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CoQ10: Ubiquinol vs Ubiquinone, Food, Statins

Also known as CoQ10, ubiquinone, ubiquinol, ubidecarenone, vitamin Q10, Q10

Short answer

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound your body makes and uses to produce energy in cells and as an antioxidant [2]. Levels are highest in the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas and fall with age [2]. It is fat-soluble and absorbed best with fat [3][4]. It may interact with warfarin and insulin, so ask first [1].

Last reviewed · 4 sources

What is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)?

CoQ10 is a compound made in the body. Cells use it to make energy for growth and maintenance, and the body also uses it as an antioxidant [2]. It is found in most tissues, with the highest amounts in the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas, and levels fall as people age [2]. CoQ10 has been studied for heart conditions, statin muscle pain, blood pressure and Parkinson's disease; NCCIH says the evidence does not support it for statin muscle pain or Parkinson's symptoms, and other results are inconclusive [1].

Forms of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) you'll see on labels

  • Ubiquinone

    The fully oxidized form of CoQ10; also used as another name for CoQ10 [2][4].

  • Ubiquinol

    The fully reduced form of CoQ10 [4].

  • Oil-based (lipid) preparations, such as softgels

    CoQ10 is absorbed best with fat, so lipid preparations are better absorbed than the purified compound [3].

  • Tablets and capsules

    CoQ10 is taken by mouth as a tablet or capsule [2].

How Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) appears on a label

CoQ10 is listed in milligrams (mg). It may be called coenzyme Q10, ubiquinone, ubidecarenone or ubiquinol [2][4]. No US agency has set intake recommendations, so there is no RDA [4]. Adult supplements usually contain 30 to 100 mg per day [4].

When to take Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 is fat-soluble and is best absorbed with fat in a meal [4]. Amounts over 100 mg/day are generally split into two or three doses during the day [4]. No source names a best time of day.

What to keep apart from Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

  • Warfarin

    CoQ10 may reduce warfarin's effect [1][3][4]. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before combining them.

  • Insulin and diabetes medicines

    CoQ10 may interact with insulin and can lower insulin needs [1][3]. Some oral blood sugar medicines lower CoQ10 levels [3]. Ask your doctor.

  • Statins

    Statins can lower blood CoQ10 levels [3][4]. Overall evidence does not support CoQ10 for statin muscle pain [1]. Ask your doctor.

  • Blood pressure medicines

    Some medicines that lower blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar may decrease the effects of CoQ10 [2]. Ask your pharmacist.

  • Cancer treatment

    CoQ10 may not be compatible with some cancer treatments [1]. Talk to your cancer care team first.

  • Dietary fat

    Taking CoQ10 with a meal that contains fat helps absorption [4].

Foods that contain Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

  • Meat
  • Poultry
  • Fish such as herring and trout
  • Soybean and canola oils
  • Nuts and seeds such as peanuts, sesame and pistachios

Who should ask a doctor or pharmacist first

Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take warfarin, insulin or other diabetes medicines, statins or blood pressure medicines [1][2][3]. If you are having chemotherapy or radiation, talk to your care team first: CoQ10 may not be compatible with some treatments [1], and one study suggested antioxidant supplements used during breast cancer treatment may be linked with higher recurrence [2]. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor.

Keep Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in a routine that fits

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Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): questions people ask

They are forms of the same molecule. Ubiquinol is the fully reduced form, and ubiquinone is the fully oxidized form [4].

Yes. CoQ10 is fat-soluble and is best absorbed with fat in a meal [4].

Statins can lower blood CoQ10 levels, but there is no evidence this causes side effects [4]. Overall evidence does not support CoQ10 for statin muscle pain [1]. Ask your doctor.

No serious side effects have been reported. Mild side effects such as insomnia or digestive upset may occur [1].

Reported side effects include nausea, heartburn, headache, upper stomach pain, dizziness, rashes, trouble sleeping, tiredness and high liver enzymes [2].

Yes. CoQ10 levels in the body decrease as people get older [2].

Ask your doctor first. CoQ10 may reduce warfarin's effect [1][3].

Mainly meat, poultry and fish, plus soybean and canola oils, nuts and seeds [4]. Typical diets supply about 3 to 6 mg a day [4].

Sources

  1. Coenzyme Q10 — NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
  2. Coenzyme Q10 (PDQ) - Patient Version — National Cancer Institute
  3. Coenzyme Q10 (PDQ) - Health Professional Version — National Cancer Institute
  4. Coenzyme Q10 — Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center, Oregon State University

Educational information, not medical advice. The amounts above are official reference values, not a recommendation for you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing supplements, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or have a health condition. Supin sells a subscription, not supplements. Last reviewed .

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