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Ubiquinol vs. CoQ10: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Information, Effect, deficiency, dosage, side effects, overdose

Mar 25, 2022




Ubiquinol vs. CoQ10: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

What is Ubiquinol?

Ubiquinol also known as ubichinol is the active, non-oxidized form of coenzyme Q10 that can be used immediately by your body.

Ubiquinol is the form of coenzyme Q10 that is absorbed most quickly, and it is one of the most powerful fat-soluble antioxidants in the body. Ubiquinol is also the main form of coenzyme Q10 in the body (over 95%).

Coenzyme Q10 is an essential nutrient found in every cell of your body that is vital for supplying your cells with energy, helping your organs perform at their best, and protecting your cells and blood from oxidation.

There are two forms of coenzyme Q10:

  • Ubiquinol - the active form, which is most effectively disposed of. Only ubiquinol has antioxidant properties.
  • Ubiquinone – the oxidized form (conventional coenzyme Q10)

Scientific studies suggest that ubiquinol in an active and bioavailable form may be an effective way to support healthy ubiquinol levels and optimal energy levels.

What is the difference between Ubiquinol and Ubiquinone?

Ubiquinol and ubiquinone are both forms of coenzyme Q10 and both are necessary for energy production in cells.

Feature

Ubiquinone (CoQ10)

Ubiquinol

Form

Oxidized form

Reduced (active) form

Function in Body

Must be converted to ubiquinol for cellular energy

Directly supports cellular energy production

Supplement History

Used and studied for over 30 years

Available as a supplement only in recent years

Antioxidant Role

Less antioxidant activity

Strong antioxidant, protects cells from oxidative stress

Bioavailability

May be less readily absorbed, especially with age

More bioavailable, especially in older adults

Conversion Requirement

Must be converted by the body to be active

Already in active form, does not require conversion

Best for

Younger individuals with good conversion ability

Older adults or those with reduced conversion efficiency

1. Ubiquinone – the oxidized form

Ubiquinone is the oxidized form of coenzyme Q10 and has been taken and studied as a dietary supplement for more than 30 years. Over the past three decades, coenzyme Q10 has been recognized for its benefits for general health and well-being, as well as for cardiovascular and neurological health.

2. Ubiquinol – the active form

In order to produce cellular energy, the body must convert ubiquinol into ubiquinone. Ubiquinol is the reduced (unoxidized) form of coenzyme Q10 and is essential for the body's natural production of cellular energy and provides cells with powerful antioxidant protection.

Without this conversion, the process of energy production in the body cannot be completed and energy reserves cannot be maintained. Therefore, both are vital for maintaining the body's natural energy. The reduced form of ubiquinol has only become available as a dietary supplement in recent years and can now be obtained internationally.

Ubiquinol is the active form of the powerful antioxidant coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which occurs naturally in the body and in many natural foods. Ubiquinol is responsible for energy production in all cells of our body and is important for supporting optimal health and energy levels. It has been proven that our ubiquinol levels decrease as we age.

As a dietary supplement, ubiquinol is the active, antioxidant form of coenzyme Q10 that is ready for immediate use by the body.

The disadvantage of conventional coenzyme Q10

Despite its various health benefits, conventional coenzyme Q10 has one major disadvantage: it is not absorbed as efficiently by the human body.

Ubiquinol CoQ10 is different. To date, ubiquinol Q10 has been shown in every published study to be better absorbed by the body than traditional CoQ10.  

The amount your body absorbs varies depending on your age and overall health, but studies have consistently shown that ubiquinol is the best form of CoQ10 that can be more easily used by the body.

Ubiquinol Q10 is absorbed more quickly in the digestive tract and is therefore considered more bioavailable than conventional coenzyme Q10.  

This difference is what makes ubiquinol so special. When conventional coenzyme Q10 is consumed, the body must convert it into ubiquinol Q10 so that it can contribute to the production of cellular energy that our heart and organs need to function normally.

However, the process of converting conventional coenzyme Q10 into ubiquinol becomes more difficult and less efficient with age, especially when we are over 45 years old. This is an important reason why many experts encourage ‘older’ adults who use coenzyme Q10 to take it as ubiquinol.

What often surprises many people is that conventional coenzyme Q10 simply does not offer them the same benefits as ubiquinol Q10.

What does ubiquinol do?

