After having talked about krill oil in more than 20 episodes, from now on the focus will be on Q10 and its bioactive Q10 form QH, also known as ubiquinol. And these are the topics you are about to hear: What tasks does the cell have and what does it need to fulfill its functions? What are mitochondria? Let us dive together into the fascinating world of biochemistry and learn about the beneficial effects of bioactive Q10. Let’s get started.
What is understood by cells in biology?
Before we get to Q10, let's take a closer look at the human cell. What exactly is a cell? Biologically speaking, cells form the smallest functional unit in almost all living organisms, be it plants, animals, or humans. They are so small that they are only visible under a microscope.
They fulfill vital functions for our body. For example, heart cells help pump blood, while nerve cells transmit information. Without our brain cells, the so-called neurons, we could not think, and without immune cells like macrophages, our organism would have no defenses against harmful external influences. Intestinal cells, in turn, support the absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract, thereby enabling us to derive energy from food. All these cells work tirelessly and make our body the marvel that it is.
But what does it look like inside the cell? What does the cell need to function? The answer is: energy. And this is where the mitochondria come into play.
What is the role of mitochondria?
Every cell contains mitochondria. These are spherical or rod-shaped cell organelles. An organelle is a structure within a cell that performs specific functions, similar to organs in the human body. These tiny "organs" work together to keep the cell functional. They have their own DNA, which is enclosed by a double membrane, that is, double cell walls. You can think of these organelles as the vital organs of the cell. Or as small power plants, because mitochondria produce energy, the body’s own energy.
The proportion of organelles such as mitochondria is particularly high in cells with high energy consumption. Such as in muscle, nerve, and egg cells. Heart muscle cells actually consist of more than one-third mitochondria. This is because the heart needs a continuous supply of energy to carry out its contractions and pumping processes. Consequently, mitochondria make up a significant portion of the cell mass of heart muscle cells.
But how is cell energy produced and what do the cells need for it? The answer is found in our diet, specifically in carbohydrates and fats. These essential nutrients are converted through complex cellular respiration in the mitochondria. The result is adenosine triphosphate, abbreviated as ATP. Put simply, one can say that ATP provides the necessary energy in every cell to, for example, pump blood, transmit electrical signals, or transport nutrients.
What is cellular respiration?
This is where it gets a bit complicated. So let's approach it step by step and as simply as possible: Cellular respiration is a metabolic process consisting of three main steps:
First: glycolysis
Second: the citric acid cycle
And third: the respiratory chain.
In glycolysis, glucose molecules from carbohydrates are broken down and converted into pyruvate. The citric acid cycle requires fats to release pyruvate, producing electrons in the process. Finally, a complex cellular reaction takes place in the so-called respiratory chain, where these electrons are moved through various proteins. This produces ATP, the body's own energy – the energy source of the cells.
To then release this energy, another complex process is necessary. But that would take us too far afield now. Let's rather return to the mitochondria, the power plants of the cells.
What role do mitochondria play in the aging process?
The human body has about 30 trillion cells. Depending on the cell type and the more energy a cell consumes, the higher the proportion of mitochondria in the cells. A heart muscle cell has approximately 5,000 mitochondria responsible for energy production. That’s right, you heard correctly: 5,000 mitochondria. Our organism therefore consists of countless small power plants that provide it with energy around the clock.
However, these natural batteries do not last forever. From the age of 30 onwards, both the number and the activity of the mitochondria decline. Consequently, as we age, we have less energy, for example for cell regeneration. The loss of activity in mitochondria can be explained by the fact that over time, damage to their genetic material accumulates and leads to what is known as mitochondrial dysfunction.
Scientists view this process as an important factor in the aging process. To support mitochondrial function, you should exercise regularly, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and also pay attention to the intake of coenzyme Q10 for the mitochondria of the cells.
To function at their best, our cells depend on nutrients. In addition to the carbohydrates already mentioned, this also includes fats and proteins, which are converted into amino acids when needed and thus also play a role in cellular respiration.
How does coenzyme Q10 support the mitochondria of the cells?
Coenzyme Q10 is important for energy production in the mitochondria. And in more ways than one. On the one hand, Q10 supports electron transport in the respiratory chain and thus improves the efficiency of energy production. On the other hand, Q10 also serves as an antioxidant and protects the cell organelles from damage by free radicals that are generated during energy production.
You will learn more about this in the next episode of our podcast series. We will explore the question of what Q10, called ubiquinone, and what bioactive Q10, also called ubiquinol, is and how both forms differ from each other.
Conclusion
Before we finish, here is a brief summary of the most important facts: Our body is a miracle consisting of 30 trillion cells. The energy for our organism is created in a complex process in the mitochondria, the power plants of the cells. For this, in addition to fats and carbohydrates, we also need the support of coenzyme Q10. When you consider how important the function of the mitochondria is for our energy balance, our entire organism, and the aging process, it becomes clear how tremendously important Q10 and its bioactive Q10 form are for our health. But more on that, as mentioned, in our next podcast. Thank you for listening and see you soon!
• If you have any further questions and would like to learn more about Q10, do not hesitate to ask your trusted doctor or contact our free Medicom micronutrient consultation service at 0800 50 400 50.
