferred and may have a slight advantage since digestion could be compromised. ref
• Second, as CoQ10 is a fat soluble nutrient, the products with the best absorption have an emulsified medium chain triglyceride fat base. Emulsification acts like soap breaking up large fat molecules for greater assimilation. A new nanaoparticle size CoQ10 has recently appeared.
• CoQ10 is either produced by a yeast or bacterial fermentation method plus it can also be synthesized from a tobacco plant byproduct with added chemical reactions. 
• Natural CoQ10 exists in the all trans- form while synthetic is a mixture of trans- and cis- forms. In Supplements, the regulations specify the cis- percentage at 1.5% or less.
• Another issue is that CoQ10 can crystallize while in softgels. Adding an anti-oxidant plus a light barrier are both needed to prevent or limit this reaction. Buy small bottles to use up faster.
• CoQ10 molecule contains sulfur and will supply sulfur on breakdown that can feed candida invasion. Candida may also eat up CoQ10 in intestinal tract reducing amount available for body.
• CoQ10 functions: Energy production, antixodant, both of which help almost every organ and tissue in the body. The Heart muscle uses the most energy followed by the liver and brain, but every cell in the body needs CoQ10 since all cells need energy. ref

The numbers below represent a ratio rather then the actual absorption of the different forms and bases in typical CoQ10 products.  But, absorption of CoQ10 as a fat soluble nutrient is quite low. Each product formula has to be evaluated separately. The number one format listed below is the least desirable, dry powder, but can be enhanced by consuming it with a fat containing food such as peanut butter, oil salad dressing, or avocado to facilitate the fat digestive process. But products with built in emulsifiers are best. Lecithin is one of the widest used emulsifiers. While glycerin does have some emulsifier properties, it often is just listed since it is used in making the capsule material and does not really aid CoQ10 absorption.  

1. As a dry powder in a capsule, only about 4-5% absorption.
2. Oil base in a softgel capsule. Doubles (2X) absorption (estimated)
3. Powder QH form (Ubiquinol)  in capsule (probably just over #2)

1. Oil base that is emulsified in softgel. 2.5X absorption (estimated)
2. Medium chain oil emulsified  in softgel, 3 X absorption (clinical study)
3. QH with oil base in softgel (3x estimated)
4. QH emulsified oil base in softgel (3.5x estimated)
5. Medium chain emulsified oil base QH (Best, almost 4x+ absorption)(clinical study 700% increase in plasma) (Best products have light barriers added as well, such as carob or annatto powder) (An issue with CoQ10 is crystallization, small amount of vitamin E is often added to stabilize) 

Both the ubiquinone and ubiquinol (QH) forms of CoQ10 have value. The QH form is simply the reduced form of ubiquinone CoQ10 and might aid assimilation into the body, but may only be of value for older individuals. CoQ10 changes from one form into the other and then back again depending upon antioxidant activities when it gives away an electron or gets one back (the energy electron transfer pathway). In the bloodstream, 90% of CoQ10 travels in the QH form so it is ready to donate an electron to neutralize a free radical, an antioxidant action. This reference shows antioxidant value of CoQ10 in reducing lipid (fat) oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

Young people do not need to supplement with CoQ10 unless they have a disease condition. About age 45 is the point to modestly begin supplementation. At 55+ it is vital. The CoQ10 content of lung tissue remains high until about this time. By 60, lungs have less protection against respiratory conditions which may be influenced by dropping CoQ10 levels. This could be one reason why respiratory illness are more serious at this age.  ref

Areas of CoQ10 influence and science support. ref Here is known dosing information. ref Very low side effects so far.

The Good brands: Bluebonnet Ubiquinol QH and Jarrow QH-Absorb.  While Q-Gel^tm from Tischon^tm  has great absorption, it uses a chemical emulsifying agent, polysorbate 80, which might present some compromises to natural cellular barriers. Bluebonnet and Jarrow use a natural lecithin emulsifier with only a few percentage points less absorption than the polysorbate 80 format. They also use a Medium Chain Triglyceride fat base which is one of the smallest fatty acid sizes and easiest to absorb. Jarrow is one of only a few companies that has clinical studies using their actual built products that proved their liposome base does increase blood plasma CoQ10 levels significantly.

Ubiquinol is derived from Co-Q10 that is manufactured via a yeast-fermentation process and consists only of the natural trans configuration, the same as is biosynthesized in the human body. Although the reduced QH form has important actions, it is rather difficult to stablize..

