Idebenone – The Must Have Antioxidant

Have you heard of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)? It is a naturally occurring compound that is present in every cell in the body, and plays a vital role in energy production. The highest concentrations of CoQ10 are found in the heart, kidneys, liver, and pancreas, as well as immune system cells.

Idebenone is a synthetic variant of this vital antioxidant, and it may well be one of the most important antioxidants you ever take. Read on to discover more about Idebenone.

Idebenone forms part of the lipid (fatty) membranes that surround all cells, as well as the lipid membranes surrounding the various organelles ("little organs"), such as mitochondria and microsomes, inside cells. CoQ10 also plays a vital role in the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) within mitochondria. Most of the oxygen that we breathe in is used inside this chain in order to produce the energy required by our cells.

When blood flow is impeded as a result of a heart attack or stroke for example, cellular/ mitochondrial oxygen levels drop dramatically in the affected areas. Free radicals quickly damage cell/organelle structure and function, and negatively affect energy generation. In such circumstances, research has shown that Idebenone prevents free radical damage and maintains relatively normal cell energy levels.

Anti-aging benefits

Studies comparing heart tissue of young people with that of elderly patients have shown distinct differences. The young hearts showed almost no significant mitochondrial dysfunction, yet there was severe mitochondrial dysfunction in the elderly hearts. Cells within the heart, brain and skeletal muscle are most susceptible to mitochondrial energy depletion with advancing age.

Idebenone has an anti-aging effect as it quenches free radicals and keeps energy production high, even under conditions where low oxygen is present. This is especially important for brain and heart cells that are susceptible to damage under such conditions.

Other studies have been conducted using brain cells (animal and human), which demonstrate Idebenone's capacity for improving brain structure and function. Idebenone has been shown to enhance serotonin production, even under less than optimal conditions, such as in patients with cerebrovascular dementia.

Idebenone is definitely one antioxidant you should include in your daily health routine. It is not only capable of improving physical functions, it helps to retard the rate of aging, boost our energy levels and sharpen our mental acuity.