COSCIENS developed a novel multifunctional water-soluble ingredient (CoQ10-BG complex) consisting of PGX dried oat beta glucan loaded (adsorbed) with nano-sized co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deposits. In a study initiated in 2015 with the University of Alberta, a prototype functional drink was developed using this CoQ10-BG complex. The first phase of development of this prototype, which was aimed at analyzing the physicochemical properties of the newly formed chemical complex, was completed at the end of 2016 and positive results were presented at a major conference held in Lisbon in April 2017.

CoQ10 was selected in this new complex because it is an essential compound required for basic cell function in human and, when adequately absorbed by the body, it can alleviate the onset of severe diseases. Indeed, CoQ10 maintains the integrity of mitochondria thereby helping to convert food into energy while also acting as an antioxidant. The human body contains an estimated amount of 2000 mg of CoQ10, of which 500 mg must be replenished daily, especially after the age of 20 when the CoQ10 content of human organs decreases substantially¹. Given that average dietary intake of CoQ10 was estimated as 3-6 mg/day with meat being the major source, supplementation using a bioavailable supplement is required to achieve the recommended daily intake of 30-100 mg for healthy people and 60-1200 mg for individuals with certain medical conditions1, including those taking statin medication which are known to reduce CoQ10 biosynthesis2. CoQ10 deficiency leads to a number of ailments such as: fatal cardiomyopathy, heart attack, congestive heart failure, cancer, myopathy, exhaustion, depression, high blood pressure, gum disease, hair loss, liver disease, memory loss or amnesia, cataracts, angina, folic acid deficiency, and damaged cell membranes².
 

1. Pravst I., Zmitek K., Zmitek J., Coenzyme Q10 contents in foods and fortification strategies, Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2010, 50:269-280
2. Grisanti R., The CoQ10-Statin Secret, Functional Medicine University, 2018, https://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/public/883.cfm