Jarrow has human research on their exact products showing enhanced blood plasma increases for CoQ10 levels. Other Brands may use the same exact ingredient, but it is how Jarrow puts the ingredients together with a natural emulsifier and Medium Chain Triglycerides to enhance fat absorption that is key. 

Bluebonnet Ubiquinol Kaneka^tm QH CoQ10 100 mg.  

Other ingredients: Gelatin, glycerin, water, natural annatto extract, soy lecithin, medium chain triglycerides, ascorbyl palmitate, beeswax

NOTE: Another Branded CoQ10 form CoQsol^tm is available, but it proves to be an enigma. Using rice bran oil, a highly perishable oil with tocotrienols and gamma oryzanol. Gamma oryganol is known to hinder cholesterol absorption. But isn't cholesterol a fat?  Rice oil is a longer chain glyceride so not sure of the advantage. The CoQsol people say it gives a 3X increase. Lecithin is also used as the emulsifier.

Many products play up on their labels Enhanced Absorption . One uses a black pepper "Bioperine"enhancer which increases absorption about 30% or 1.3x, a rather small amount. One uses a D'Limonine which is a good emulsifier from citrus oil. Look for medium chain triglyceride bottom line. And make sure there is an antioxidant like vitamin E to protect the fats. Price often reflects absorption percentages.

Qunoltm Brand CoQ10 gets the Boot

This Brand's CoQ10 has a lot right, and then something stupid is added. The Medium Chain Triglycerides are a good addition, but then adding Polysorbate 80 as a chemical emulsifier sinks the boat.

Many cancer drugs use polysorbate 80 to deliver the anticancer activity.. An analysis of these drugs discovered that there were side effects of the drugs that were not part of the drug active ingredients. The side effects were from the polysorbate 80.  ref < While this reference at first deals with events for cancer drug injection sites, later it gets into the meat against the use of polysorbate 80 in supplements. 

Polysorbate 80 is a very effective emulsifier and stabilizer for drugs to increase delivery. But, it is not an inert ingredient. Polysorbate 80 does two things that may compromise a  number of body processes. First, it increases membrane permeability which could allow elements into cells that do not belong. Plus, it could allow for intestinal linkage of bacteria out or the digestion area and into regular body channels. If this is not enough, polysorbate 80 also increases inflammation. Another attack possibility against the integrity of the intestinal tract.

"In drug formulations, polysorbate 80 has been implicated in a number of systemic reactions (e.g., hypersensitivity, nonallergic anaphylaxis, rash) ..."

Grape Seed Extract

Loss of Skin elasticity is one sign that indicates ageing. Holding on to elasticity is vital for body integrity. Skin is just the part of elasticity that can be seen. Inside the body there are many areas where elasticity factors are paramount. Elastic artery vessel walls are critical to heart health and maintaining healthy blood pressure. There are 2 components to elasticity. Collagen fibers and elastin fibers intercross to provide this elasticity. Preserving these fibers is an important part of healthful living. Like many body processes, tearing down the old collagen so new can be built in it's place is a normal method to maintain integrity.  There are at least 2 enzymes involved that breakdown these fibers. So, the issue is to control and maintain a normal rate of renewal. But, there are situations where the rebuild does not keep pace with the tear down and skin is reduced in thickness prematurely. Smoking increases this rate. The assault on the body by the elements in smoke, regardless of source, use up vitamin C, a necessary part ot the rebuild of these collagen and elastin fibers. Plus, any nutrients that control these enzymes also promotes skin integrity and longevity. Grape Seed Extract contains a family of elements called OPC's that have important actions in this area, plus are involved in many other conditions as well. The next link contains numerous references for OPC's and gives the conditions that research has explored: Symptoms Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs) Natural, Alternative 21765 

Grape Seed Extract Benefits Blood Pressure and Cholesterol - University Health News Talks about how OPC's from grape seed extract lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Preventing LDL oxidation is vital to protecting arteries against damage. Cholesterol is found involved with LDL and HDL particles. OPC's protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation. Small particle LDL that oxidize can get trapped in artery vessel walls and this adds to plaque build up.

Many food extracts contain OPC's but most supplements use either grape seed or pine bark extracts. Because grape plants are smaller and can be tented for testing, more analysis has been worked on grape seed OPC content, but the pine bark source companies have out spent the grape seed companies on research and marketing. Grape seed extract contains one more gallic ester, but other than that, they are very similar.

