CoQ10 & Ubiquinol

Coenzyme Q10 — almost always shortened to CoQ10 — is a compound found in virtually every cell in your body. It plays a central role in the way your cells produce energy, working inside the tiny "power plants" called mitochondria. Because that energy production is busiest in hard-working tissues, CoQ10 has a natural association with cardiovascular wellness, and it's earned a steady following in that part of our shop.

CoQ10 is also an antioxidant that helps protect the body against oxidative stress caused by free radicals, for the maintenance of good health. Many shoppers choose it to help support cardiovascular health as part of a balanced routine, which is why it sits in our heart-health category. It's one of the most-asked-for names in that aisle, and it pairs naturally with the other everyday staples people keep there.

Your body makes its own CoQ10, but those natural levels tend to decline gradually as you get older. That gentle, age-related change is one reason many people — particularly adults in their middle years and beyond — decide to top up with a supplement. It's a common addition to a mature daily routine, and it's often the point at which shoppers first go looking for it. For that group, it's become a familiar, reassuring name to keep in the cupboard.

CoQ10 is fat-soluble, which means it's absorbed best alongside some dietary fat. That's why you'll most often see it sold as an oil-based softgel rather than a dry tablet — the oil helps your body take it up. Taking CoQ10 with a meal that contains a little fat is a simple way to get the most from it, and it's an easy habit to build into a regular mealtime.

You'll find CoQ10 on the shelf in two related forms — conventional ubiquinone and the reduced form called ubiquinol, which we cover in detail below. Both come mainly as softgels, along with some capsules and chewables. Keep your bottle sealed in a cool, dry place away from light. As with any supplement, speak with your health-care practitioner before adding it to your routine.

Ubiquinol

Ubiquinol is the reduced, "body-ready" form of CoQ10 — the same coenzyme your cells already use, just in the state your body would normally convert it into. Conventional CoQ10 supplements provide ubiquinone, which the body then reduces to ubiquinol as needed. Because that conversion step can become a little less efficient with age, some shoppers — often older adults — prefer to buy ubiquinol directly. The trade-off is cost: ubiquinol is generally more expensive to produce, so it usually carries a higher price than standard ubiquinone. Both forms are sold mainly as oil-based softgels for fat-soluble absorption. If you're comparing the two, weigh the higher price of ubiquinol against your own preference and budget.

Is ubiquinol better than regular CoQ10?
Neither is simply "better" — ubiquinol is the pre-converted, body-ready form, while conventional CoQ10 (ubiquinone) is converted by the body after you take it. Ubiquinol usually costs more. Many older shoppers prefer it, but both raise your CoQ10 intake.

Frequently asked questions

What is CoQ10 and what does it do?

CoQ10 is a compound found in nearly every cell that plays a key role in cellular energy production. It's also an antioxidant for the maintenance of good health. Many people take it to help support cardiovascular health.

What is the difference between ubiquinone and ubiquinol?

Ubiquinone is the conventional, oxidized form of CoQ10, while ubiquinol is the reduced, "body-ready" form. Your body converts between the two. Some shoppers, often older adults, prefer ubiquinol — see the section below.

Why is CoQ10 usually sold as a softgel?

CoQ10 is fat-soluble, so it's absorbed best with some dietary fat. Oil-based softgels pair it with a carrier oil to help your body take it up. That's why softgels are the most common format on the shelf.

Does the body's CoQ10 change with age?

The body makes its own CoQ10, but those natural levels tend to decline gradually with age. That's one reason a supplement becomes a popular choice for adults in their middle years and beyond. It's a common part of a mature routine.

How should I take and store CoQ10?

Taking it with a meal that contains a little fat can help with absorption. Store the bottle sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct light and heat. Check the best-before date on the label.

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