The company, based in South California, claims its 40 percent concentration differs from competing water-soluble forms of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the marketplace because it does notcontain emulsifiers and all ingredients used in the micro-encapsulation process areclassified as GRAS.
Since 2005, Blue California has distributed CoQ10-WS, a water-soluble form of coenzyme Q10 manufactured in Japan and available at 10 and 20 percent concentrations. The new 40 percent concentration therefore represents a significant step in concentration.
An ever-growing body of scientific data points to health benefits of CoQ10 supplementation for people suffering from angina, heart attack and hypertension. Clinical trials have reported benefits for cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure, and it has also shown promise in slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease.
The formulation of CoQ10 is known to play a key role in its bioavailability. Since the coenzyme is lipophilic (fat-loving) its absorption is enhanced in the presence of lipids. Therefore, when taken as a supplement apart from meals, the absorption of some formulations is lower.
However, Blue California says its product uses a proprietary micro-encapsulation technology, in which oil-soluble ingredients, such coenzyme Q10, can become soluble in water with greater stability and greater bioavailability.
"I believe that 40 percent is the highest concentration of water-soluble coenzyme Q10 available in the market today," said Blue California executive vice president Cecilia McCollum. "The complete solubility of our product in cold water ensures an improved bioavailability."
CoQ10 is manufactured by cells in the body and plays acts as an antioxidant by producing energy in cells as well as neutralizing cell-damaging molecules called free radicals.
Blue California says the fact emulsifiers are not used in the manufacturing process of its CoQ10 product means it can stay in a clear solution. Over time, emulsions can become unstable due to electrical charge incompatibility or the ionic strength of the solution derived from other ingredients in the system.