Coenzyme Q10: Science Over Hype

What is CoQ10?
CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant naturally produced in our cells, essential for energy production at the cellular level. It works in the mitochondria — the “power house of cells” — as part of the electron transport chain to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body’s main energy source. [1]

CoQ10 and aging
As we age, the body’s natural production of CoQ10 gradually declines, leading to reduced cellular energy. This decline can contribute to fatigue, poor concentration, or muscle weakness.[2] CoQ10 levels begin to drop in our 30s, decrease by about >30% in our 40s, and by age 60s may fall by as much as 50%, especially in energydemanding organs like the heart & muscle. [3]

CoQ10 levels are further depleted in certain groups, making supplementation even more important. These groups include athletes, highly active individuals, cardiovascular patients, those taking statins, smokers, and individuals under chronic stress.

Ubiquinone vs Ubiquinol

CoQ10 exists in two redox bioactive forms in the body:

• Ubiquinone (oxidized form)
• Ubiquinol (reduced form)

Once ingested, regardless of ubiquinone or ubiquinol, it will reach into an equilibrium and two forms are easily, interchangeably converted depending on the redox state. [4] 

Remember that CoQ10 occurs naturally in the body, where it shifts between its ubiquinone and ubiquinol form in a continuous cycle.When we take an ubiquinone supplement, our body converts it to ubiquinol and back again. So regardless of what form of CoQ10 we take, our body will convert it to the other form as needed.

Is ubiquinol better than ubiquinone?

Some manufacturers have claimed that the reduced form of CoQ10 (ubiquinol) is more readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. [5]Some people assume that taking supplemental CoQ10 in its ubiquinol form may enhance absorption. This concept, widely disseminated on the Internet, seems in part to have originated from an inappropriate comparison of bioavailability data from other studies.

What does science say?

Scientific literature reiterating both ubiquinol and ubiquinone are a redox pair, readily interchange into each other within the body.[6,7] Importantly, many scientific studies have reported no significant difference in the relative bioavailability of ubiquinone and ubiquinol supplements. [8,9]Thus, the claims of superior bioavailability for supplemental ubiquinol over ubiquinone are not supported by current clinical evidence. [10] 

While some manufacturers promote ubiquinol as a “more active” or “better absorbed” form, this is not substantiated by the majority of independent research. [11]Ubiquinol is inherently unstable and will oxidize to ubiquinone the gastrointestinal tract. In summary, misinterpretation of CoQ10’s redox behaviour and bioavailability has led to incorrect marketing claims about the superiority of one form over the other.

CoQ10 absorption and transport in body

CoQ10 can be supplemented as either ubiquinone or ubiquinol, but regardless of which form is ingested, it is absorbed in the small intestine predominantly as ubiquinone, after solubilization into micelles with dietary fats and bile salts. Once incorporated into chylomicrons and transported via the lymphatic system, much of the absorbed CoQ10 is converted to ubiquinol, [12]which is the dominant circulating form in plasma. In this state, it serves as a potent antioxidant, protecting blood lipids and cell membranes from oxidative damage. Within cells, particularly in the mitochondria, CoQ10 undergoes redox cycling, converting back to ubiquinone in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it plays a critical role in ATP production and supporting mitochondrial biogenesis, enabling cells to meet the high energy demands of organs such as the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles. [13,14] 

Formulation matters!

Regardless of whether CoQ10 is taken as ubiquinone or ubiquinol, the raw crystalline powder form is poorly absorbed because it has a strong tendency to self-aggregate, which significantly reduces its bioavailability.[15] To enhance absorption, CoQ10 crystals must first be dissociated into single molecules, and most importantly, these molecules need to remain fully dissociated throughout the shelf life of the preparation—something that not all manufacturers have been able to achieve. [15] 

Ubiqsome® : The CoQ10 game changer

Ubiqsome® is a unique Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) formulation enhanced with Indena® Phytosome® technology from Italy, designed to optimize absorption. Phytosome® is a solid dispersion technology that incorporates CoQ10 into a phospholipid-based delivery matrix. By embedding each CoQ10 molecule within lecithin (phospholipids), this technology prevents clumping (self-aggregation) to enhance stability and improve bioavailability.

Ubiqsome® is backed by solid science!

Ubiqsome® is the first and only CoQ10 formulation in the market clinically proven to reach its biological site – the mitochondria. Supported by triple pharmacokinetics, Ubiqsome® improves plasma CoQ10 levels even after a single dose [16] and delivers 9× greater bioavailability than unformulated CoQ10. Clinical evidence further shows it provides 4× higher CoQ10 concentrations in muscle tissue [17,18], supporting physical performance and exercise recovery. Ubiqsome® achieves 12× greater mitochondrial uptake, ensuring efficient cellular energy production. Additionally, Ubiqsome® improves endothelial functions and cardiovascular health [19] and helps relieve statininduced muscle weakness (asthenia) while improving strength [20] . 

