Does My Horse Need CoQ10?
Back in the 1990’s, I was hearing a lot of chatter about Coenzyme Q10, commonly known as CoQ10, being beneficial for humans and heart health. The conversations surrounding CoQ10 were certainly intriguing, but I wasn’t yet persuaded to investigate the naturally occurring antioxidant any further. In fact, it wasn’t until just last year that I truly felt compelled by the scientific evidence to learn more about CoQ10.
In the decades since CoQ10 supplements entered the market and gained popularity, research has helped us better understand how it works to benefit the body, as well as how it can support horses.
In this article:
What is CoQ10, and what does it do?
Coenzyme Q10, a naturally-produced, fat-soluble antioxidant, is…
essential in producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy molecule in all living organisms.
a key-player in the respiration process, helping the body convert oxygen into water.
powerful enough to assist in regenerating other antioxidants such as vitamins E and C.
Chemical structure of CoQ10
The history of CoQ10
CoQ10 was initially discovered in 1957 by American scientists. The research conducted in the years following its origination yielded a Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This achievement was awarded to British scientist Peter Mitchell in 1978 for his successful efforts in mapping out exactly how the nutrient worked inside the cell.
Supplements containing CoQ10 for humans officially entered the market in the late 1980’s.
Two forms of CoQ10 used in supplementation
Ubiquinol: The other form of CoQ10 used in supplementation and does not need to be converted by the body, as it is already in the form the body produces on its own.
Down the rabbit hole
CoQ10 is a fascinating nutrient; not only is it found in every cell in the body, it is necessary for the cellular production of energy/ATP. (And, of course, I couldn’t write an article involving ATP without mentioning the muscle contraction, neurotransmission, and intracellular signaling that it provides!)
As horses age, their production of CoQ10 decreases, which can negatively impact its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions that provide real biological support for many horses.
Photo courtesy of Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group
The vascular connection
Vascular dysfunction, including endothelial dysfunction in horses, is a condition in which the lining inside the blood vessels does not relax or dilate. This impairment can often lead to or play a role in:
Insulin resistance
Cushing’s disease
Laminitis
Impaired wound healing (due to compromised blood flow affecting oxygen delivery, nutrient transport, and inflammation)
CoQ10 improves endothelial dysfunction by recycling/regenerating tocopherols (vitamin E), increasing nitric oxide bioavailability, and aiding in the overall reduction of oxidative stress (which is a major driver of vascular damage).1,2,3
The tocopherol regeneration powers of CoQ10 can also be helpful for horses that struggle to maintain healthy vitamin E levels.
Nitric oxide plays a critical role in the body, as it supports vasodilation, muscle oxygenation, and blood flow (and therefore supports connective tissues, muscles, and hooves). This function is especially important for horses with heaves and inflammatory airway disease, as well as horses in training, competition, and recovery.
Ameliorated oxidative stress and reduced inflammation can be particularly helpful for horses with laminitis, as stated by the revered holistic veterinarian Dr. Joyce Harman.
Oxidative stress and excess inflammation
Oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants that leads to cell damage. Too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants result in this disproportion.
Chronic and environmental stress can also lead to oxidative stress via an accumulation of free radicals that damage cells, proteins, and DNA. Over time, unchecked oxidative stress can lead to excess inflammation. CoQ10 can help decrease the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-a.5
Excess, or ‘chronic,’ inflammation is one of the drivers of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Chronic inflammation affects the immune system, which can lead to allergies, arthritis, joint diseases, and respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also increase fatigue, anxiety, and GI tract issues, including acid reflux, diarrhea, weight gain, and weight loss.6,7
Antioxidants and metabolic horses
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Horses with EMS have a greater need for antioxidants due to their increased oxidative stress levels (as noted above).
Horses with myofibrillar myopathy (MFM) and Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) also deal with oxidative stress.
CoQ10 can aid in protecting cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, while also supporting the regeneration of other antioxidants like vitamin E.
Photo courtesy of Hannah C. Kinlaw for Phelps Media Group
CoQ10 for equine athletes
Because CoQ10 plays an important role in cellular energy and reducing oxidative stress, it can provide important recovery support for horses after training or following performance.
CoQ10 can be added to a supplement regimen on an as-needed basis: every day for horses needing cellular support, every-so-often for horses during a competition, or specially regimented for…
Stallions: CoQ10 can improve semen quality and motility in stallions, according to Kentucky Equine Research.8,9
Senior horses: As horses age, their ability to produce CoQ10 diminishes. Low-grade chronic inflammation occurs over time, increasing oxidative stress. Supplementing with CoQ10 can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and recycle vitamin E.
Horses with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM): There is no published evidence of CoQ10 as a treatment for EPM. However, because CoQ10 supports muscle function and recovery, it could be a helpful supplement alongside treatment.
Horses with Lyme disease: A study in humans with Lyme disease and persistent fatigue found that supplementation with CoQ10 led to a reduction in fatigue. However, there are no studies yet on horses.