  • Ubiquinol is absorbed 3-8 times better than conventional coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone). Therefore, a lower dose is sufficient to achieve the same effect. 18 clinical studies have highlighted the superior efficacy of ubiquinol over conventional coenzyme.
  • Increases cell energy - helps the body produce cell energy.
  • Powerful antioxidant - helps protect the body's cells from damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals.
  • Supports the heart - helps maintain the health of the heart and vascular system.
  • Supports cholesterol - helps healthy people maintain healthy LDL cholesterol levels.

Ubiquinol's Effect on Cellular Energy

Like machines, humans need a constant supply of energy to function smoothly. Our cells convert nutrients into an energy-rich molecule called ATP; ubiquinol provides the spark that triggers the reaction.

Structures known as mitochondria are the cellular equivalent of the combustion engine in your car: more than 95% of the energy-rich ATP is produced in these cellular engines of your body.

Along a pathway known as the electron transport chain, conventional CoQ10 accepts electrons from one part of the chain and converts itself into ubiquinol.

The electron-enriched ubiquinol is now able to pass electrons to other parts of the chain, resulting in the production of the ATP that your body, a marvelous machine, needs to perform its various functions.

Ubiquinol helps convert carbohydrates and fats into energy and is found in every cell in the human body. It has been proven to promote energy production in the inner membrane of our cells' mitochondria.

It is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight the harmful effects of free radicals and oxidative stress, which are directly linked to the aging process.

From around the age of 30, our body's ability to produce conventional coenzyme Q10 and convert it into its active, antioxidant form, ubiquinol, declines significantly.

Ubiquinol and Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease causes 1.9 million deaths per year in the EU, and costs nearly €200 billion annually in Europe.

Ubiquinol is needed for nearly 95% of your cell energy production and is found in every cell in your body. The highest concentration is found in your heart, where it promotes cardiovascular health.

A recent 10-year study found that ubiquinol supports weak hearts and helps reduce symptoms in patients . Published in the prestigious Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2014), the study found that supplementation with coenzyme Q10 significantly reduced mortality in patients with heart failure by 43%.

Take care of your heart with ubiquinol

Your heart health is vital, and you can take steps to protect it both preventively and if you already have heart disease.

Prevention is the best cure, and cardiovascular health requires a multi-pronged approach, in diet, lifestyle, and medical treatment. 

Everyone can work toward better heart health by following these steps:

Eat for a healthy heart
  • A healthy diet is essential for a healthy heart.
  • Eat a variety of foods every day, including vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
  • Eat healthy fats from lean meats, poultry, and oily fish.
  • Limit sweet and salty fast foods and snacks.
  • Reduce your consumption of processed or packaged foods that contain additives.
  • Drink mostly water.
  • Supplement your diet with ubiquinol. While a healthy diet helps, it is nearly impossible to get enough ubiquinol from food alone.
Be active for your heart

Get moving. Regular moderate-intensity physical activity is good for your heart and has been shown to improve mental health. Being active can also help with high blood pressure and obesity.

The Australian Heart Foundation recommends that you get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (such as brisk walking) on most, preferably all, days of the week.

People with heart disease get the same benefits from moderate-intensity physical activity as everyone else.

Studies show that ubiquinol is essential for energy production and protects against oxidative stress. It also supports the management of blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Cardiovascular disease is caused by various factors that culminate in insufficient blood supply to the organs and, among a variety of other effects, in a failure of the heart's effective pumping action.

Countless studies have shown that ubiquinol (the active form of coenzyme Q10) can help the heart and blood vessels in many ways. Ubiquinol has been shown to increase ejection fraction, which is a measure of the heart's strength.

Cardiovascular disease and ubiquinol

Cardiovascular disease (diseases of the heart or blood vessels) is one of the biggest health problems and a leading cause of death in Europe.

Research shows that there is a strong link between ubiquinol consumption and good heart health. Ubiquinol may even help those who already suffer from cardiovascular disease.

Reduction of negative cardiac episodes

An important long-term study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that supplementation with coenzyme Q10 significantly reduced negative cardiac events such as heart attacks by 43%.

The Q-Symbio study is one of the first international long-term studies to show that coenzyme Q10 improves symptoms and reduces severe cardiovascular events. The study found that coenzyme Q10 improved patients' symptoms.  

After two years of treatment, patients treated with coenzyme Q10 experienced 43% fewer heart-related complications, including hospitalizations due to worsening heart failure.