Ubiqsome® + Quercefit® — the perfect match！

Ubiqsome® and Quercefit® (Quercetin Phytosome®) form a powerful combination that supports heart health, enhances energy metabolism, and improves physical performance. Together, they deliver potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection, while Quercefit® also supports immune health with anti-allergic, antihistamine, and antiviral properties. 

When one plus one equals more than two — that’s the power of synergy. This unique pairing helps increase stamina, reduce fatigue, and accelerate recovery, making it an ideal solution for athletes and active individuals seeking optimal performance. 

For real results, trust the science behind the formulation

CoQ10 is a remarkable nutrient—but its effectiveness depends on how it’s delivered. Choosing the right formulation, not just the right form, is key to getting real benefits. Always look for clinically studied CoQ10 with proven absorption, stability, and efficacy.

References:

1.  Littarru, G. P., & Tiano, L. (2007). Bioenergetic and antioxidant properties of coenzyme Q10: recent developments. Molecular Biotechnology, 37(1), 31–37
2. Barcelos, I. P. D., & Haas, R. H. (2019). CoQ10 and aging. Biology, 8(2), 28.
3. Hoppe, U., Bergemann, J., Diembeck, W., Ennen, J., Gohla, S., Harris, I., … & Steckel, F. (1999). Coenzyme Q10, a cutaneous antioxidant and energizer. Biofactors, 9(2‐4), 371-378.
4. Pelton, R. (2020). Coenzyme Q10: A miracle nutrient advances in understanding. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, 19(2), 16
5. Mantle, D., & Dybring, A. (2020). Bioavailability of coenzyme Q10: An overview of the absorption process and subsequent metabolism. Antioxidants, 9(5), 386.
6. Bentinger, M., Brismar, K., and Dallner, G., The antioxidant role of coenzyme Q. Mitochondrion, 7S, S41–50 (2007).
7. Crane, F. L., Biochemical functions of coenzyme Q10. J. Am. Coll. Nutr., 20, 591–598 (2001).
8. Lopez-Lluch G (2019) The important role of CoQ10 in aging. Antioxidants (Basel) 8(12).
9. Zozina VI, Covantev S, Goroshko OA, Krasnykh LM, Kukes VG (2018) Coenzyme Q10 in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases: current state of the problem. Curr Cardiol Rev 14(3):164–174.
10. Bhagavan, H. N., & Chopra, R. K. (2007). Plasma coenzyme Q10 response to oral ingestion of coenzyme Q10 formulations. Mitochondrion, 7, S78-S88.
11. Mantle, D., & Dybring, A. (2020). Bioavailability of coenzyme Q10: An overview of the absorption process and subsequent metabolism. Antioxidants, 9(5), 386.
12. López-Lluch, G.; Del Pozo-Cruz, J.; Sánchez-Cuesta, A.; Cortés-Rodríguez, A.B.; Navas, P. Bioavailability of coenzyme Q10 supplements depends on carrier lipids and solubilization. Nutrition 2019, 57, 133–140.
13. Crane, F. L. (2001). Biochemical functions of coenzyme Q10. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 20(6), 591-598.
14. Schulz, C., Obermüller-Jevic, U. C., Hasselwander, O., Bernhardt, J., & Biesalski, H. K. (2006). Comparison of the relative bioavailability of different coenzyme Q10 formulations with a novel solubilizate (Solu™ Q10). International journal of food sciences and nutrition, 57(7-8), 546-555.
15. Littarru, G. P., & Tiano, L. (2007). Bioenergetic and antioxidant properties of coenzyme Q10: recent developments. Molecular biotechnology, 37(1), 31-37.
16. Petrangolini, Giovanna, et al. “A New Food-grade Coenzyme Q10 Formulation Improves Bioavailability: Single and Repeated Pharmacokinetic Studies in Healthy Volunteers.” Current drug delivery (2019).
17. Drobnic, Franchek, et al. “Efficient muscle distribution reflects the positive influence of coenzyme Q10 Phytosome in healthy aging athletes after stressing exercise.” Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Research, 2020, vol. 3, num. 4, p. 262-275 (2020).
18. Paredes-Fuentes, Abraham J., et al. “Coenzyme Q10 treatment monitoring in different human biological samples.” Antioxidants 9.10 (2020): 979.
19. Cicero, A. F., Fogacci, F., Di Micoli, A., Veronesi, M., & Borghi, C. (2022). Noninvasive instrumental evaluation of coenzyme Q10 phytosome on endothelial reactivity in healthy nonsmoking young volunteers: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover clinical trial. Biofactors, 48(5), 1160-1165.
20. Drobnic, F., Riera Riera, J., Artuch Iriberri, R., Jou, C., Codina, A., Montero, R., … & Togni, S. (2020). Efficient muscle distribution reflects the positive influence of coenzyme Q10 Phytosome in healthy aging athletes after stressing exercise. Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Research, 2020, vol. 3, num. 4, p. 262-275.