Research is ongoing for OPC's and greater influences should be found in the future. Right now, mainly associations are known awaiting verification of cause and effect. The most verified conditions for OPC's are for helping in the treatment of venous insufficiency, pain and blood pooling in legs, and also edema after injury or surgery. Grape seed | University of Maryland Medical Center 

Two sides of the OPC coin - Skin Healing

Nutrients can have functions in different body areas or at different stages that are seemingly opposite to each other. While OPC's participate in protecting collagen breakdown in one area, such as in the skin, in another process, wound healing, they also have a function that limits collagen over production. ref While wound healing needs collagen to heal the wound, the OPC's help regulate the production level of collagen so such conditions as over collagen production induced scar tissue does not build up in the final stages of wound healing. ref

Limiting scar tissue formation in wounds is paramount to proper wound healing and future skin elasticity and strength. ref <Long references but very significant information on wound healing. 

Websites of Merit

Vtamin websites with some good points. But, watch out for pitfalls.

Supplement Guides - Stop wasting your time and money | Examine.com

This website mainly wants to sell.you guides. Some general info OK

The Truth about Vitamins - WebMD

WebMD has some good stuff, but a little too mainstream so miss some important concepts.

10 Myths About Vitamin Supplements | The Dr. Oz Show

Dr Oz questions and answers with good info. But tends to promote concepts and new proudcts with a kickback for him. He learned this from Oprah. Weight loss area especially.

The Problem With Supplements. The evidence against supplements is… | by Markham Heid | Elemental

This website at first glance looks very well resourced. This above article has excellent points on the "to vitamin or no" case. But, as the FDA director points out, sports supplements are the one area that has a higher rate of bad apples. Many stimulating weight loss and energy supplements are spiked with illegal drugs. And the FDA has the authority to take them out.

Balance of Nature Analysis

Balance of Nature Product Analysis

By now, most people have most likely seen a televised advertisement for Balance of Nature supplement. Ads hint that it can replace servings of fruits and vegetables. Healthy looking active people are seen in ads mentioning how much their life improved while taking these supplements. What is the WHOLE story behind this product?

Fruits and Vegetables are beneficial in the diet. article How much are needed? These amounts are now specified as cups per day instead of weights, that is 2 cups of fruits would be 4 servings and 2 and a half cups of vegetables would be 5 servings. This must be quite difficult to achieve since only 1 in 10 consume these amounts. ref

Balance of Nature fruit and vegetable supplements sound like a simple way to increase servings without having to actually eat food. Obviously, fruits and vegetables contain many valuable nutrients. Here are amounts of fruits and vegetables equal to one serving. More data here on servings here> serving sizes here  <click on cup fruit table, or for a picture of a serving sizes, and last, Harvard weighs in here  There is some confusion as to what exactly is a serving size for fruits and vegetables. Australia simplifies and says a fruit serving is 150 grams (5 and 1/3 ounces) and a vegetable serving is 75 grams (two and 2/3 ounces).

QUESTION OF THE DAY 

How many fresh servings sizes of FRUITS AND VEGETABLES are in a serving of Balance of Nature supplements?  (on average, about 25% of one serving)

Here is a very simple method to figure this out since the labels do not give this information. At least not in an easy to reveal way. But, since the labels do give the total weight of the servings (3 fruit caps equal 2,011 mg and 3 vegetable caps equal 2,010 mg.) And knowing that the processing method just extracts out the water weight from the fruits and vegetables without any further concentrations, it is easy to figure out how much fresh fruits and vegetables are in a Balance of Nature serving by simply adding back the 87% average water weight.

Here is the math for those with a concern for numbers. 2011 and 2010 equals 4,021mg. which is 4 grams rounded off. One fruit or vegetable serving is between 4-6 ounces. One ounce is 28 grams. Thus one serving of fruit or Vegetable would be between 112 - 168 grams. But this is with 87% average water weight included. Taking out the water weight leaves 15-22 grams for one food serving. Daily recommendation is for 9 servings, 4 fruit and 5 vegetable. But new (questionable) research reveals that 5 total provides same benefit.

Since a serving of Balance of Nature provides 4 grams for both 3 fruit and 3 vegetable caps, this is equal to between 18-27% of one serving of fruit or vegetable (15-22 grams).

If you want to know the size for how much fresh fruits or vegetables are in a serving of Balance of Nature, picture 4 ounces, half a cup, and divide that by four. There is just a little more than one ounce of fresh food per serving.

If the Austrailian method for serving sizes was used, the Balance of Nature serving would hold about 50% more of vegetables, so not quite half a serving. Still quite small overall.  

See below for more detailed analysis.

There is a fruit cap, a veggie cap, and a spice and fiber cap. Let's look at the fruit cap first to get an idea of how many servings of fresh fruits can be put into 3 capsules.

