CoQ10 bioaccessibility and Caco-2 cell uptake improved with novel medium chain triglyceride encapsulation

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Pharmacokinetics
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is vital for cellular energy production via the electron transport chain.
• Endogenous CoQ10 synthesis can be impaired by genetic factors and medications like statins.
• CoQ10's hydrophobicity hinders absorption, necessitating strategies to improve its bioavailability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) and phospholipid encapsulation on CoQ10 bioaccessibility.
• To assess the effect of this encapsulation on CoQ10 uptake by Caco-2 cells.
• To compare encapsulated CoQ10 formulations (VitaDry®, VitaSperse®) against unencapsulated CoQ10.

Main Methods:

• An in vitro digestion model was employed following sample hydration.
• CoQ10 quantification was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD).
• Caco-2 cell uptake assays were conducted to measure cellular absorption.

Main Results:

• Encapsulated CoQ10 demonstrated 1.4 times greater bioaccessibility compared to the control.
• No significant difference in bioaccessibility was observed between VitaDry® and VitaSperse® formulations.
• VitaDry® and VitaSperse® encapsulated CoQ10 showed 6.0x and 5.5x higher Caco-2 cell uptake, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Novel encapsulation of CoQ10 with MCTs and phospholipids significantly enhances in vitro bioaccessibility.
• These formulations markedly improve CoQ10 uptake in Caco-2 cells compared to unencapsulated CoQ10.
• Encapsulated CoQ10 presents a promising strategy for developing more bioavailable CoQ10 supplements.