Ubidecarenone is an essential cofactor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Its function is to accept electrons from complexes I and II, an activity that is critical for ATP production. It acts as a mobile redox agent, shuttling electrons and protons in the electron transport chain. 5 Ubidecarenone also exhibits antioxidant activity in mitochondria and cell membranes, prevents lipid membrane peroxidation and inhibits oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
Ubidecarenone is distributed to various tissues of the body and is able to enter the brain. 10 In preclinical studies of intravenous administration of ubidecarenone, a volume of distribution of 20.4 L/kg was reported, reflecting the ability of ubidecarenone to penetrate extensively into organs4 As a general rule, patients with high energy requirements or metabolic Tissues that are active tend to exhibit higher amounts of ubidecarenone, these could be the heart, kidneys, liver and muscles.
Studies have shown that there is no saturation process in the metabolic process of ubidecarenone. It is metabolized in all tissues by phosphorylation in the cells and transported to the kidneys for further excretion in the urine. 11 After action, ubidecarenone is reduced to form hydroquinone, which is able to recycle and regenerate other antioxidants such as tocopherol and ascorbic acid. Later metabolism of hydroquinone yields free and conjugated forms of Q acid I and Q Acid II.
The major route of elimination for ubidecarenone is via bile. Following oral administration, more than 60% of the dose is excreted in feces as unchanged ubidecarenone and a small number of metabolites. 10,5 In urine, ubidecarenone is bound to the saposin B protein, accounting for only 8.3% of the total administered dose.
There have been no reports of adverse events from dietary supplementation with ubidecarenone. 6 Normal side effects reported in humans are related to the gastrointestinal tract.
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