CoQ10 supplement: ubiquinol or ubiquinone, and what it can really do
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- Ubiquinol 100 mg softgels. Best for: Adults who want the reduced form of CoQ10. See options on Amazon
- CoQ10 ubiquinone 100 mg. Best for: Buyers who want the standard form. See options on Amazon
- CoQ10 200 mg softgels. Best for: Adults whose doctor recommended a higher daily amount. See options on Amazon
What CoQ10 is
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) explains that CoQ10 is naturally present in the body, with the highest levels in the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas. MSK adds that it is involved in cellular energy production and is found in all human cells. People with some diseases have lower levels, which is why researchers have studied supplements.
Statin drugs such as lovastatin, atorvastatin and simvastatin may lower the body's own CoQ10, according to MSK, because they block an enzyme involved in making both cholesterol and CoQ10.
Ubiquinol vs ubiquinone
| Form | What it is | Example label |
|---|---|---|
| Ubiquinone | The standard form of CoQ10, also simply called CoQ10 | Common 100 to 200 mg capsules and softgels |
| Ubiquinol | The reduced form of CoQ10 | NOW Foods: 100 mg per softgel |
NOW Foods describes ubiquinol as the reduced, active form of CoQ10 and markets it as highly bioavailable. The research summaries from NCCIH and MSK do not compare the two forms, so there is no strong evidence-based reason to choose ubiquinol over ubiquinone unless your doctor suggests it.
What the research shows
- Heart disease and heart failure. NCCIH calls the evidence inconclusive. MSK notes some studies suggest benefits for coronary artery disease and heart failure, but a systematic review did not support routine use in coronary heart disease, and the American Heart Association says large trials are needed.
- Heart surgery. NCCIH says CoQ10 may reduce the risk of some complications of heart surgery.
- Statin muscle pain. Overall evidence does not support CoQ10 for statin-related muscle pain, according to NCCIH; MSK calls the data inconclusive.
- Blood pressure. NCCIH says it probably has no meaningful effect.
- Migraine. MSK says it may help some people prevent migraines, with a small study showing fewer migraines.
- Parkinson's disease. A major NIH-funded study found it did not improve early Parkinson's symptoms, even at higher doses.
- Cancer. NCCIH says it has not been shown to treat cancer, though it may reduce heart damage from one type of chemotherapy drug.
- Diabetes and kidneys. MSK reports short-term use improved insulin markers but not blood sugar or HbA1c in diabetic dialysis patients, may reduce diabetic nerve pain, and did not improve work efficiency in chronic kidney disease.
- Other conditions. NCCIH says research on ALS, Down syndrome, Huntington's disease and male infertility is too limited for conclusions.
Safety and interactions
- Side effects. NCCIH reports no serious side effects; mild insomnia or digestive upset may occur. MSK lists occasional nausea, diarrhea and reduced appetite.
- Warfarin. CoQ10 is structurally similar to vitamin K and may affect warfarin; MSK notes reports of both reduced warfarin effect and increased bleeding risk. Do not start or stop CoQ10 without your doctor if you take warfarin.
- Insulin. NCCIH says CoQ10 may interact with insulin.
- Theophylline. MSK says CoQ10 delays theophylline clearance, which can cause vomiting, heart rhythm problems and seizures.
- Cancer treatment. It may not be compatible with some cancer treatments; ask your oncologist.
How to choose a CoQ10 supplement
- Form. Ubiquinone is the standard form; ubiquinol is the reduced form. Either is reasonable.
- Take with fat. NOW Foods directs 1 ubiquinol softgel daily with a fat-containing meal.
- Amount. Products commonly provide 100 to 200 mg per serving. Follow the label or your doctor's advice.
- Softgels vs gummies. NOW Foods' ubiquinol softgel uses MCT oil; check gummies for added sugar on the label.
- Blends. Some add PQQ or L-carnitine. Check whether you need the extras.
- Statin users. Talk with your doctor about muscle symptoms rather than relying on CoQ10.
What to look for when you buy
Ubiquinol 100 mg softgels
Best for: Adults who want the reduced form of CoQ10
NOW Foods lists 100 mg of ubiquinol per softgel, taken once daily with a fat-containing meal.
Watch out: Can interact with warfarin, insulin and theophylline. Ask your doctor first.
See options on AmazonCoQ10 ubiquinone 100 mg
Best for: Buyers who want the standard form
Ubiquinone is the standard form of CoQ10 and is widely sold in 100 to 200 mg capsules and softgels.
Watch out: Benefits for statin muscle pain and blood pressure are not supported. Same interaction cautions.
See options on AmazonCoQ10 200 mg softgels
Best for: Adults whose doctor recommended a higher daily amount
Higher-strength softgels reduce the number of pills.
Watch out: Follow your doctor's dose. Mild insomnia or stomach upset may occur.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is the difference between ubiquinol and CoQ10?
- Ubiquinol is the reduced form of CoQ10. Standard CoQ10 supplements usually contain ubiquinone.
- Does CoQ10 help statin muscle pain?
- NCCIH says the overall evidence does not support it. Talk with your doctor about muscle symptoms.
- Is CoQ10 good for your heart?
- Evidence for heart disease and heart failure is inconclusive, though it may reduce some heart surgery complications.
- Can CoQ10 help migraines?
- MSK says it may help some people prevent migraines, based on small studies.
- When should I take CoQ10?
- With a meal that contains fat, as NOW Foods directs for ubiquinol.
Sources
- Coenzyme Q10 (nccih.nih.gov), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Coenzyme Q10: About Herbs (mskcc.org), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Ubiquinol 100 mg Softgels (www.nowfoods.com/products/supplements/ubiquinol-100-mg-softgels), NOW Foods