Increased heart strength

In another study involving patients with advanced congestive heart failure, ubiquinol increased heart strength and its ability to pump blood by 17 percent.

Healthy people normally have ejection fraction rates of 55 to 70 percent, while the patients in this study had less than 35 percent.

The researchers found that ubiquinol significantly increased the heart's ejection fraction, in some cases by up to threefold, which significantly improved quality of life. In addition, other studies have shown that ubiquinol had a positive effect on reducing LDL cholesterol and on the inflammatory response .

Controlling Cholesterol Levels with Ubiquinol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the fats in your blood and is an important component of human health, but high blood cholesterol levels are associated with cardiovascular disease.

A total cholesterol level of more than 5.5 mmol/l is an indicator of a significantly increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. Levels above 6.5 mmol/l are considered an indicator of an extremely high risk.

There are two types of blood cholesterol.

  • LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) is also known as bad cholesterol because it promotes the build-up of plaque in your arteries and increases the risk of coronary heart disease.
  • HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) is also known as good cholesterol because it helps protect against coronary heart disease.

To control the cholesterol levels in your blood, you need to eat a healthy diet. You may also need to take medication to keep your levels under control.

In addition, ubiquinol has been shown to help healthy people maintain healthy LDL cholesterol levels.

Who has high Cholesterol?

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), Europeans have the worst cholesterol levels in the world, with a prevalence of 54% for both sexes.

Because high cholesterol itself has no symptoms, many people do not know they have high cholesterol until their doctor does a blood test.

Many factors such as heredity, age, and gender can affect cholesterol levels. 

But many are just as preventable as they are controllable. For example, diet, weight, and exercise are factors that you can control and that can also be used to prevent cholesterol from becoming a problem.

Statins Consume Ubiquinol

Cholesterol-lowering statins are very effective, but they have the major disadvantage of reducing the availability of ubiquinol in the cells and in the heart.

Statins inhibit the production of cholesterol in the body, but they also consume the body's natural ubiquinol and other essential nutrients and vitamins.

Statin drugs block the body's internal cholesterol production, but they have no effect on the cholesterol you consume in your diet.

Coenzyme Q10 is one of the most popular dietary supplements for heart health, used by those taking statin medications to lower their cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that ubiquinol is the best method for restoring healthy coenzyme Q10 levels.

The most common side effect of statins is myalgia (muscle pain). Studies have shown that a deficiency in coenzyme Q10 may be linked to statin myopathy when statins are taken .

Research shows that taking ubiquinol can also help reduce mild to moderate muscle pain associated with statins.

In a study of ubiquinol that ran for 6 months, there was a statistically significant reduction in muscle pain and sensitivity of 53.8 percent. Coenzyme Q10 levels can also improve, increasing by more than 194 percent in one study.

 Niacin, fibrates, bile acid binders, and intestinal absorption blockers are alternatives to statins that can help lower your cholesterol. Talk to your doctor first to see if any of these options are right for you.

Ubiquinol reduces side effects of statins

The most common side effect of statins is myalgia (muscle pain). Studies have shown that a deficiency in coenzyme Q10 may be linked to myalgia when taking statins.  

Research shows that supplementing with ubiquinol can help reduce mild to moderate muscle pain associated with statins.

Research has shown that supplementation with ubiquinol over a period of 6 months is statistically capable of significantly reducing muscle pain and sensitivity by 53.8 percent. Coenzyme Q10 levels may also improve, increasing by more than 194 percent in one study.

Ubiquinol is the active and most bioavailable form of coenzyme Q10. Therefore, ubiquinol has the maximum potential to help directly relieve statin-induced pain.

Energy and performance

Do you feel tired or exhausted? You may be suffering from low levels of ubiquinol in your body. Your body needs ubiquinol to produce energy. It works in your cells to naturally increase energy reserves.

Ubiquinol plays a major role in the transfer of electrons to produce cellular energy, known as ATP, the molecule that transfers chemical energy within cells for metabolism.  

Doctors and researchers now consider the antioxidant abilities of ubiquinol, which ubiquinone does not have, to be one of the most important functions in the body's cellular systems and in the cellular energy production process.

Ubiquinol and Athletes

Ubiquinol can also increase energy production in trained athletes. Athletes who received ubiquinol increased their strength per kilogram of body weight by more than 2.5 percent in just six weeks.

