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Ubiquinol Update 2013 - By Sid Shastri, MSc

The scientists who have guided the world of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) science recently met at the 7th International Coenzyme Q10 Association (ICQA) meeting in Sevilla, Spain. True to their earlier symposiums, held biennially in different locations, the scientists again distilled the forefront of CoQ10 knowledge on subjects ranging from mitochondrial bioenergetics, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, gene regulation and clinical aspects of aging. The presentations on these subjects are compiled in a program and abstracts book—a book that provides clinical and experimental gems that harbor the future of CoQ10 supplements. Some of these fascinating studies are summarized in this review of the ICQA conference.

Ubiquinol and Autism

A group of scientists from Comenius University’s Pharmacobiological Laboratory (Bratislava, Slovakia) have been conducting research on children with autism. This is a developmental disorder that manifests within 3 years after birth, and its causes are thought to be multifactorial. Scientists studying autism have suspected factors including genetic, endocrinological, diet (which may be related to inability to properly utilize nutrients) and vaccine sensitivity. Parents with children affected by autisms typically notice the child’s difficulty in social interaction as well as verbal and non-verbal communication— most often parents will observe these patterns within 18 months to 2 years of birth. The behavioral problems may take the form of hyperactivity, self-harm and aggressions, and could be accompanied by sleeping and eating disorders. The prevalence of autism is staggering, with some estimates at approximately two million people in the U.S. afflicted by the condition. A systematic review of scientific databases has revealed that several approaches are being tried in the treatment of autism, such as music therapy, melatonin,
l-carnitine, probiotics and omega-3 fatty polyunsaturated fatty acids.