BASF Finds Further Substantiation for CoQ10 Product

23/01/07 A clinical study recently published in the scientific journal "International Journal of Food and Nutrition Science" has shown that BASF’s Solu Q10 formulation for dietary supplements offers a higher level of bioavailability than similar products. This was demonstrated by comparing BASF's Solu Q10 to several commercially obtainable coenzyme Q10 formulations. Bioavailability is a parameter indicating how rapidly and completely the coenzyme is absorbed by the body, and depends to a great extent on the dosage form. Besides conventional, crystalline coenzyme Q10, there are oily dispersions and liquid solubilizates. Solu Q10 from BASF is a solubilizate.

"Solu Q10 exhibits outstanding bioavailability and can be manufactured using far fewer formulation aids than other solubilizates," said Kai Sievert, head of Business Development and Product Management for Specialities in BASF’s global Nutrition unit. This makes coenzyme Q10 from BASF an extremely ¿label-friendly ingredient for customers. Solu Q10 also has very good dosing properties and is easy to use.

In the clinical study, more than 50 men and women took 60 milligrams of coenzyme Q10 in different forms daily for two weeks. The result: compared to crystalline coenzyme Q10, a supplement commonly used in standard products, Solu Q10 was absorbed at least 3-fold faster by the human body. When taken daily for several weeks, highest blood levels of coenzyme Q10 were clearly achieved with Solu Q10 compared to other products. In general terms, the solubilizates displayed in our study better bioavailability than oily dispersions and crystalline coenzyme Q10.

The distinguishing characteristic of solubilizates is that they form micelles with a very fine particle distribution. Micelles are molecules that form aggregates in the solvent. This behavior simulates the natural digestive process and the body can rapidly absorb the coenzyme. Other foods, such as milk, are also absorbed by the body in this way.

BASF is helping manufacturers of dietary supplements to energize their products with new grades of Coenzyme Q10 that target anti-aging and chronic disease prevention.