CoQ10vsShilajit

CoQ10 (ubiquinone/ubiquinol) shuttles electrons between Complex I (NADH dehydrogenase) and Complex II (succinate dehydrogenase) and Complex III (cytochrome bc1 complex) of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. This is the fundamental process of oxidative phosphorylation—electrons flow through the chain to Complex IV, driving proton pumping and ATP synthesis via Complex V (ATP synthase). Without adequate CoQ10, the chain bottlenecks at the CoQ pool and energy production drops, particularly in high-metabolic tissues like neurons. As a lipid-soluble antioxidant, CoQ10 (in its reduced ubiquinol form) protects mitochondrial membranes from lipid peroxidation by terminating free radical chain reactions. It also regenerates vitamin E (tocopherol) from its radical form, amplifying antioxidant capacity. Brain CoQ10 levels decline with age.

Fulvic acid is the primary bioactive, acting as an electron shuttle that donates and accepts electrons — enhancing mitochondrial electron transport chain efficiency by facilitating electron transfer at Complex I and II, similar to CoQ10 but through a different (non-enzymatic) mechanism. DBPs (dibenzo-alpha-pyrones) protect CoQ10 from oxidation by scavenging radicals, extending its functional life in the reduced ubiquinol form. The combination increases ATP production in mitochondria. Fulvic acid also chelates minerals (iron, zinc, magnesium) via carboxyl and phenolic groups, forming soluble complexes that transport across cell membranes via divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and other channels, improving bioavailability. It has direct antioxidant effects (scavenging ROS) and anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of complement C3 activation and NF-kB.