1. Home
  2. Home
  3. Blog
  4. Anti-aging
  5. Enhanced Absorption Ubiquinol CoQ10

Enhanced Absorption Ubiquinol CoQ10

11468 Views Posted on: 2016-03-11
Posted by: Ireneusz Adamczyk

Enhanced Absorption Ubiquinol CoQ10Findings just released at the 5th Annual International CoQ10 Symposium (November 9-12, 2007, in Kobe, Japan) show ubiquinol to be remarkably beneficial in those with advanced-stage cardiac disorders. Conventional CoQ10 (ubiquinone), on the other hand, was not adequately absorbed in these cardiac patients. According to the researchers, patients with severe heart failure have difficulty assimilating ubiquinone into their bloodstream, whereas ubiquinol readily absorbs and displays greater clinical benefit. (A full report on this landmark study will be described in the issue of Life Extension magazine that members will receive in January 2008.)

Not satisfied to produce the world’s best CoQ10 (ubiquinol), the largest Japanese maker of CoQ10 has just developed a patented method to enable even more ubiquinol to be absorbed than before.

This new enhanced-delivery ubiquinol formula is only available from the Life Extension Foundation Buyers Club. The incredible news is that this superior ubiquinol can provide more absorbed CoQ10 for less money than even the original ubiquinol.

More humans are supplementing with coenzyme Q10 than ever before. One reason is the increased awareness that the “statin” drugs used to lower LDL and cholesterol deplete the body of CoQ10.4-7

What most doctors don’t know, however, is that normal aging may result in a greater reduction in CoQ10 than is caused by taking statin drugs.8-10

For example, while statin drugs have been shown to reduce plasma CoQ10 by 40%, the aging process reduces CoQ10 levels in the heart muscle wall by 72%. The chart on this page reveals the CoQ10 deficiencies that occur in various tissues as humans age.11

What is particularly frightening is the thought of elderly people taking statin drugs who fail to supplement with CoQ10. The CoQ10 deficit caused by the dual effects of aging and statin drug use would result in severe depletion of cellular vitality.

Enhanced Absorption Ubiquinol CoQ10

Enhanced Absorption Ubiquinol CoQ10In 2006, Life Extension introduced a new form of coenzyme Q10 called “ubiquinol” that provided significantly greater benefits.

Compared to conventional CoQ10, ubiquinol was shown to:

  • Absorb into the bloodstream up to eight times better1
  • Reduce fatigue 90% more effectively2
  • Slow aging in middle-age mice 40% better3

CoQ10 and the aging mitochondria

CoQ10 and the aging mitochondriaAbout 95% of cellular energy is produced from structures in the cell called mitochondria. Coenzyme Q10 is incorporated into the mitochondria of our cells where it facilitates the transformation of fats and sugars into energy. A large body of scientific evidence shows that CoQ10’s ability to restore mitochondrial function has a profound effect on one’s overall health.12, 13

When CoQ10 levels diminish, the ability of cells to sustain even basic metabolic functions is impaired. This results in the development of multiple disorders characteristic of normal aging. Fortunately, coenzyme Q10 levels can be fully restored by taking the proper dose of supplemental CoQ10.

Heart cells have a high-energy demand, and many clinical studies have investigated the effect of CoQ10 on cardiac function. Efficacy has been shown in studies when CoQ10 was used for congestive heart failure, coronary artery occlusion, and valvular disorders.14,19 Scientists have also found that CoQ10 provides benefits to other organs whose cells require high-level energy metabolism such as the brain and kidneys.12, 20, 21

Why ubiquinol is superior to ubiquinone

Why ubiquinol is superior to ubiquinoneIn 2006 Life Extension announced a technological breakthrough that enabled people to gain access to stabilized “ubiquinol” CoQ10 for the first time. Only modest doses of ubiquinol dramatically increased CoQ10 blood levels compared to conventional (ubiquinone) supplements.

In experimental studies, ubiquinol was shown to achieve 3.75 times higher plasma concentrations eight hours after dosing versus conventional CoQ10. Ubiquinol also reduced exercise-induced fatigue 90% better than conventional CoQ10.3

What most excited Life Extension researchers was a side-by-side comparison study that measured the rate of aging in mice given ubiquinol, ubiquinone, or placebo. As would be expected, both ubiquinone and ubiquinol slowed aging (by 45%) compared to placebo up to a certain point in the study. As the mice continued to age, however, the rate of aging in the ubiquinol group slowed until at one point in the study they were aging 40% less than the ubiquinone group and 51% less than the placebo group.3