The study, published in the Journal of Sports Nutrition, found that supplementation with ubiquinol resulted in significantly improved physical performance compared to athletes who received a placebo.

Ubiquinol and Fatigue

Have you ever wondered why you can't shake that feeling of fatigue, no matter how long you rest or how well you sleep? The answer may lie in depleted stores of ubiquinol, the antioxidant that is naturally present in the body and responsible for supporting energy production.

Research suggests that our natural ubiquinol stores decline with age and that our body's ability to replenish these stores also decreases.

Ubiquinol is the ‘spark plug’ that helps fuel energy production in our cells.

As we age, or when we are under prolonged stress due to lifestyle or environmental factors, our natural stores of ubiquinol can become depleted and our ability to produce ubiquinol declines. In addition, free radical activity and oxidative stress, which occur in our bodies through normal metabolism, increase as we age, even in healthy individuals.

One of the main functions of antioxidants in our bodies is to help fight free radicals and oxidative stress. In this sense, antioxidants such as ubiquinol can help minimize the limitations of normally functioning cells and thus help support healthy aging by restoring essential ubiquinol levels in your system.

When your energy production is low, it affects the natural energy stores in your organs, such as your heart and liver, meaning they cannot function optimally. This may be the reason why you feel sluggish and generally tired.

Ubiquinol and Fertility

Ubiquinol, the active form of coenzyme Q10, has been shown to be extremely effective in improving sperm quality in infertile men.

Ubiquinol is a powerful antioxidant and is present in large amounts in semen, protecting sperm cells from oxidative damage and playing a role in cell energy production in semen and motility.

A study published in the Journal of Urology involved 264 men with unexplained sperm problems such as low sperm count, low motility, and abnormal sperm shape. Each of these factors can limit a man's fertility.

More than a third of men over the age of 40 have one or more reproductive problems, all of which are more common among older men.

The men in this study had suffered from infertility for more than a year and had abnormal sperm counts and motility according to WHO criteria.

The study included supplementation with ubiquinol, the active form of coenzyme Q10. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted over 26 weeks and showed that ubiquinol can help support sperm quality.

The results:

  • Ubiquinol significantly improved sperm count in more than 62 percent of men.
  • The number of motile sperm was also significantly increased in 57 percent of cases.
  • The percentage of normally shaped sperm also improved in 52% of men who took ubiquinol compared to the placebo group.

Ubiquinol was more effective than conventional coenzyme Q10 in improving sperm count and motility. Sperm density increased more than 2.5 times with ubiquinol compared to conventional coenzyme Q10.

Ubiquinol taken by men promotes antioxidant capacity and reduces oxidative stress in sperm, increasing their number and motility.  

Ubiquinol Promotes the Health of Newborns

Women who take ubiquinol and coenzyme Q10 supplements during pregnancy increase their overall ubiquinol levels in arterial and venous umbilical cord blood, reducing fetal stress during development.  

In the development of cattle and humans, high levels of ubiquinol cytochrome serve as markers for increased bone size and density for body measurements once the fetus is born. 

Ubiquinol Prevents Liver Damage

In patients taking statins to lower cholesterol, liver toxicity can be a serious side effect. Coenzyme Q10, taken as a ubiquinol supplement, reduces the microRNA profile indicative of drug-induced liver damage. 

Ubiquinol protects hepatic cells in the liver and prevents serious damage when statin drugs are taken regularly.  

Additional supplementation with coenzyme Q10 reduces the deficiency that occurs in the liver when excessive amounts of medication are taken.  

Liver myopathy is reversed with coenzyme Q10 supplementation without damaging the tissues.

Ubiquinol and Cancer

Ubiquinol is used as a marker in human patients who develop adenocarcinomas of the lung that lead to lung cancer, allowing protective measures to be taken.  

Human lung cancer patients have reduced antioxidant capacity and increased oxidative cell problems, which lead to further development of carcinomas. Taking ubiquinol increases antioxidant levels in cancer patients, while reduced formation of oxidants leads to the formation of carcinoma cells.  

Taking ubiquinol by human patients suffering from clear cell renal cell carcinoma increases the survival rate by increasing cell metabolism even after removal of the kidney.  

Mice treated with coenzyme Q10 were able to increase ubiquinol levels and antioxidant capacity to prevent the formation of cancer cells due to UV radiation.  

