What is the difference between CoQ10 and ubiquinol?
Understand the difference between CoQ10 (ubiquinone) and the active form, ubiquinol, and how they are best absorbed. ConsumerLab explains.
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Our Members Asked:
How do I choose the best CoQ10 supplement?
Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.
Answer:
As shown in the Review of CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements, we have found that most (but not all) CoQ10 products contain what they claim. However, it's important to note that some are formulated to enhance absorption, allowing you to take a smaller dose, e.g., half the dose (see the "Absorption, Formulation and Dose" section of the report). This should be considered when choosing a product, selecting an appropriate dose, and comparing prices. It is also important know how and when to take Co10 to maximize absorption and minimize side effects. To get the most from "CL Approved" CoQ10 and ubiquinol supplements, see the Review, and check out our Top Picks.
How to Choose and Use CoQ10 and Ubiquinol with Dr. Tod Cooperman
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Related CL Answers (15)
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Gloria8523
March 13, 2016The best C0Q10 product I have ever used is the Nutrilite brand.
wesley8518
March 13, 2016I cannot thank you enough for your service! I have been able to get off my PPI completely due to your in-depth review of the many probiotics to choose from. I also appreciate your coverage of all the other supplements. Please continue to test the anti inflammatory supplements. I have RA and my Rheumatologist just told me that Inflammation is the root of all sickness. We know this already from reading all the research and I am so grateful for your help in finding things to help us.
ConsumerLab.com
March 14, 2016Thank you for your kind words, Wesley!
Marilyn15360
August 2, 2017I should so like to get off my proton pump inhibitors for good. Do you know to what wesley8518 refers? Thank you.
richard16185
November 12, 2017Try DGL licorice, i am completely off ppi......
ConsumerLab.com
November 13, 2017Hi Richard - Thanks for sharing your experience with this.
Debra20793
August 24, 2020During menopause I developed troublesome acid reflux, and DGL licorice plus raising the headboard of my bed got rid of it after a few weeks. One company makes a tasty chewable chocolate version!
Cambiz340
December 31, 2014Cam:
I have been taking Doctor's Best Curcumin, based on your review. I have also been taking "Relentless Improvemen"' Curcumin (as 100% CurcuWIN). What's your opinion on this supplement, and can you include that in your review. Thanks!.
ConsumerLab.com
January 1, 2015Hi Cam - CurcuWIN is discussed in the Turmeric and Curcumin Review here: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/ /turmeric/#bioavailability. Although none of the products in the current review contain this ingredient, we will keep your request in mind for future reviews.
Lamont309
December 11, 2014Hi great service you're providing!
Would you test Rapunzel Cocoa Powder?
ConsumerLab.com
December 11, 2014Thanks Lamont! We just finished testing of cocoa powders, but we will keep this brand in mind for the future.
Lamont316
December 11, 2014Ok thanks
Samuel16316
December 27, 2017When you next do a review of cocoa powder, can you indicate which products are highest and lowest in theophylline and theobromine?
ConsumerLab.com
December 27, 2017Hi Samuel - Thank you for your suggestion, we will keep it in mind. You can see how much theobromine was found in cocoa and dark chocolate products in the fourth column of the results table in the Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Powders, Nibs, Extracts and Supplements Review: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/cocoa-powders-and-chocolates-sources-of-flavanols/cocoa-flavanols/#results
Alice1727
May 27, 2015Hi, I have been taking a CoQ10 with PQQ. Does this combination really have any added benefits than just taking CoQ10?
ConsumerLab.com
May 30, 2015Hi Alice - One clinical study has found the combination of PQQ and CoQ10 more beneficial for memory than PQQ alone -- you can read more about this using the link below.
What is PQQ? Does it help with aging and memory? Is it similar to CoQ10?
https://www.consumerlab.com/answers//what-is-pqq/
Darlene145
September 4, 2014Is there a chance you could test more SHAKLEE products?
I thank you in advance.
ConsumerLab.com
September 5, 2014Hi Darlene - Thank you for your suggestion - we will keep it in mind for upcoming reviews. You can find a list of Shaklee products we have tested here: https://www.consumerlab.com/shaklee/.
