Ubiquinol

Ubiquinol: A Better Form of CoQ10

Ubiquinol, the active and more bioavailable form of CoQ10, plays a critical role in maintaining cellular energy, heart health, and overall vitality. It supports mitochondrial function — the process by which the body converts food into energy (ATP) — ensuring optimal performance of organs with high energy demands, such as the heart and brain. As a potent antioxidant, ubiquinol helps neutralize free radicals that contribute to oxidative stress and premature aging, protecting cells, blood vessels, and DNA from damage.

Despite its various health benefits, standard CoQ10 has a significant drawback: it’s poorly absorbed by the body.

CoQ10 is among America’s best-recognized coenzymes. Although millions of us take CoQ10 supplements to support heart wellness, many don’t know that there are two major types of this vital nutrient. Each functions differently in the body.

Many people are surprised to find that traditional CoQ10 does not offer the same benefits as Ubiquinol CoQ10.

CoQ10 Comes in Two Very Different Forms

Ubiquinone, also known as traditional CoQ10, is the most common form of CoQ10. This is because it was the only form of CoQ10 offered in stores till 2007, when a more advanced form of the nutrient called Ubiquinol (noticeable “you-bik-win-all”) became commercially available.

Many coenzymes perform essential functions in our bodies. One of the most critical is called Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10. This vitamin-like substance is made normally in the body and plays a crucial role in the development of cellular energy.

It’s no surprise, then, that lots of it is found inside the tissue of energy-demanding body organs such as the heart, brain, liver, and kidneys. Actually, it exists in virtually all our cells.

Ubiquinol vs. CoQ10: Absorption and Bioavailability

In every released comparative research to date, Ubiquinol CoQ10 was better absorbed by the body compared to conventional CoQ10. The amount your body takes in will vary based on your age and general health and wellness, yet research has consistently shown Ubiquinol to be the form of CoQ10 that’s easier for the body to use.

Ubiquinol CoQ10 is quickly absorbed in the intestinal tract and is therefore considered much more “bioavailable” than conventional CoQ10.

This difference makes Ubiquinol unique. When standard CoQ10 is ingested, the body must convert it to Ubiquinol CoQ10 for it to contribute to the production of cellular energy, which our hearts and other vital organs need to function at optimal levels.

Benefits of Ubiquinol CoQ10

1. Supports Cellular Energy Production.
   The mitochondria, which function as cellular energy factories, need Ubiquinol to convert nutrients into ATP, the body’s primary energy source. The supplement supports both physical endurance and overall health because human CoQ10 production decreases with time.
2. Promotes Heart Health.
   The heart requires a significant amount of energy to function properly, so Ubiquinol helps maintain healthy cardiac operation and controls blood pressure at normal levels. Research indicates that Ubiquinol enhances blood flow and assists people experiencing heart-related exhaustion during their recovery process.
3. Acts as a Powerful Antioxidant.
   The body uses Ubiquinol as its strongest lipid-soluble antioxidant to defend cells against free radicals and oxidative stress. The compound protects cell membranes from damage while decreasing aging-related inflammation.
4. Enhances Physical Performance & Recovery.
   Athletes who take Ubiquinol supplements experience better endurance and shorter recovery times after exercise because the compound enhances cellular energy production and defends cells against oxidative damage.
5. Supports Brain Function & Cognitive Health.
   The mitochondrial efficiency of brain cells improves when Ubiquinol is present because it reduces oxidative stress, which protects memory and cognitive abilities during aging.
6. Boosts Immune System Function.
   Immune system cells need Ubiquinol to function optimally, as their mitochondrial power determines their ability to fight infections and defend against pathogens.

Ubiquinol CoQ10 and Aging

The biological process of converting standard CoQ10 into Ubiquinol becomes more difficult and less efficient as we age, especially after age 45. That’s a big reason lots of experts urge “older” adults who take a CoQ10 supplement to consume it as Ubiquinol.

Further Research

• Langsjoen, P. H., & Langsjoen, A. M. (2008). Comparison study of plasma CoQ10 levels in healthy subjects supplemented with ubiquinol versus ubiquinone. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 83(3), 321–326. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.clpt.6100300
• National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (2024, March 19). Coenzyme Q10 — Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/CoenzymeQ10-HealthProfessional/
• Mayo Clinic. (2023, August 30). CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10). Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-coenzyme-q10/art-20362602

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