Mitochondrial Function
The Power at the Core of Cellular Health
Cellular energy, in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), is produced by the cell’s mitochondria, with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as a critical component in the process.1 Described as the “powerhouse of the cell” for decades, mitochondria have more recently been highlighted as playing a far more extensive role in maintaining cellular homeostasis.2,3
Mitochondria: CEO of the Cell2,3
Now deemed the “CEO: Chief Executive Organelle” of the cell, mitochondria have been shown to be responsible for regulating complex metabolic networks, signaling, immune function, cell division, cell fate, and ultimately, the fate of the organism.2,3
Mitochondria are now seen as central to cellular resilience, maintenance, and performance. Their functioning is also fundamentally tied to physiological processes associated with aging.4,5
Mitochondrial Functions
Mitochondrial biogenesis
Increase in size and number to meet rising energy demands or prepare for cell division.6
Mitochondrial fission and fusion
Split and rejoin to repair damage, recycle components, and adapt to stress.6,7
Signaling pathways
Coordinate stress and immune responses and repair mechanisms to maintain balance.2
Apoptosis and mitophagy
Safely remove damaged cells and other mitochondria to protect overall function.8,9
Cell senescence
Permanently halt division of damaged cells to protect those surrounding them.10,11
Kaneka Ubiquinol® and Mitochondrial Performance
Ubiquinol is essential to ATP production in the mitochondria as part of the electron transport chain, fueling cellular energy.1
Mitochondrial energy generation produces reactive oxygen species (ROS). These natural byproducts are normally neutralized by antioxidants like ubiquinol. However, when produced in greater quantities than available antioxidant defenses can manage, ROS can increase, creating oxidative stress.12,13
The CoQ10 balance, defined as the ratio of ubiquinol to ubiquinone in the body, can serve as an indicator of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress may negatively affect cellular and mitochondrial DNA, energy production, lipids, and proteins.13
Kaneka Ubiquinol® supplementation helps to:
Support cellular energy generation1
Neutralize ROS at the source12,13
Protect lipids from peroxidation and associated damage13,14
Maintain mitochondrial membrane integrity12,13
Mitochondrial function is closely tied to other key wellness factors, including cardiovascular health and healthy aging.
See more uses for Kaneka Ubiquinol®
REFERENCES: 1. Martini FH, Nath JL, Bartholomew EF. Metabolism, nutrition, and energetics. In: Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology, 12th ed. Prentice Hall; 2024:943-950. 2. Picard M, Shirihai OS. Mitochondrial signal transduction. Cell Metab. 2022;34(11):1620-1653. 3. Lee-Glover LP, Picard M, Shutt TE. Mitochondria – the CEO of the cell. J Cell Sci. 2025;138(9):jcs263403. 4. Lima T, Li TY, Mottis A, Auwerx J. Pleiotropic effects of mitochondria in aging. Nat Aging. 2022;2(3):199-213. 5. Asejeje FO, Ogunro OB. Deciphering the mechanisms, biochemistry, physiology, and social habits in the process of aging. Arch Gerontol Geriatrics Plus. 2024;1(1):100003. 6. Adebayo M, Singh S, Singh AP, Dasgupta S. Mitochondrial fusion and fission: the fine-tune balance for cellular homeostasis. FASEB J. 2021;35(6):e21620. 7. Liu YJ, McIntyre RL, Janssens GE, Houtkooper RH. Mitochondrial fission and fusion: a dynamic role in aging and potential target for age–related disease. Mech Ageing Dev. 2020;186:111212. 8. Wang S, Long H, Hou L, et al. The mitophagy pathway and its implications in human diseases. Sig Transduct Target Ther. 2023;8:304. 9. Tait SW, Green DR. Mitochondrial regulation of cell death. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2013;5(9):a008706. 10. Kumari R, Jat P. Mechanisms of cellular senescence: cell cycle arrest and senescence associated secretory phenotype. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2021;9:645593. 11. Varesi A, Chirumbolo S, Campagnoli LIM, et al. The role of antioxidants in the interplay between oxidative stress and senescence. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(7):1224. 12. Ernster L, Forsmark-Andrée P. Ubiquinol: an endogenous antioxidant in aerobic organisms. Clin Investig. 1993;71(8 Suppl):S60-S65. 13. Bentinger M, Brismar K, Dallner G. The antioxidant role of coenzyme Q. Mitochondrion. 2007;7(suppl):S41-S50. 14. Stocker R, Bowry VW, Frei B. Ubiquinol-10 protects human low density lipoprotein more efficiently against lipid peroxidation than does alpha-tocopherol. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1991;88(5):1646-1650.