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In 1990, Pharma Nord was the first company to introduce coenzyme Q10 (in conventional oxidised form) into the European market. Now Pharma Nord has launched a new product, BioActive Q10, containing the reduced ubiquinol form of coenzyme Q10.

Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring vitamin-like substance that plays a vital role in supplying energy to all cells within the body. Coenzyme Q10 is also important as a powerful antioxidant but as people age, the body becomes less able to maintain adequate Q10 levels from normal dietary sources. Lack of coenzyme Q10 is associated with tiredness and muscle weakness. Coenzyme Q10 occurs in two forms; oxidised (ubiquinone) and reduced (ubiquinol). The normal functioning of Q10 requires the inter-conversion of these forms within the body.

Until recently, coenzyme Q10 supplements were only available in the oxidised form, as ubiquinone. Most people are able to absorb supplemental Q10 in this form adequately. However, certain categories of people may be less able to absorb this form of Q10. These include the elderly, as well as people with liver disease, pancreatic disease, digestive disorders such as IBS, and following digestive tract surgery. For such categories of people, Q10 is more easily absorbed in the reduced (ubiquinol) form, as BioActive Q10.

Ubiquinol is extremely sensitive to the effects of air and light. BioActive Q10 contains ubiquinol in a stabilised form, using specially developed light-proof and air-proof packaging to prevent oxidation via a patented process unique to Pharma Nord. Pharma Nord is therefore able to guarantee the stability of this product during the whole of the product shelf life.

As with all Pharma Nord products, BioActive Q10 is produced to pharmaceutical standards, a guarantee of product quality, safety and efficacy. The production of Pharma Nord Q10 products is also guaranteed to be nanotechnology-free.

Large intakes of omega-3 fatty acids from fish may explain the low levels of heart disease in the land of the rising sun, says a new study.

A comparison of blood omega-3 levels and atherosclerosis among Japanese, white American and Japanese American men found that Japanese men had the lowest levels of atherosclerosis and two times higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than white Americans or Japanese Americans.

The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, adds to an established body of science supporting the cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, first reported by Danish scientists in the early 1970s.

In addition to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, research has also linked omega-3 fatty acids to improved heart rhythms, and a reduced risk of a second heart attack.

"Our study suggests that very high levels of omega-3 fatty acids have strong properties that may help prevent the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries," said lead author Akira Sekikawa, from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.

"Increasing fish intake to two times a week for healthy people is currently recommended in the U.S. Our study shows much higher intake of fish observed in the Japanese may have strong anti-atherogenic effect."

Study details

The population-based cross-sectional study examined data from 868 men aged between 40 and 49. Of these, 281 were born and living in Japan (Japanese), 306 were white men born and living in the US (white American), and 281 were Japanese men born and living in the US (Japanese-American).

Results showed that the Japanese men had the lowest atherosclerosis level - hardening of the arteries and a major risk factor for CVD - compared to their Japanese-American and white American counterparts, after accounting for potential confounding factors such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, cigarette smoking, body mass index and diabetes. 

Moreover, blood omega-3 levels were two-fold higher in Japanese men than the other two groups, report the researchers.

"Given the similar levels of atherosclerosis in Japanese Americans and white Americans, it also tells us that lower levels of heart disease among Japanese men are much more likely lifestyle related than a result of genetic differences," said Sekikawa.

To assess the risk of atherosclerosis, the researchers looked at the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery - a lower score indicating a reduced risk. As expected, Sekikawa and co-workers also report that increased omega-3 levels were associated with lower IMT scores.

Fish consumption among the Japanese is reportedly one of the highest in the world, with men consuming an average of 100 grams every day from early in life. On the other hand, Americans eat fish less than two times a week. 

"The Japanese eat a very high level of fish compared to other developed countries," said Sekikawa. "While we don't recommend Americans change their diets to eat fish at these quantities because of concerns about mercury levels in some fish, increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids in the US could have a very substantial impact on heart disease."

The study was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

Pollution concerns

The risk of pollutants from oily fish, such a methyl mercury, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs) have led to some to advocate a reduction in fresh fish intake, despite others advising that the benefits of fish consumption outweigh the risks.

Such conflicting views on fish intake have seen the number of omega-3 enriched or fortified products on the market increase as consumers seek omega-3s from 'safer' sources. Most extracted fish oil are molecularly distilled and steam deodorised to remove contaminants.

Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Volume 52, Pages 417-424, doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2008.03.047
"Marine-Derived n-3 Fatty Acids and Atherosclerosis in Japanese, Japanese-American, and White Men - A Cross-Sectional Study"
Authors: A. Sekikawa, J.D. Curb, H. Ueshima, et al. for the ERA JUMP (Electron-Beam Tomography, Risk Factor Assessment Among Japanese and U.S. Men in the Post-World War II Birth Cohort) Study Group

Recent research reports from consumer organisations or universities within the UK, Europe and the USA have highlighted the variability of the levels and biological effectiveness of the active ingredients found in different brands of nutritional supplements. A UK scientific study highlighted differences in antioxidant activity between Ginkgo Biloba supplements marketed by different manufacturers, with Pharma Nord's Bio-Biloba having the highest antioxidant level.

In a review of 32 coenzyme Q10 products marketed in the USA, several supplements were found on analysis to contain substantially less ingredient than stated on the product labelling, with one product not containing any active ingredient at all.....

All nutritional supplements marketed by Pharma Nord are produced to pharmaceutical standards, a guarantee of product quality and safety. All Pharma Nord products already conform to new EC regulations relating to nutritional supplement quality and safety, which became effective in 2005.

Dr D Mantle, Newcastle University

Recent research has shown that the levels of a number of important vitamins and minerals have substantially decreased since the 1940's; these include depletions in copper (76%), sodium (49%), calcium (46%), iron (27%), and magnesium (24%). The contect of zinc, an important element for normal immune function and male fertility, was depleted in vegetables by 57% in just a 13-year period from 1978.

Similarly it has been recognised that soils in many parts of the world, including the UK, are deficient in the essential trace element selenium. This deficiency is manifest upwards through the food chain, culminating in man.

Insufficient intake of selenium is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and immune disorders. Government estimates place the average selenium intake for the UK population to be approximatley 50% of their own recommended daily intake figure.

Dr D Mantle - Newcastle University