In the astdecade, Coenzyme Q-10 or CoQ10 has become known widely in the field of health supplement manufacture due to its claimed effects as a potential nootropic compound. More recently, however, experts have shifted attention from the quite popular long-chained enzyme CoQ10 into a short-chained compound known as Idebenone. Comparing the two compounds, experts explain that Idebenone has longer bioavailability as compared to CoQ10 due to the fact that it contains no oxygen. In terms of health effects, researches also show that Idebenone has almost similar benefits as that of CoQ10. Today, with the many researches being conducted to establish health claims on Idebenone, experts say that it can be a potential replacement for the shortly bioavailable CoQ10.
What is Idebenone?
Idebenone is a man-made compound, having almost similar molecular structure, although with a shorter chain, with Coenzyme Q-10. Originally studies upon for its claimed effects in possibly treating and preventing Alzheimer’s disease, experts in the field of medicine have recently found that Idebenone has many other health benefits affecting the neuromuscular system and the metolism process. Many individuals also take Idebenone powders for its claimed effects in preventing rapid skin aging and improving new skin cell resurfacing. Idebenone health supplements taken orally are mostly used on the other hand for nootropic-associated health effects including cognitive function improvement and memory enhancement.
Health benefits of Idebenone
Latest researches on Idebenone reveal that it can be classified as an antioxidant and a nerve cell-enhancing compound. This finding can further be associated with a wide range of health benefits which include the following:
- It supports production of ATP
ATP or Adenosine Triphosphate is the energy in body cells which is responsible for all vital functions. Body energy is reserved in a cellular structure known as mitochondria. In several health researches, experts found that Idebenone supplementation is generally effective in protecting the mitochondria and enhancing its function. This effect directly results to efficient ATP production and maintenance as well as sufficient energy supply in body cells. Increases energy levels can helps prevent exhaustion and fatigue as well as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS.
- It may help prevent cancer
As a well-known antioxidant, Idebenone is also claimed to help prevent cancer development in the human body. Similar to CoQ10, researchers found that Idebenone effectively improves elimination of toxic chemicals in the body as well as free radicals which are contributory factors in the development of cancer. Most of these claims are, however, conducted on mice subjects only.
- It protects nerve cells
Nerve cells or brain cells are also said to be damaged with the increase in circulating free radicals. Eliminating free radicals through the antioxidant Idebenone is shown to be effective in protecting nerve cells from destruction, thereby improving brain function.
Conclusion
Although efficient, Idebenone is classified a possibly safe. Since it is man-made compound, it may be associated with certain side effects.