Ubiquinol – The Most Powerful Fat-Soluble Antioxidant

Oxygen is the essential element of life. Although oxygen nourishes cells, its role in energy production (through cellular respiration and metabolism) creates largely undesirable by-products called free radicals.

These unstable molecules are missing an electron and therefore try to steal one from others in a process called oxidation.

Free radicals can be useful in small amounts, but in large amounts they can damage important parts of our cells, such as DNA and proteins. Such oxidative stress caused by free radicals contributes to various diseases and even premature aging. Antioxidants react with free radicals and neutralize them before they attack a cell.

Scientists point out that a few antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, glutathione, lipoic acid, and ubiquinol, can work together to significantly enhance each other's effects. In particular, they appear to recycle (or regenerate) each other after neutralizing a free radical, thereby extending their protective potential.

In addition, studies show that ubiquinol ‘appears to both inhibit and interfere with an important step in fat and protein oxidation, a property not apparent in other antioxidants.’  

Supplementing with ubiquinol before strenuous activity reduced the level of oxidative stress in human subjects.

Ubiquinol increased all levels of antioxidants and the total antioxidant capacity in the body after exercise.

Ubiquinol taken over a two-week period increases endothelial cell function and muscle recovery after exercise.

Oral supplementation with ubiquinol also reduces overall blood pressure in athletes after strenuous activity over a long period of time.  

Causes of Ubiquinol Deficiency

  • Aging – Natural production decreases significantly after age 40.
  • Chronic diseases – Especially:
    • Cardiovascular disease
    • Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s)
    • Diabetes
    • Mitochondrial disorders
  • Statin use – Statins (used for cholesterol) inhibit the same pathway that produces CoQ10.
  • Poor diet or malabsorption – Nutrient deficiencies or GI disorders (e.g., celiac, Crohn’s).
  • Genetic disorders – Rare mutations affecting CoQ10 biosynthesis.
  • Oxidative stress – Excess free radicals can deplete ubiquinol.

Symptoms of Ubiquinol Deficiency

  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Muscle weakness or pain
  • Brain fog or memory issues
  • Heart palpitations or arrhythmias
  • High blood pressure
  • Weakened immune system
  • Mood changes (e.g., depression or anxiety)

Diagnosis

There’s no standard clinical test widely available, but it can be evaluated via:

  • Plasma or serum CoQ10 levels (not always accurate for intracellular status)
  • Muscle biopsy (rare, for mitochondrial disorders)
  • Indirectly through symptom patterns and medication history (e.g., statin users)

Ubiquinol in Food

  • Ubiquinol is found in varying amounts in many foods, such as oily fish, meat, and whole grains.
  • Naturally occurring ubiquinol oxidizes easily during cooking, converting to the less active ubiquinone form.
  • Very large quantities of food would be required to meet the minimum recommended intake (e.g., 3.4 kg red meat, 5.7 kg of chicken, 14 kg sardines, or 50 cups of spinach).

Food Sources vs. Supplementation

  • While ubiquinol is present in food, it's nearly impossible to get the full 100–150 mg daily from diet alone.
  • Supplementation is essential for therapeutic and preventive benefits, especially in older adults or those with chronic conditions.

Ubiquinol Dosage & Usage

Starting Dose: 200 mg/day

Recommended for:

  • Adults over 40
  • Individuals with cardiovascular concerns
  • Those experiencing fatigue
  • People taking statin medications
Maintenance Dose: 100 mg/day

Use:

  • After 2–3 weeks of initial supplementation
  • For ongoing support of general health and energy
Timing and Absorption
  • Take with meals containing fat (e.g., olive oil, nuts, avocado) to maximize absorption
  • If taking 200 mg/day, split into two doses (e.g., 100 mg with breakfast, 100 mg with lunch)
  • Avoid late-day intake to prevent potential sleep disruption in sensitive individuals

Side Effects and Safety of Ubiquinol

Generally Safe and Well-Tolerated

Ubiquinol is considered very safe for most people when taken at recommended doses. It is a naturally occurring compound in the body, and clinical studies, even those lasting several months, have shown minimal risk of serious adverse effects.

Possible Mild Side Effects

Some individuals may experience minor and temporary side effects, especially at higher doses. These may include:

  • Gastrointestinal issues: such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, or loss of appetite.
  • Headaches or mild dizziness.
  • Sleep disturbances: especially when taken late in the day, as ubiquinol may support energy production and affect sleep in sensitive individuals.

