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:
Do I need to divide my daily 300 mg dose of CoQ10 into smaller doses, or can I take it all at once?
Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.
Answer:
If the total daily dose exceeds 100 mg, it is better to take CoQ10 in two or three smaller doses, rather than in one large dose. Be aware that more moderate doses of CoQ10 (e.g. 100 mg per day) have been more helpful than higher doses in some situations, so be sure you really need 300 mg per day. Also, keep in mind that CoQ10 is best absorbed when taken with a meal that contains some fat or oils - with the exception of water-soluble formulas, which do not need to be taken with fat. For more about dosage and absorption of CoQ10 -- including absorption enhancers, as well as our tests of popular supplements, see the CoQ10 & Ubiquinol Supplements Review >>Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to all CL Answers and over 1,300 reviews.
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Tina18858
January 15, 2020Thank you for the reference to the study of CoQ10 and its reduction in the severity of pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. This is a painful condition and I have had success with using the CoQ10. Your site has been the only reference to the study that I had ever seen before. Big thank you and I encourage other sufferers to get with their doctors and see if this might work for them.
ConsumerLab.com
January 16, 2020Thank you for your kind words, Tina. We are glad you've found something that helps!
Christine15224
June 28, 2017Ubiquinone, the oxidised form is recycled by the Phase 2 detox enzyme, Quinone reductase (QR1). This enzyme, in my opinion, is vastly under-appreciated. QR1 is intimately involved in oestrogen metabolism as well as a range of common environmental toxins - but in this context it potently reduces CoQ10 (oxidised form) back to its reduced form. It does the same with other quinone-based molecules such as vitamins E and K.
The most effective way to upregulate quinone reductase is via sulforaphane. Avoid using broccoli sprout or seed extracts as they do not contain the essential myrosinase enzyme. However, there are good-quality 100% whole broccoli sprout capsules available.
Frank15343
August 2, 2017Christine15224,
Thank you for your enlightened comment on the Consumerlab sit on June 28th regarding Ubiquinone. For clarification:
1) Are there specific supplements that contain the highest levels of sulforaphane and myrosinase enzyme?
2) Do you also agree that those taking more than 100mg of ubiquinol should divide the dose.
3) We are currently monitoring patients using two products:
A) Ubiquinol by Life Extension http://www.lifeextension.com/Vitamins-Supplements/item01431/Super-Ubiquinol-CoQ10-with-Enhanced-Mitochondrial-Support
and,
B) http://www.lifeextension.com/Vitamins-Supplements/item01468/Triple-Action-Cruciferous-Vegetable-Extract
How can I tell if the Triple Action Cruciferous Vegetable Extract contains myrosinase?
Thank you,
Frank
Vi15216
June 28, 2017Is there any evidence that COQ10 affects TSH levels (thyroid function)? This seems to have happened to me.
ConsumerLab.com
July 28, 2017Hi Vi - Thank you for your question; we've now answered it here: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/can-taking-coq10-affect-my-thyroid-levels-or-interact-with-my-thyroid-medication/coq10-thyroid/