Co-Q10 and Ubiquinol

What is Co-Q10? 

Co-Q10 is a substance that the body produces naturally. It is sometimes referred to as Co-Enzyme Q10, ubiquinone or ubidecarenone. Its name is derived from the word ‘ubiquitous’ meaning ‘found everywhere’ because CoQ10 is found everywhere in the body. The highest concentrations of Co-Q10 are found in the heart, liver and kidneys.¹ 

Even though the body produces Co-Q10, production peaks around 20-25 years of age. As we grow older, Co-Q10 levels in the body start to decline, but the rate of decline varies per tissue. In heart tissue for instance, Co-Q10 levels decline to 50% by age 65, but overall levels don’t decline to 50% until age 80.^2,3  

What does Co-Q10 do? 

Co-Q10 plays a role in the energy production in the mitochondria of the cell - the ‘powerhouse’ inside a cell that generates energy. It is in this way that it helps support energy levels. As an antioxidant, it also helps protect the mitochondria against free radical damage so they can keep functioning properly.¹ 

Studies have shown that Co-Q10 also supports heart health. Remember that heart tissue has one of the highest concentrations of Co-Q10 in the body. Co-Q10 ensures that the mitochondria in the heart cells can keep producing energy to keep the heart working.^4, 

Co-Q10 not only supports energy production in heart cells, but as an antioxidant, it also protects heart tissue against free radical damage. Free radical damage impacts on heart health, and as an antioxidant, Co-Q10 can thus support heart health.¹ 

What is the difference between Co-Q10 and Ubiquinol? 

Both nutrients have the same action in the body, but the difference between the Co-Q10 and Ubiquinol is that Co-Q10 is the inactive, or oxidized form; and Ubiquinol the active, or reduced form. Ubiquinol is the form that is more easily utilized by the body than Co-Q10^5-7  

The good news is that our body can convert CoQ10 into its active form Ubiquinol; but the bad news is that our ability to do so declines with age.⁸   

Who should take this? 

Both Co-Q10 and Ubiquinol are recommended for those with low energy levels and who want to support hearth health – e.g. they may have a family history of heart health issues or have been told by their healthcare professional they need to start looking after their heart health or cardiovascular health. 

Which one should I choose? 

Co-Q10 is best suited for those under the age of 40, because our body can still easily convert Co-Q10 into Ubiquinol. 

Ubiquinol is best suited for those over the age of 40, when our ability to convert Co-Q10 into Ubiquinol starts to decline. 

Which one should I choose? 

Co-Q10 is best suited for those under the age of 40, because our body can still easily convert Co-Q10 into Ubiquinol. Ubiquinol is best suited for those over the age of 40, when our ability to convert Co-Q10 into Ubiquinol starts to decline. 

GO Co-Q10 160mg 1-A-DAY and GO Co-Q10 Ubiquinol 100mg are best suited for those with mild symptoms, whilst GO Co-Q10 300mg 1-A-DAY and GO Ubiquinol 300mg Maximum are recommended for those who need more support. 

You may also want to consider starting with a high strength product and changing to the lower-strength one for maintenance once you are managing your symptoms. You can always resume taking the higher strength if needed. 

References: 

1. Zozina VI, Covantev S, Goroshko OA, Krasnykh LM, Kukes VG. ”Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases: Current State of the Problem” - Curr Cardiol Rev. 2018;14(3):164-174, https://doi.org/10.2174/1573403X14666180416115428 , accessed 19-2-2025
2. Jan Aaseth, Jan Alexander, Urban Alehagen, “Coenzyme Q10 supplementation – In ageing and disease” - Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, Volume 197, 2021, 111521, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mad.2021.111521 , accessed 19-2-2025
3. Ayunin, Q., Miatmoko, A., Soeratri, W. et al. , “Improving the anti-ageing activity of coenzyme Q10 through protransfersome-loaded emulgel” - Sci Rep 12, 906 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-04708-4 , accessed 19-2-2025
4. Borges J, “The role of Coenzyme Q10 in cardiovascular disease treatment: an updated 2024 systematic review and meta -analysis of prospective cohort studies (1990-2024) , https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.07.03.24309736, accessed 19-2-2025
5. Guillermo Lopez-Lluch, Jesus del Pozo-Cruz, Ana Sanchez-Cuesta , Ana Belen Cortes-Rodrıguez , Placido Navas, “Bioavailability of coenzyme Q10 supplements depends on carrier lipids and solubilization” - The End-to-end Journal (2018), doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2018.05.020, accessed 28-01-2025
6. Malkanthi Evans, Joshua Baisley, Sonya Barss, Najla Guthrie, “A randomized, double-blind trial on the bioavailability of two CoQ10 formulations” - Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 1, Issue 1, 2009, Pages 65-73, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2008.09.010 , accessed 28-01-2025
7. Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen AM., “Comparison study of plasma coenzyme Q10 levels in healthy subjects supplemented with ubiquinol versus ubiquinone” - Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev. 2014 Jan;3(1):13-7. doi: 10.1002/cpdd.73  www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27128225 , accessed 28-01-2025
8. Hernández-Camacho JD, Bernier M, López-Lluch G, Navas P., “Coenzyme Q₁₀ Supplementation in Aging and Disease” - Front Physiol. 2018 Feb 5;9:44. www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29459830 doi: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00044, accessed 28-01-2025