These effects are typically rare and resolve on their own or with a dosage adjustment.

Medication Interactions

Ubiquinol may interact with certain medications:

  • Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin): Coenzyme Q10 (including ubiquinol) may slightly reduce the effectiveness of these medications, potentially affecting clotting time.
  • Chemotherapy drugs: As an antioxidant, ubiquinol might interfere with some chemotherapy protocols that rely on oxidative stress to kill cancer cells (consult your oncologist).

Always consult a healthcare provider before combining ubiquinol with prescription medications, especially if you are on blood pressure meds, cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), or anticoagulants.

Not Recommended Without Supervision In:
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women (due to limited data, though no specific harm has been proven)
  • Children under 18 (unless directed by a pediatrician)
  • Individuals with chronic medical conditions (should consult a physician first)

Clinical Research Highlights

A growing body of clinical evidence highlights the superior benefits of ubiquinol in various health domains. One of the most impactful studies, the Q-Symbio study, demonstrated that ubiquinol supplementation resulted in a 43% reduction in heart failure-related deaths and significantly fewer hospitalizations. This study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, confirmed that ubiquinol improves heart function, especially in patients with chronic heart failure.

In the field of sports science, a six-week study on trained athletes revealed that those taking ubiquinol increased their strength relative to body weight by over 2.5%. The findings suggested that ubiquinol enhances energy metabolism at the cellular level, supporting improved performance and recovery in athletic populations.

Reproductive health also benefits from ubiquinol. In a 26-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 264 infertile men, ubiquinol supplementation led to a more than 60% improvement in sperm count and motility, along with significant improvements in sperm morphology. These results highlight the critical role of ubiquinol in reducing oxidative stress and enhancing mitochondrial function in sperm cells.

Lastly, for individuals taking statin medications, which are known to lower CoQ10 levels and cause muscle pain, ubiquinol supplementation has shown clear benefits. Over a six-month period, ubiquinol reduced muscle pain and sensitivity by 53.8% and increased CoQ10 levels by more than 194%. This makes ubiquinol an essential supportive therapy for statin users experiencing side effects while managing cholesterol levels.

Questions and answers about Ubiquinol

1. What is ubiquinol?

Ubiquinol is the reduced, active antioxidant form of coenzyme Q10 (coenzyme Q10).

Ubiquinol, which is produced naturally in young and healthy bodies, is coenzyme Q10 that has been converted (reduced) to be used in the production process for cellular energy. Ubiquinol is directly related to more than 95% of the body's cellular energy production, the energy your heart, lungs, and other organs need to function optimally.

In the form of a dietary supplement, ubiquinol also helps protect the body's cells from oxidative stress, which can cause damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA.

In summary, ubiquinol provides:

  • Support for optimal heart health
  • Support for natural cellular energy production
  • Replenishment of ubiquinol stores depleted by aging, certain diseases, and/or cholesterol-lowering medications
  • It is more bioactive than traditional coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone)

2. What is ubiquinone?

Conventional coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is the oxidized form of coenzyme Q10. In order to help produce cellular energy, our bodies must first convert ubiquinone coenzyme Q10 into ubiquinol, a process that becomes increasingly difficult for our bodies as we age.

Most brands of dietary supplements have launched coenzyme Q10 products that use the antioxidant form of coenzyme Q10 because ubiquinol does not need to be converted in the body and is more bioavailable than traditional coenzyme Q10.

3. How does ubiquinol differ from traditional coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone)?

The ubiquinol form of coenzyme Q10 is important for a healthy body. Conventional coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is the fully oxidized form of coenzyme Q10. When you take this type of coenzyme Q10 supplement, it must first be converted to ubiquinol in order to help produce cellular energy.

The conversion of conventional coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) to ubiquinol becomes more difficult and less effective after the age of 40. Ubiquinol supplements do not require further conversion within the body, making them a more useful coenzyme Q10 option for many people over the age of 40.

4. What are the effects of low coenzyme Q10 levels?

Since coenzyme Q10 is needed for the production of cellular energy, a reduction in this important coenzyme can impair aerobic function in the muscles.

