Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is essential for energy production in every cell of your body and acts as a vital antioxidant. It exists in two main forms: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. While both are important, they play slightly different roles, and choosing the right form can make a big difference, especially as we age.
Ubiquinone: The Traditional Form
Ubiquinone is the oxidised form of CoQ10. It features a quinone structure with a long isoprenoid side chain. Within the mitochondria — the powerhouse of the cell — ubiquinone accepts electrons from complexes I and II in the electron transport chain (ETC), converting into ubiquinol to help drive ATP (energy) production.
Ubiquinol: The Advanced, Bioavailable Form
Ubiquinol is the reduced, active form of CoQ10. Thanks to its electron-rich quinol structure, it not only supports continued energy production by donating electrons to complex III in the ETC but also acts as a potent lipid-soluble antioxidant, defending cell membranes and lipoproteins against oxidative damage.
So, which form is better? Ubiquinone or Ubiquinol?
While both forms are crucial, we recommend ubiquinol, especially if you're looking for optimal absorption and faster, more effective benefits.
Here’s why: as we age, our body's ability to convert ubiquinone into active ubiquinol declines. Factors such as ageing, stress, certain medications, and chronic health conditions can all impair this conversion process. This means that even if you’re taking a standard ubiquinone supplement, you may not be fully reaping its benefits.
By choosing ubiquinol, you’re giving your body CoQ10 in the exact form it needs, no conversion necessary. This ensures quicker uptake, higher blood levels, and greater support for cellular energy production, heart health, fertility, and overall vitality.
Supplementing with Ubiquinol
Traditionally, ubiquinone has been the more common form found in supplements. However, due to the extra metabolic steps required for it to become usable, ubiquinol has become the preferred choice, particularly for adults over 30, or for anyone experiencing fatigue, cardiovascular concerns, or oxidative stress.
Because ubiquinol is more bioavailable, you often need a lower dose to achieve the same, or better results compared to ubiquinone. Look for soft gels or oil-based capsules designed to enhance absorption even further.
We recommend Napiers Japanese Energy, a high strength and bioavailable source of CoQ10. This soft gel capsule utilises Kaneka Q10. Kaneka is a Ubiquinol available as a nutritional ingredient, derived from Kaneka Q10™, an all-natural yeast-fermented and bio-identical CoQ10. Kaneka Ubiquinol is more absorbable than conventional CoQ10, which means that optimal levels of CoQ10 can be restored quickly and efficiently and it has been tested for more than a decade by scientists and researchers.
As always, it's wise to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
