CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)
Also known as: ubiquinol, reduced CoQ10, Kaneka QH, Kaneka Ubiquinol, QH
Ubiquinol is the reduced, active antioxidant form of coenzyme Q10 and the form that predominates in blood. It is marketed for people who convert ubiquinone poorly, such as older adults, and is generally dosed lower than ubiquinone. Comparative bioavailability studies show CoQ10 appears in plasma mostly as ubiquinol regardless of which form is swallowed, and ubiquinol capsules have shown modestly higher uptake in some but not all trials. It oxidizes readily in air, so stabilized softgels are standard.
Research summary
Reduced form of CoQ10 that donates electrons directly as a membrane antioxidant and supports mitochondrial ATP production.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 100–200 mg | — | — |
100–200 mg daily with a fat-containing meal. Because it is already reduced, products often use 100 mg where ubiquinone would use 200 mg, though head-to-head data are mixed. Stabilized ubiquinol (Kaneka QH) is the usual raw material because unprotected ubiquinol oxidizes back to ubiquinone.
Standardization: ≥96% ubiquinol (stabilized)
Source material: yeast fermentation, reduced and stabilized (Kaneka)
Forms of CoQ10
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) | 100–200 mg | — | Softgel, Capsule | premium |
| CoQ10 (Ubiquinone) | 100–300 mg | — | Softgel, Capsule, Gummy, Tablet | mid |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Oxygen-sensitive; oil-filled softgels with antioxidant protection are the standard. Powder blends and gummies are not recommended without specialized stabilized grades.
Formulation notes
Same considerations as ubiquinone; may modestly reduce warfarin effect.
Sources
- Comparative Bioavailability of Different Coenzyme Q10 Formulations in Healthy Elderly Individuals. (Pravst, 2020)PubMed
- Ubiquinol Short-Term Supplementation Prior to Strenuous Exercise Improves Physical Performance and Diminishes Muscle Damage. (Moreno-Fernandez, 2023)PubMed
- Kaneka Nutrients — UbiquinolSupplier
Related ingredients
CoQ10 (Ubiquinone)
AntioxidantCoenzyme Q10 in its oxidized form, ubiquinone, is the standard, most-studied CoQ10 ingredient.
Typical: 100–300 mg
Green Tea Extract (50% EGCG)
BotanicalA leaf extract of Camellia sinensis concentrated for catechins, especially EGCG, with a small amount of naturally occurring caffeine.
Typical: 300–500 mg
Trans-Resveratrol
AntioxidantTrans-resveratrol is a stilbene polyphenol found in grape skin, red wine, and, in far higher concentration, Japanese knotweed root, which is the usual commercial source.
Typical: 150–500 mg
Quercetin Dihydrate
AntioxidantQuercetin dihydrate is the standard crystalline form of the flavonol quercetin, typically extracted from Sophora japonica flower buds and supplied at 95% or higher purity.
Typical: 500–1,000 mg
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)
AntioxidantPyrroloquinoline quinone is a redox cofactor found in trace amounts in foods such as natto, kiwi, and green tea.
Typical: 10–20 mg