Paula143
September 3, 2014I thought in the past in your CoQ10 report you recommended that if we are taking 200 mg a day, that we split it up and take 100 mg in the morning and 100 in the evening. When I checked your current report, I could not find that, but maybe I missed it. Because I am on statins, I take 200 mg a day of CoQ10 Ubiquinol. I have been splitting it up into two 100 mg doses, one capsule in the morning and one in the evening. Do you recommend one 200 mg capsule at night when one takes the statin, or two capsules of 100 mg, one in the morning and one at night? Thanks. Paula
ConsumerLab.com
September 4, 2014Hi Paula - Yes, divided dosage is recommended when the total daily dose exceeds 100 mg. You can read more about this here: http://tiny.cc/5d4nlx.
MAX 567
February 22, 2015I have found that taking ubiquinol late in the day or at night disturbs my sleep.
I now take one 100mg at breakfast and one at noon. Problem solved.
Max
Paula142
September 3, 2014You test Vitacost and Qunol CoQ10. Could you please test their Ubiquinol versions: Vitacost Ubiquinol CoQH 100 m and Qunol Mega CoQ10 Ubiquinol 100 mg? Thanks.
ConsumerLab.com
September 4, 2014Hi Paula - thank you for your suggestion. We will take this into consideration for our next review.
Cathy140
September 3, 2014Would you please consider including Pro Caps Labs (Andrew Lessman) products in your testing? Your website is such a valuable resource. Thank you for all you do to protect consumers.
ConsumerLab.com
September 3, 2014Thank you, Cathy. We have tested a number of Andrew Lessman products - you can find a list of them here: http://tiny.cc/1b6mlx.
Laura139
September 3, 2014How does Q-Gel compare to ubiquinol in absorption potency?
ConsumerLab.com
September 4, 2014As discussed in the section on Absorption in the CoQ10 & Ubiquinol Review (http://tiny.cc/iw1nlx), Q-Gel (a formulation of CoQ10) is better absorbed than regular CoQ10, while ubiquinol is an active form of CoQ10 and may also be better absorbed than regular CoQ10. There are also special formulations of ubiquinol available, which may be better absorbed than regular ubiquinol. However, per your question, we are not aware of any direct comparisons between Q-Gel and ubiquinol.
Joseph150
September 6, 2014Do you have any data on Swansonvitamin.com products?, especially the coq 10 products, Ultra probiotics which contains 67 billion beneficial bacteria?
ConsumerLab.com
September 8, 2014We did not test Swanson CoQ10 in our most recent CoQ10 Review, but we did test Lee Swanson Genetic Designed Nutrition Ultimate Probiotic Formula in our latest Probiotics Review: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/probiotic-supplements/probiotics/.
You can find a complete list of Swanson products we have tested here: https://www.consumerlab.com/swanson/.
Mike137
September 3, 2014Under the Product Tests tab, there is a link to choose reviews by brand. Second paragraph down. If you click on that, then sort under N, you'll find a list of all of the NOW products that have already been tested. There are several. I watch this list closely as I like NOW as a more affordable, yet still high quality, brand. Some good reviews in there.
Lois136
September 3, 2014I would like Now products evalutated also. Also Trader Joes would be most helpful. Lois
ConsumerLab.com
September 3, 2014We have tested several Trader Joe's products - you can find the list here: http://tiny.cc/ianmlx.
George135
September 3, 2014I find your site so valulable. Could you please consider reviewing Invite Health commpany products. They are expensive, but very well made, considering their quality, a value product.
James133
September 3, 2014Yes, do NOW products, please.
Jacqueline132
September 3, 2014I really wish you would include NOW supplements in your review.
ConsumerLab.com
September 3, 2014Hi Jacqueline - We tested NOW Ubiquinol CoQH-CF in our latest CoQ10 Review (ubiquinol is the reduced form of CoQ10). We've also tested a number of other NOW supplements - you can find the list here: http://tiny.cc/2wdmlx.
Cheryl141
September 3, 2014I use NOW supplements. They work great for me and are well priced.