CoQ10 (Ubiquinone)
Also known as: coenzyme Q10, ubidecarenone, CoQ10, Q10, Kaneka Q10
Coenzyme Q10 in its oxidized form, ubiquinone, is the standard, most-studied CoQ10 ingredient. It shuttles electrons in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and is a lipid-phase antioxidant. Body stores fall with age and with statin use, which drives its popularity in heart, energy, and healthy-aging products. The Q-SYMBIO trial used 100 mg three times daily, and meta-analyses of heart-failure trials report improved ejection fraction. It is a yellow-orange crystalline powder with poor water solubility.
Research summary
Carries electrons between complexes I/II and III of the electron transport chain and protects membrane lipids from oxidation.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 mg | 100–300 mg | 300 mg | — |
100–300 mg daily; Q-SYMBIO used 300 mg split into three doses. Absorption is limited and improves with fat, so oil-based softgels or solubilized forms outperform dry powder. Steady-state plasma levels take two to four weeks. Divided doses above 200 mg improve uptake.
Standardization: ≥98% ubiquinone (USP)
Source material: yeast or bacterial fermentation
Forms of CoQ10
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoQ10 (Ubiquinone) | 100–300 mg | — | Softgel, Capsule, Gummy, Tablet | mid |
| CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) | 100–200 mg | — | Softgel, Capsule | premium |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Fat-soluble crystalline powder. Oil-suspended softgel is the best-absorbed common format; dry capsules and tablets work but absorb less. Gummies are done commercially at 100 mg or less.
Formulation notes
May reduce the effect of warfarin in some reports; commonly paired with statin users as a replenishment ingredient.
Sources
Related ingredients
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)
AntioxidantUbiquinol is the reduced, active antioxidant form of coenzyme Q10 and the form that predominates in blood.
Typical: 100–200 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