USING APPLE EXAMPLE 

The 3 fruit caps hold just over 2,000 milligrams, or 2 grams. A medium size apple weighs about 6 ounces, or 168 grams (28 grams to an ounce) and represents one serving of fruit. Taking out the 85% water weight, that leaves about 25 grams of dried apple solids containing the nutrients, including about 3% fiber. (list of water % for F & V) Since the company does not use concentrates, if this apple powder was used to fill all three capsules, 2 grams, that would equal just 8% of one serving of apple solids. What about the other 15 fruits listed on the label that also need some space?

Realistically, does this apple example sound like this product could deliver a full fruit serving substitute in the 3 capsules at total 2 grams (2,011 mg.)? Maybe a good start for some types of high water fruits. 

ANOTHER EXAMPLE- Strawberries

One fresh strawberry, about 1 inch across, with water removed weighs about .56 of a gram. Since one fruit capsule on average holds .67 gram, or 670 milligrams, that means that just 1 and 1/5 dried strawberries would fill one capsule. One fruit serving size is considered 8 strawberries. The 3 capsules of only strawberries would yield just under a half fruit serving, that is 3 and 3/5 strawberries. 

But these are for one fruit filling all 3 capsules. Now how much of each of the 16 fruits are in each product serving?

All three fruit capsules hold 2,011 mg. Looking at amount for all 16 fruits divided equally, the product label does not provide any individual item amounts but offers a hint, each fruit would have 126 milligrams. For strawberry, that would mean just over 1/5 of a strawberry would equal 126 mg. That is just under 3% of one strawberry serving. For Apple, that 126 mg. would mean just half of one percent for the dried apple solids of one seving. The other 14 fruits are somewhere between these two examples. Adding up the 16 fruits would probably only reach at best maybe 25% of a fruit serving, modified a little by the actual weight used of each fruit and water content percent. 

If you can afford to pay about 300% over the real value for this type of product, by all means go ahead. At least it does not appear to have any negatives, unless one is allergic to an ingredient. Also note that the fruits are not organic so the fruit caps probably have some pesticides and/or heavy metals. But most likely these amounts will be below government accepted levels since the serving amount is so small.

FYI: if you are taking the spice and fiber caps, be sure to drink sufficient water. Fiber absorbs water and could back up the elimination system. At 8 grams of fibers, this product supplies about 29% of daily requirement, a good amount, but less than the fiber content in 2 medium apples at 8.8 grams and slightly more than one apple at 4.4 grams and one banana at 3.1 grams. The FIBER caps just might be the most valuable product of the three.

If one looks at the bottle labels, while they list the fruits, there is a glaring absence of any vitamin and mineral content amounts. This may be due to the fact that they are quite insignificantly small. 

ANY REDEEMING FACTORS?

So, the real value of this product must be in the combination of a little of each of the 16 fruits and 15 vegetables. 

Caution: Veggie capsules contain soy. Soy simply has too many negatives to be included.**

Since this company says they do not cook the produce before freezing to maintain nutrients, they must rigorously test each batch after freeze drying for contamination. ref Plus, since the nutrients no longer have the protection of the skin shell around the fruit, the freeze dried fruit powders are exposed to greater levels of oxidation. Rapid processing into capsules is necessary and each bottle needs to have desiccants added for protection while in the bottle. Every time a bottle is opened, oxygen enters. Of course, the low water content of freeze dried fruits limits microbial growth, but any microbes present could survive and get reactivated once they get in a water environment inside the body. Fresh fruits also have this possibility. One reason a strong immune system is needed for protection.

The freeze drying process appears to be very intensive and requires a very clean environment. There are some questions about the integrity of some food structures surviving this process. This is in ongoing research. About 90% of fresh nutrients are preserved by freeze drying. These possible activities might not be large enough to influence the body, and it may not pose problems for short term use, but longer term use could increase risks. This and other challenges present the opportunity to gain benefits from probiotics. ref

Good Bacteria destroy and control Bad Bacteria.

Wrap UP! While the ingredients are good, these Fruit and Vegetable caps under deliver on quantity at an excessive cost, and use meaningless promotional testimonials. The fiber & spice product is the only one recommended, but is double the expected price. There are other cost effective alternatives. The spice blend is unique and may add some value. Some individuals have to be careful with too much psyllium. Drink enough water with this product.