Low levels of coenzyme Q10 may be associated with feelings of fatigue or occasional muscle cramps/discomfort. In addition, low levels of coenzyme Q10 may limit the amount of cellular energy your body produces.

5. Why do people take ubiquinol Q10?

Your body naturally produces conventional coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, which is later converted by the body into ubiquinol.

Ubiquinol is found in every cell in the body, including the heart and brain. The ubiquinol form of coenzyme Q10 is essential for the production of cellular energy and for protection against oxidative stress. Your heart, lungs, and other energy-intensive organs require ubiquinol to function optimally.

Around the age of 40, it becomes more difficult for the body to carry out this conversion, which can lead to reduced production of ubiquinol. Although the ubiquinol form of coenzyme Q10 is naturally present in some foods, it can also be difficult to obtain sufficient amounts of ubiquinol from the diet, especially as we age.

In addition, some prescription medications (such as cholesterol-lowering statins) can also reduce the amount of ubiquinol Q10 in the body.

Since the body still needs to convert conventional coenzyme Q10 into ubiquinol in order to use it for cellular energy production, taking conventional coenzyme Q10 supplements may not be sufficient if you are over 40 years of age or if you are taking cholesterol-lowering statin medications.

A ubiquinol supplement may replenish the ubiquinol in your body more effectively than conventional coenzyme Q10 because it is more bioavailable and already in the form needed to help with cell energy production.

6. How does ubiquinol Q10 work?

The ubiquinol Q10 produced by Kaneka is biologically identical to the ubiquinol produced naturally in the body. It assists in cell energy production and, as an antioxidant, helps protect against damage from free radicals (oxidative stress).

Ubiquinol works at the cellular level by transferring electrons for vital energy production within the body's cells, including the heart (which requires significant amounts of cellular energy to function properly).

7. What role does ubiquinol Q10 play in my body and for my overall health?

The ubiquinol form of coenzyme Q10 occurs naturally in our bodies to help with cellular energy production and provide protection against oxidative stress.

It is directly linked to more than 95 percent of the cellular energy produced by the body. 

This means that without ubiquinol, our bodies would not be able to produce the energy we need, especially in our hearts, where high concentrations of ubiquinol are found.

Ubiquinol Q10 promotes heart health by helping to provide the cellular energy needed to fuel the heart. Ubiquinol is important for the production of ATP, the body's main fuel. This fuel is used for three basic but essential heart functions:

  • Contraction - to keep the heart pumping constantly
  • Relaxation - to allow the heart to rest between beats
  • Molecule synthesis - to maintain the structure of the heart by creating important cell components

The heart has one of the highest energy requirements in the body. Energy is needed for the ventricles to contract and pump blood into the arteries, but even more energy is needed to relax the contracted muscles. The heart requires significant amounts of cellular energy to function. If there were not enough ATP in the ‘energy reserve’, the heart's function would be compromised.

The ubiquinol form of coenzyme Q10 is also a powerful antioxidant. It helps protect against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. With its antioxidant effect, ubiquinol can neutralize free radicals that could otherwise damage healthy cells in the body.

Benefits of ubiquinol Q10

  • Supports heart health
  • Supports natural cell energy production
  • Replenishes ubiquinol stores depleted by aging, certain diseases, and/or cholesterol-lowering medications
  • Has better bioactivity than conventional coenzyme Q10

8. Is ubiquinol a prescription drug?

No. The ubiquinol form of coenzyme Q10 is a dietary supplement and the subject of nearly 60 published research studies.

9. What research studies have been conducted with ubiquinol?

For more than a decade, scientists and researchers have studied coenzyme Q10 for its safety and potential health benefits. The ubiquinol form of coenzyme Q10 has been shown to support heart health. But since ubiquinol has only been commercially available since 2007, scientists have only a superficial understanding of all the potential health benefits of this highly developed form of coenzyme Q10.

10. People who take cholesterol-lowering drugs often take ubiquinol as well. Why?

Statin drugs inhibit the body's production of cholesterol. Since coenzyme Q10 is produced via the same pathway as cholesterol, people who take statins may have reduced levels of both conventional coenzyme Q10 and ubiquinol, the more advanced form of coenzyme Q10.

Taking a ubiquinol supplement helps replenish reduced levels of coenzyme Q10 that may be associated with statin use. And because ubiquinol is more absorbable than traditional coenzyme Q10, ubiquinol is the preferred form of coenzyme Q10 for statin users.