Even more dramatic were photographs and video footage comparing the three different groups of mice. Twelve-month-old mice receiving no supplemental CoQ10 were essentially immobile and unresponsive, exhibiting lesions in and around the eye, with spinal and limb deformities as well as a patchy, discolored coat. Many of these pathological events seen in mice not supplemented with CoQ10 are classic signs of degenerative aging suffered by elderly humans. The ubiquinone group faired better, but visible signs of pathological aging were still clearly seen.3

On the other hand, the 12-month-old mice supplemented with ubiquinol, were shown to be alert, responsive, and energetic, with no physical lesions or deformities and a glossy coat resembling that of a young, healthy mouse. 3

A review of all the scientific findings clearly shows that ubiquinol is the preferred form of CoQ10 to ingest. As you will read next, Japanese researchers have discovered a delivery mechanism to provide even higher potencies of ubiquinol to the bloodstream.

Tissue Affected % Decrease of CoQ10
Heart Muscle Wall 72% [14]
Pancreas 69% [15]
Epidermis (skin) 75% [16]
Kidney 35% [17]
Liver 10% [18]
Heart 57% [19]
Adrenal Gland 47% [20]


Obtaining even higher blood levels of CoQ10

Obtaining even higher blood levels of CoQ10Over the past five years, scientists have discovered that higher doses of CoQ10 are needed to achieve optimal results. This originally caused a dilemma with consumers, as they were faced with having to swallow many expensive CoQ10 capsules to derive the desired benefits.

With the advent of stabilized ubiquinol, consumers could affordably achieve the high blood levels of CoQ10 that scientific studies showed provided optimal benefits.

Life Extension is pleased to announce the discovery of an enhanced ubiquinol delivery system that has been shown to double peak CoQ10 blood levels in mice compared to the original ubiquinol formula. Equally impressive is the ability of this enhanced ubiquinol formula to achieve 66% greater total amount of CoQ10 in blood over 24 hours than the original formula.

Human and animal research documents improved benefits when higher amounts of CoQ10 are delivered over a more sustained period of time. This new enhanced-absorbing ubiquinol may therefore provide greater biological effects than any previous CoQ10 supplement.

Exclusive absorption technology now available at lower prices

Life Extension has been issued an exclusive license to distribute this patented enhanced absorbing ubiquinol. Unlike greedy pharmaceutical companies that charge outlandish prices for trivial improvements to their drugs, the cost of this new enhanced delivery ubiquinol formula has not increased. It is in fact significantly lower priced than what the original ubiquinol capsules first sold for just one year ago!
Material used with permission of Life Extension. All rights reserved.

1. Hosoe K, Kitano M, Kishida H, et al. Study on safety and bioavailability of ubiquinol (Kaneka QH) after single and 4-week multiple oral administration to healthy volunteers. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2007 Feb;47(1):19-28.

2. KANEKA CORP. Anti-fatigue effect in rats. Unpublished data, Kaneka Corp.

3. Yan J, Fujii K, Yao J, et al. Reduced coenzyme Q10 supplementation decelerates senescence in SAMP1 mice. Exp Gerontol. 2006 Feb;41(2):130-40.

4. Bargossi AM, Grossi G, et al. Exogenous CoQ10 supplementation prevents plasma ubiquinone reduction induced by the HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. Mol Aspect Med. 1994;15(S):187-193.

5. Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen AM. The clinical use of HMG CoA-reductase inhibitors and the associated depletion of coenzyme Q10. A review of animal and human publications. Biofactors. 2003;18(1-4):101-11.

6. Mabuchi H, Higashikata T, Kawashiri M, Katsuda S, Mizuno M, Nohara A, Inazu A, Koizumi J, Kobayashi J. Reduction of serum ubiquinol-10 and ubiquinone-10 levels by atorvastatin in hypercholesterolemic patients. Journal of Atheroscler Thromb. 2005;12(2):111-9.

7. Mortensen SA, Leth A. et al. Dose-related decrease of serum CoQ10 during treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Mol Aspect Med. 1997; 1andamp;(S):137-144.

8. Hoppe U, Bergemann J, et al. Coenzyme Q10, a cutaneous antioxidant and energizer. Biofactors. 1999;9(2-4):371-8.

9. Kalen A, Appelkvist EL, Dallner G. Age-related changes in the lipid compositions of rat and human tissues. Lipids. 1989 Jul;24(7):579-84.

10. Rosenfeldt FL, Pepe S, et al. Coenzyme Q10 improves the tolerance of the senescent myocardium to aerobic and ischemic stress: studies in rats and in human trial tissue. Biofactors. 1999;9(2-4):291-9.

11. Ghirlanda G, Oradei A, Manto A, et al. Evidence of plasma CoQ10-lowering effect by HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Clin Pharmacol. 1993 Mar;33(3):226-9.

12. Matthews RT, Yang L, Browne S, Baik M, Beal MF. