The Top 8 Frequently Asked Questions About CoQ10

CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is currently one of the most popular dietary supplements globally. Approximately 45% of cardiologists recommend CoQ10 to their patients – more than double that of other supplements.[1] It’s also among the top five supplements in the US.[2]

Do you have a CoQ10 supplement in your daily health arsenal? Or you might be considering one. Regardless of how much you know about this popular nutrient, we will cover the key points of today.

1. What Does CoQ10 Do?

CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is found in almost every cell in the body. Our cells use it for continuous growth and maintenance every day. CoQ10 plays an essential role in helping our cells to generate energy. It acts as a natural antioxidant to reduce inflammation while protecting cellular and mitochondrial membranes against oxidative stress. 

Organs with the greatest energy requirements such as the heart, lungs, and liver have higher concentrations of CoQ10. 

2. Ubiquinone or Ubiquinol: Which is Better?

Ubiquinone and ubiquinol are two different forms of CoQ10. Ubiquinol is the reduced, active form, required for 95% of people’s cellular energy production. Ubiquinol converts to Ubiquinone (the oxidized form of CoQ10) if needed.

While both types of CoQ10 are important to cellular production, converting Ubiquinone (the oxidized form) to Ubiquinol (the active form) becomes harder by age 40. Hence when choosing a supplement, ubiquinol is highly recommended because of its bio-identical character and it can be used by our body cells directly without any conversions. 

3. CoQ10 Can Be Produced by the Human Body, Why Do I Need to Supplement It?

Young and healthy bodies produce CoQ10 naturally, however, production decreases as we age. People with certain conditions, like heart disease, or who are on cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins, have also demonstrated lower CoQ10 levels. Therefore, supplementing CoQ10 is a great way to keep the body healthy and fueled.

4. What Are the Natural Food Sources of CoQ10? 

You can find CoQ10 naturally from certain foods, such as oily fish, organ meat, whole grains, peanuts, spinach, avocados, olive oil, etc. However, the amount of Ubiquinol found in these foods is relatively small. In addition, approximately 14% - 32% of the CoQ10 may be lost during the frying of the food.[3] Therefore, many experts encourage the use of supplements for individuals over 40, even if they already have a balanced diet. 

5. Is CoQ10 Good for Anything Besides Heart Health?

Yes, it is. CoQ10 is well known for its health benefits to the heart. Research shows supplementation with CoQ10 may reduce the risk of serious cardiac events. It also helps control the oxidation of the "bad" LDL cholesterol and protects against atherosclerosis. However, there are many proven uses of CoQ10 in addition to the heart health benefits, such as improving neurological conditions, migraines, eye health, and muscle recovery. Some studies also suggest that CoQ10 may support fertility.

6. Who Should Take CoQ10?

Generally, adults over the age of 40 should consider a Ubiquinol CoQ10 supplement. Aging and certain health conditions can decrease the body’s production of CoQ10 and the ability to convert oxidized CoQ10 (ubiquinone) into active Ubiquinol is becoming harder and less efficient by age 40.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs can also reduce the production of CoQ10. This is why it is important for statin users to supplement CoQ10.

7. Why Fish Oil Combines Well With CoQ10?

CoQ10 is fat-soluble, meaning it requires fat or oil for optimal absorption. Our Omega 3 / QH Premium CoQ10 combines a quality active form of CoQ10 with New Zealand Fish Oil to provide the best health benefits from both. Fish oil also helps to achieve the best absorption of CoQ10.