Plant-based diets may result in ubiquinol deficiency, Kaneka study finds

31 Aug 2021 --- Ubiquinol plasma levels in plant-based consumers are 23 percent lower than in omnivores, according to a study from Kaneka.

“Those opting for a plant-based diet also have to be mindful of their health by supplementing deficient nutrients appropriately,” says Alexandre Magnin, sales and marketing manager at Kaneka Nutrients Europe.

“For example, some meat or dairy alternatives were found to be relatively high in sodium, saturated fat and sugar, and may therefore decrease levels of essential micronutrients.”

The study was conducted in partnership with medical care corporation Kaonkai Miura Hospital in Osaka, Japan. Half of the study participants were vegetarians or vegans and the other half were meat-eaters.

Ubiquinol in focus
The study found that supplementation with Kaneka’s ubiquinol can help increase ubiquinol plasma levels in vegetarians and vegans. The micronutrient is a form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). It is produced by the body and is essential for making energy and neutralizing free radicals.Ubiquinol is essential for producing energy and neutralizing free radicals.

However, due to increasing age and certain diseases, medications or an unhealthy lifestyle, the body’s ubiquinol production decreases. A lack of ubiquinol could lead to fatigue, muscle issues and a weaker immune system, and it’s also a risk factor for many age-related diseases.

“As more and more consumers are switching to a greener lifestyle, these and our new study results are significant. With Kaneka’s ubiquinol, manufacturers of dietary supplements can serve the growing target group of vegetarians and vegans and optimally support them in their diet,” Magnin adds.

To add to this, Innova Market Insights’ data revealed that products featuring plant-based claims experienced a 26 percent average annual growth between 2016 and 2020.

A plant-based diet, healthy or not?
Although environmentally beneficial, plant-based diets often lack essential micronutrients, which could lead to “severe health issues.” For instance, veganism among women is associated with a significantly higher risk of hip fracture, according to the researchers.

Additionally, a British Nutrition Foundation report emphasized the effects of a vegan diet on poor nutrient intake, such as zinc and vitamin B12.

Earlier this year, UK researchers developed a calculator that could help with vitamin B12 biomanufacturing, a vitamin known for lacking in vegan diets.

In light of the plant-based nutrition trend, ubiquinol supplementation is advisable for the growing number of people who actively avoid animal products.

“Plant-based nutrition continues to flourish as a result of consumer interest in healthy lifestyles, sustainability and animal welfare, which ties into the broader trend toward cleaner living and eating,” adds Magnin.Plant-based diets can lead to a lack of essential nutrients.

Health benefits
Despite dangers of nutrient deficiencies, a plant-based diet may hold health benefits. A Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine study found that plant-based diets can aid weight loss and heart health.

Also, it was previously found that proteins within plant-based meat alternatives were low in cholesterol, saturated fats and sugars.

Kaneka’s ubiquinol potential
In June, Kaneka Nutrient Europe’s ubiquinol was effective in reducing levels of fatigue and stress. This is according to a study conducted by healthcare research company Expansion Consulteam on 85 French nurses.

Also, Kaneka Pharma’s ubiquinol was “rediscovered” to be beneficial for immune health and its usage shifted from sports nutrition and heart health to this sector.

By Nicole Kerr