CoQ10 (Coenzyme 10)

A key ingredient that has received significant attention from research and development experts is coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Naturally present in every cell of the human body, including the skin, CoQ10 functions as a potent antioxidant. It protects cells from free radical damage and helps prevent collagen degradation, making it a well-established component in premium nutritional and wellness formulations.

Despite its benefits, CoQ10 is naturally lipophilic, which limits absorption in the body. To address this challenge, researchers at the Chemical Institute in Ljubljana developed a water-soluble form, later branded as Q10Vital®. This innovative formulation significantly enhances bioavailability, a result confirmed by three comparative clinical studies demonstrating up to 4-fold higher absorption compared to conventional CoQ10.

As an award-winning ingredient, Q10Vital® ensures that consumers receive maximum efficacy and value from every dose, positioning it as a premium solution for high-quality nutritional supplements.

In collaboration with the Institute of Cosmetology at the College of Services, a clinical study was conducted on 33 women aged 45–60 who took Q10Vital® supplements in doses of 50 mg and 100 mg daily for 12 weeks. Participants were healthy, not using cholesterol-lowering drugs, prior invasive cosmetic procedures, or topical Q10 products.

Results:

• Long-term use of Q10Vital® improved skin firmness and micro-relief, reducing visible wrinkles.
• Higher doses provided slightly better outcomes, but both doses significantly enhanced skin smoothness and elasticity compared to placebo.
• The study confirmed the synergistic effects of Q10 on collagen maintenance, supporting both internal and external skin health.

Another study investigated CoQ10 absorption in older adults, a population often at risk of nutrient malabsorption. This study, conducted at the Institute of Nutrition, compared Q10Vital® (water-soluble), conventional ubiquinone capsules, and ubiquinol capsules.

Results:

• Q10Vital® showed superior absorption, even in older adults with reduced intestinal uptake.
• Compared to enhanced-absorption ubiquinol capsules, Q10Vital® achieved 1.5× higher bioavailability (not statistically significant).
• Regardless of the form ingested, CoQ10 appeared in plasma predominantly as the reduced form (ubiquinol), with no significant differences among formulations.

With the increasing focus on healthy aging, there was another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted to examine the effects of a liquid supplement combining Q10Vital® and hydrolyzed marine collagen on skin structure, smoothness, and wrinkle reduction.

The study included 34 healthy women aged between 40 and 65 who were not taking any other dietary supplements. Participants received a daily 10 ml dose of a liquid formulation for 12 weeks, containing 50 mg of Q10Vital®, 4000 mg of hydrolyzed marine collagen, 80 mg of vitamin C, 920 µg of vitamin A, and 150 µg of biotin. The control group received a placebo syrup with a matching color and flavor.

Results:

1. Increased dermal density: After 12 weeks, dermal density significantly improved compared to both baseline and placebo, nearly doubling the improvement seen in previous studies with collagen alone.
2. Reduced periorbital wrinkles: Surface area of wrinkles around the eyes decreased significantly in the test group.
3. Lower overall wrinkle score: Expert assessment of wrinkle severity showed a marked reduction in the test group versus no change in the placebo.
4. Improved skin smoothness: Skin smoothness and micro-relief improved noticeably in the test group, while the placebo showed slight deterioration.

These studies demonstrate that Q10Vital® is highly bioavailable, effective in older adults, and synergistic with collagen to improve skin structure, elasticity, and overall appearance.