Quick answer
Ubiquinone and ubiquinol are two forms of CoQ10. The body converts between them. Absorption studies suggest the formulation matters a lot: one study found ubiquinol raised blood levels more than ubiquinone, and another found well-made softgels of either form absorbed best. Both are fat-soluble, so take them with a meal. Pure Encapsulations’ Ubiquinol-QH, for example, suggests 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily with meals.
Key takeaways
Ubiquinone and ubiquinol are two forms of CoQ10, and the body can convert between them.
Absorption studies suggest the overall formulation may matter as much as the form, and both are best taken with a meal because they are fat-soluble.
Anyone taking warfarin should talk with their prescriber before starting CoQ10.
If you have questions about whether CoQ10 or ubiquinol fits your plan, a short call is a simple place to start.
This is a short comparison to go with our main Who should consider CoQ10 (ubiquinol) page, which covers who might consider it and safety in more detail. It is educational information.
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Ubiquinone vs ubiquinol
Ubiquinone is the oxidized form and the most common, lower-cost CoQ10. Ubiquinol is the reduced form and the main form circulating in blood, and it is usually sold in softgels and costs more. The body converts between the two forms.
What absorption studies show
In healthy adults, ubiquinol raised blood CoQ10 levels more than the same amount of ubiquinone (Langsjoen 2014). A crossover study of seven 100 mg products found large differences between brands, and the best absorbed were softgels of either ubiquinone or ubiquinol, depending on the oils used (López-Lluch 2019). So the product matters as much as the form.
Label dosing and timing
The Pure Encapsulations Ubiquinol-QH sheet suggests 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily with meals for the 50 and 100 mg strengths. CoQ10 is fat-soluble, so take it with a meal that has some fat. Some people find it energizing and avoid taking it late at night.
Many people start with the lowest strength once a day with breakfast. This is a general description of how the label is often paced, so please follow the plan your own clinician gives you.
Cautions and who should check with a provider
If you take warfarin, ask your prescriber before starting. Studies on CoQ10 and warfarin have been mixed (Engelsen 2002), so monitoring is important. Ask first if you take blood pressure or blood sugar medications, or are pregnant or nursing.
People on statins often ask about CoQ10, so talk with your prescriber about whether it fits your plan.
Questions to bring to your clinician
These questions can help you get the most out of your next visit.
Which form of CoQ10 would make sense for me, especially if I take a statin or warfarin?
Could CoQ10 interact with any of my current medications or other supplements?
Would any labs or health history details help us decide whether CoQ10 makes sense for me?
How would we tell whether CoQ10 is a good fit for me, and when should we check in again?
Frequently asked questions
Is ubiquinol better than CoQ10?
One study found ubiquinol raised blood levels more, but another found well-made softgels of either form absorbed best. The product matters.
When should I take CoQ10?
With a meal that contains some fat, often breakfast or lunch.
How much CoQ10 or ubiquinol should I take?
Labels often suggest 50 to 200 mg daily with meals. Your provider can tell you what fits you.
Can I take CoQ10 with warfarin?
Ask your prescriber first, since monitoring may be needed.
Can I take CoQ10 with statins?
Statins lower the body’s own CoQ10 production, and some people take CoQ10 alongside them. Check with your own doctor or pharmacist before combining them.
Can I take CoQ10 with fish oil?
Yes. Both are fat-soluble and are often taken together with a meal.
Can I take CoQ10 at night?
Some people find CoQ10 a little energizing and prefer it earlier in the day. Taking it with food matters more than the time.
Can I take CoQ10 with blood pressure medication?
CoQ10 may affect blood pressure. Check with your own doctor or pharmacist before combining them.
Related reading
- Who should consider CoQ10 (ubiquinol)
- Creatine for women over 40, 50, and 60
- How to take Tri-Fortify liposomal glutathione
- Cellular energy and recovery
- Heart and lipid balance
Sources
- Pure Encapsulations. Ubiquinol-QH product information sheet: suggested use.
- Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen AM. Comparison study of plasma coenzyme Q10 levels in healthy subjects supplemented with ubiquinol versus ubiquinone. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev. 2014. PubMed 27128225
- López-Lluch G, et al. Bioavailability of coenzyme Q10 supplements depends on carrier lipids and solubilization. Nutrition. 2019. PubMed 30153575
- Engelsen J, et al. Effect of coenzyme Q10 and Ginkgo biloba on warfarin dosage in stable, long-term warfarin treated outpatients. Thromb Haemost. 2002. PubMed 12083489
Talk with your own doctor or healthcare provider about the right dose for you before starting any supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or take medications.
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If you have questions about whether CoQ10 or ubiquinol fits your plan, a short call is a simple place to start.
This page shares general educational information and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition. Product labels can change, so always follow the label on the bottle you have.
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