The versatile natural ingredient offers multiple ways to respond to the latest trends in the emerging sports products market
The sports nutrition and supplements market is growing consistently and the sector’s consumer base is larger than ever. The most in-demand products are those that can support performance and muscle power as well as recovery, and consumers are looking to boost their energy levels too. Alongside sports professionals, today’s recreational athletes are well informed and becoming more demanding: They want products that are natural, safe and supported by scientific proof of efficacy. In this respect, Ubiquinol scores high. Japanese nutritional ingredients supplier Kaneka, patent holder of the world’s only bio-identical and stable Ubiquinol, has reacted to current trends and, together with its partners, has developed a variety of sports nutrition prototypes for a broad range of applications.
A crucial building block for the power of life
Ubiquinol is the only lipid-soluble antioxidant that is produced naturally in the human body. Additionally, it is found in small amounts in certain foods. Inside the body, the vitaminoid is an essential part of the respiratory chain, which is responsible for more than 95 per cent of our total energy production. Also, due to its strong antioxidant qualities, it preserves mitochondrial functionality, accelerates cellular recovery processes and has a powerful ability to fight the signs of aging. Unfortunately, the body’s Ubiquinol levels decline with age as well as after periods of stress caused by illness, unhealthy lifestyles or strenuous physical activity. To restore potential and increase energy production, supplementation is required because it is not possible to obtain sufficient Ubiquinol from a healthy diet alone. When it comes to supplementation, Kaneka’s Ubiquinol is unique: It is the only naturally produced and stable form of the nutrient that can be processed in mono supplements as well as combination products. Usually, the substance reacts very quickly with oxygen when exposed to air, turning immediately into its oxidised form, coenzyme Q10. This has inferior bioavailability and produces effects more slowly; much higher doses also have to be consumed.
Kaneka’s Ubiquinol can be delivered in various application forms without any detrimental impact on efficacy or stability. Granulate sticks, hard gelatine and chewable capsules as well as gels and liquids make supplementation easy, even on the move. Combinations with multivitamins, magnesium, carnitine and amino acids can be tailored to the needs of sportspeople who want to support their immune systems, energy production or muscular capabilities. To illustrate the broad range of possibilities, Kaneka has developed several sports prototypes, which will be presented for the first time at Vitafoods 2018.