11. Who should take a ubiquinol Q10 supplement?

In general, men and women over the age of 40 should consider taking advantage of the benefits of a ubiquinol Q10 supplement.

If you take a conventional coenzyme Q10 supplement, it must first be converted to ubiquinol in order to help with cell energy production. The ubiquinol form of coenzyme Q10 is important for a healthy body.

The conversion of traditional coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) to ubiquinol becomes more difficult and less effective after the age of 40. Aging, certain medical conditions, and taking cholesterol-lowering statins can reduce the body's production of both traditional cholesterol and ubiquinol.

Ubiquinol supplements do not require further conversion within the body, making them a more useful coenzyme Q10 option for many people over the age of 40.

12. When and how much ubiquinol Q10 should I take?

The recommended daily dose of ubiquinol varies and is based on each individual's needs. However, those who are older or have health problems should start with a supplement of 200 mg of ubiquinol Q10 per day. After about two weeks, 100 mg per day is considered a good maintenance dose.

Many people take their Ubiquinol Q10 supplement every morning with breakfast. If you take more than one capsule of Ubiquinol per day, consider taking them at different meals for example, one capsule with breakfast and another with lunch.

13. Does Ubiquinol Q10 support healthy aging?

Yes. As ubiquinol levels decline as we age, we are no longer able to produce cellular energy as efficiently as we did in our younger years. Ubiquinol supplements can replenish ubiquinol Q10 levels to provide your body with the cellular energy it needs to maintain health and well-being.

14. If I take multivitamin tablets, why do I still need Ubiquinol Q10?

Most multivitamin tablets do not contain ubiquinol. In addition, unlike most other nutrients, ubiquinol Q10 is fat-soluble (rather than water-soluble). This means that it is best taken in the form of a soft capsule with fat such as sunflower, rapeseed or olive oil.

15. Who is Kaneka?

Since 1977, Kaneka Nutrients has been commercially producing the only coenzyme Q10 made naturally from fermented yeast, a coenzyme Q10 that is biologically identical to the enzyme produced naturally by the body.

After 10 years of research, Kaneka Nutrients developed the world's first and only Ubiquinol Q10 commercially available for use in dietary supplements. Ubiquinol has been shown to support heart health, and researchers continue to investigate its other potential health benefits.

Kaneka manufactures Ubiquinol Q10 in the United States and Japan. It sells the nutrient to dietary supplement companies that use the ingredient in branded Ubiquinol dietary supplement products.

16. How do I know if my dietary supplement contains Ubiquinol manufactured by Kaneka?

Ubiquinol Q10 products made with Kaneka's Ubiquinol carry the Kaneka Seal of Quality. If you find the seal on a Ubiquinol bottle, it means that the brand relies on Kaneka to provide a heart-healthy ingredient manufactured to exceptional quality standards.

The Kaneka seal represents more than 30 years of history in the coenzyme Q10 market. It is also backed by a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Houston, where food ingredients are produced according to a strict quality assurance system based on the principles of “Kaizen” (the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement).

Look for the Kaneka quality seal on your favorite brand of ubiquinol supplements.

17. Can I get ubiquinol from the food I eat?

Yes. The ubiquinol form of coenzyme Q10 can be obtained from certain foods such as chicken, oily fish, whole grains, peanuts, spinach, avocados, olive oil, and some other foods. However, the amount of ubiquinol found in these foods is quite small.

For example, to get 100 mg of ubiquinol Q10, you would need to eat 50 cups of spinach or more than 1.4 kg of peanuts.

In addition, some or all of the ubiquinol contained in food may be converted back to the conventional ubiquinone form of coenzyme Q10 during cooking. This form of coenzyme Q10 is more difficult for the body to absorb and must be converted back to ubiquinol before it can be used by the body for cell energy production.

18. Will a ubiquinol supplement give me energy?

The ubiquinol form of coenzyme Q10 is directly linked to more than 95% of the body's cellular energy production, but it will not give you a sudden burst of energy as you would expect from consuming a caffeinated beverage.

Cell energy production associated with ubiquinol benefits the body by providing cellular energy that helps your heart, lungs, and other organs function optimally.

19. Are there any interactions between ubiquinol and prescription medications?

Ubiquinol Q10 is safe to take with most prescription medications, but you should always talk to your doctor before starting any dietary supplement, including ubiquinol.

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