Comparison of Uptake between PureSorb-Q^TM40 and Regular Hydrophobic Coenzyme Q₁₀ in Rats and Humans after Single Oral Intake

Abstract

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant and essential component of the mitochondrial electron transfer system in the body, and is in wide use as a functional food material and cosmetic raw material. However, as CoQ₁₀ is extremely lipid-soluble, absorption by the body is not easy. In general, people use soft-gel capsules in which CoQ₁₀ is suspended in oil, and take these capsules with food. PureSorb-Q^TM40 (P40) was developed to improve CoQ₁₀ processability and absorption when taken without food, and the present study compared the effects of food on absorption between P40 and conventional lipid-soluble CoQ₁₀ in rats and humans. The results of a rat study showed higher uptake when P40 was administered in the fasting state or with food compared to lipid-soluble CoQ₁₀. The results of a human study showed that uptake was favorable when P40 was administered in the fasting state, and even when administered postprandially, a significant difference was noted in uptake rate up to 6 h after intake and uptake volume up to 8 h after intake when compared to lipid-soluble CoQ₁₀. These results show that any CoQ₁₀ product using P40 can be quickly and reliably absorbed by the body regardless of dosage form or intake time.