Kaneka introduces new product formats for antioxidant Ubiquinol

01 May 2023 --- As consumer demand for healthy aging grows, Kaneka will feature its antioxidant Ubiquinol at the upcoming Vitafoods Europe trade fair. This is the active form of coenzyme Q10, which helps cells produce energy.

Kaneka will focus on Ubiquinol’s “multiple health benefits, mechanism of action, quality and versatility, as well as presenting on-trend functional food formats,” Filip van Hulle, general manager at Kaneka Nutrients Europe, tells NutritionInsight.

He notes that Ubiquinol is a powerful antioxidant naturally found in the human body and aids the process of converting carbohydrates and fats into energy at a cellular level. 

“Decades of clinical research have shown that the ingredient supports cognitive function, cardiovascular health and slows the skin’s aging process. After age 40, our natural Ubiquinol levels start to decrease, making supplementation all the more important.”

New product formats 
Kaneka will focus on Ubiquinol’s health benefits, mechanism of action and quality and present new functional food formats at Vitafoods. Van Hulle notes that most product development with Ubiquinol focuses on mono products in soft gelatin capsule formats due to its sensitivity as a potent antioxidant. 

“However, at Vitafoods this year, we’ll be showing new product concepts developed using Ubiquinol in a range of new delivery formats and combinations with other on-trend ingredients.” 

“Visitors are invited to try samples of innovative functional food applications, including beauty-from-within gummies, all-natural snack bars that boost energy for nutrition applications and easy-to-swallow supplements for healthy aging.”

Van Hulle adds that Kaneka aims to explore the potential of Ubiquinol with its partners for new product development and the possible combinations with other active ingredients. Research has shown that Ubiquinol could reduce levels of fatigue and stress.

Ubiquinol health benefits  
Van Hulle explains that Kaneka Ubiquinol is bioidentical and highly bioavailable to deliver energy to cells at a mitochondrial level. 

“It covers many health areas, including beauty-from-within, healthy aging and cognitive health, keeping people from all walks of life energized and healthy.” 

“Consumer demands are always evolving and it’s important that we keep up with this shift. With 47% of consumers agreeing that looking after their health is important to live a longer, healthier life.”

Innova Market Insights reports that one in three consumers take active steps to age healthily from 30 years old. 

An earlier Kaneka study found supplementation with the company’s Ubiquinol could help increase Ubiquinol plasma levels in plant-based eaters, as these were 23% lower than in omnivores. 

At the nutraceuticals trade fair, the company’s new product image will be unveiled at stand J104, concludes Van Hulle. “We have launched a new visual identity for Kaneka Ubiquinol to highlight the ingredient’s potential to support manufacturers in meeting consumer demand for safe, natural supplements that target trending health areas.”

By Jolanda van Hal