This product is not equal to a number of fruit and vegetable servings. Most likely the fruit and veggie servings of 3 caps each yield almost a half serving of fruit and just above a half serving of vegetables at best. How could half an apple and half a medium size carrot yield such amazing benefits as the testimonials claim?  And at $3.00 a day makes for a pretty expensive half an apple and half a carrot at price per pound. These are serving size equivalents used as examples and not really half an applesi ec there are 16 fruits and 15 vegetables. Remember just 8% of apple solids would fill all 3 capsules while a half serving of strawberries would almost fill all 3 capsules.

General Info on Soy

**CAUTION: The vegetable caps contain soybean seeds. Yes, the amount is very tiny and not enough to have any impact. Overall, soybeans are not to be used raw as they contain anti-nutrients. Some of which are toxic in higher amounts. Why this ingredient was included is a perplexing mystery. 

Yes, soy has many beneficial nutrients, but the anti-nutrients usually overplay the benefits unless soy is cooked for a very long time and then fermented to eliminate the anti-nutrients. But there are still isoflavones with phytoestrogen activity to monitor.  ref Just too many fires for some subsets of people to be careful using soy. After 50 years of research, the soy history simply is too thorny. 

 Updated information (January 2024)

Some other websites writing about Balance of Nature said the fruits and vegetables were all from organic sources. But the company website does not now mention organic. The part of a product label that is inside the square black line box is the only part that has very strict regulations. Current label boxes for the fruit product do not list organic anywhere. The source of fruits is not organic. 

One Revealing Label Requirement

The FDA does have strict label requirements inside the label box lising ingredients. When ingredients are listed , they have to put the ingredient with the largest amount first and then work down to the last ingredient with the least weight. Since Balance of Nature Fruit and Vegetable labels break down the ingredients into three categories, each group would still have to list ingredients in order of amounts within each group. Notice that some groups list the same ingredient in all three groups or in two out of the three. This gives some details about where those ingredients could rank in total weight amounts compared to ingredients in only one group. Here looking at water percent and serving size for each food could add clarifying information to help determine exact equivalent for total serving amount.

FYI: The next paragraph was in the initial article, now removed and included below for general information only.

Possible Downside of Freeze Dried Organic Fruits

Raw foods sometimes contain microbial organisms. Organic growing methods actually increase the possibility of pathological microbes. article Why? Commercial growing methods use chemical pesticides to kill pests and artificial or synthetic clean fertilizers. Organic growers use less chemicals and more natural methods, such as predator insects which are not quite as effective and natural fertilizers as animal (or human) and plant wastes, a potential source of many microbes. Some of these microbes might survive the freeze drying methods unless the food is heated at some point. ref   

 Next is the freeze-drying method that says the material is first sent through a fine screen that eliminates any impurities, such as bacteria. ref   While bacteria are quite large, it is the much smaller virus that needs to be evaluated.

Astaxanthin

This article could also be called cell memebrane integrity factor. 

Astaxanthin is a member of the carotenoid family. ref They are found in marine animals like shrimp and salmon, and also in microorganisms, such as algae and yeast, plus in red color plants. The marine animals eat algae to get astaxanthin. Functions include healthy skin, heart health, brain support, and help with joint pain. Taking an excess will turn the stools red. Supplement amounts are between 5-10 mcg.

Astaxanthins act as a fat soluble antioxidant with anti-inflammatory actions. Check out this picture of a section of a cell membrane that reveals how astaxanthin protects the cell membranes fatty acids against lipid peroxidation.

You will see vitamin C, Beta carotene, and cholesterol are also present. 

Cell membranes are made up of two roles of phospholipids that look like balloons on a string. Astaxanthins along with luteins are especially found in the membranes of the retina of the eyes with many benefits. But, only small amounts are needed and maybe not everyday.

Immune system and brain health are also areas where astaxanthin shines.

D. Salina algae, found in top tier multi-vitamin formulas as a source for beta carotene with later conversion into vitamin A when needed, is recommended since it contains the different forms of beta carotene, all-trans, 9-cis, and 13-cis, plus alpha carotene with a small amount of other natural mixed carotenoids. But any amount of astaxanthin would be quite small since D. Salina lacks the enzyme needed to build astaxanthin. Thus, either eating natural food sources is a must or taking a separate supplement. The natural green algae used for supplements is H. pluvialis. Plus Phaffia yeast might also be found. Krill oil contains some as well as chlorella zofiingiensis. Make sure natural sources are listed on labels because a synthetic source is also available.

Foods include shrimp, red yeast, microalgaes such as chlorella and spirulina, egg yolk (darker the better), and red fish like salmon and trout. Plants are poor sources if any. Taking astaxanthin with a fish oil increases absorption.