Horses with uveitis: Horses with uveitis can benefit from CoQ10’s antioxidant powers.
BioStar and CoQ10
While learning about CoQ10, I repeatedly asked myself, “How can BioStar contribute to the CoQ10 segment of supplements on the market?”
I had to begin with choosing the raw material: Ubiquinone or Ubiquinol?
Kaneka Corporation in Japan is the only company in the world that makes Ubiquinol from microbial fermented yeast strains. The yeast strains are not genetically modified.
Remember: Ubiquinol is the form of CoQ10 the body makes.
Although Kaneka is headquartered in Japan, they do have a manufacturing facility for their Ubiquinol in the United States.
BioStar’s production manager and I met virtually with a Kaneka representative and scientist. Their knowledge of CoQ10, the bio-identical features of Kaneka Ubiquinol®, and the product’s bioavailability was impressive. Equally as impressive was the research showing that Ubiquinol was more efficient, more bioavailable, more absorbable than Ubiquinone.10,11,12
We were then faced with the cold, hard truth: Kaneka Ubiquinol® is almost five times more expensive than Ubiquinone. It’s no wonder more equine supplement companies use Ubiquinone rather than Ubiquinol.
Bioavailability has always been a hallmark of BioStar. It can be the difference between a product that delivers tangible results and one that produces moderate health impacts. With this in mind, we decided to move forward with Kaneka Ubiquinol®.
Complimenting CoQ10
When developing the new formula, we knew we wanted to compliment Ubiquinol with ingredients that would also support the whole horse.
Capros®: I keyed into the vascular support CoQ10 provides, which is essential for many horses, and added Capros®, the patented Indian gooseberry extract we use in Circuvate EQ™. Capros® increases nitric oxide production.
Remember, CoQ10 is associated with nitric oxide support by improving endothelial dysfunction.
Organic kale: Kale is rich in sulfur, an essential mineral needed by the body to produce the amino acid methionine, which is converted into the amino acids cysteine and cystine. Sulfur is important for connective tissues and feet and plays a vital role in protein synthesis.
Apple pectin: This source of soluble fiber helps to protect the intestinal mucosa. It can modulate gut bacteria, as it provides prebiotic benefits.
MCT oil: CoQ10 is a fat-soluble nutrient; therefore, its absorption is enhanced when combined with fat. MCT oil, derived from coconuts, supports brain health and can positively modulate the gut microbiota.
Sunn-E 1000™ With Avocado: BioStar’s full spectrum vitamin E formula offers 1,000 IUs per serving and includes alpha-, beta-, delta-, and gamma-tocopherols.
Beta testing the new formula
BioStar conducted three different beta tests over a period of eight months with the new CoQ10 formula in a syringe, dosed at 4mL per day.
We saw some interesting results:
Horses with muscle soreness and fatigue: Three horses showed improvements in two weeks, one horse showed improvement in four weeks, and one horse showed no improvement. Competition horses: Three horses in active training/competition programs exhibited positive results when taking the CoQ10 formula.
One dressage horse with chronic low stamina showed improvement in five days. That plateaued until the three-week mark, when the horse showed another step of improved endurance and muscle recovery.
Every horse in the beta test found the new formula palatable.
Photo courtesy of Phelps Media Group
Coming soon: Phoenix Q10™
After multiple rounds of beta testing, one of the riders described the improvement in her horse by exclaiming, “I have a new horse!”
With the phoenix often symbolizing a similar rebirth and renewal as the horse in the beta test, we knew we had a name for the product. And thus, Phoenix Q-10™ was born.
What I love about BioStar’s new CoQ10 formula
It provides supportive ingredients for circulation, nitric oxide production, the GI tract, the brain, and connective tissues. Its uses are versatile; it can be administered every day or as-needed. It can support horses with a wide range of chronic or acute conditions.
Horses that can benefit from BioStar’s CoQ10 formula
Sport horses/equine athletes Senior horses Horses with arthritis, COPD, and allergies Breeding stallions Horses needing muscle and/or stamina support Horses with low levels of vitamin E
BioStar’s Phoenix Q10™ formula will be available
for purchase in May 2025!
References
1 https://www.endocrine-abstracts.org/ea/0038/ea0038p198
2 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5042533/
3 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7001230/
4 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arcmed.2019.04.004
5 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1191290/f%20ull
6 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2405457721001479
7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/
8 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080620303944
9 https://www.midsouthhorsereview.com/from-the-experts-the-many-benefits-of-%20coenzyme-q10-for-horses
10 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27128225/
11 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0271531702004025
12 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24979483/
About the Author: With over 30 years experience in the equine and human supplement industry, Tigger Montague knows nutrition from the synthetic side as well as the whole food side. She started BioStar US in 2006 with formulas she created in her kitchen. Before she started the company, she was an avid rider and competitor with eventing and show jumping, until she got hooked on dressage in the late 1980’s. She has competed on horses she’s owned and trained all the way from training level to Grand Prix.
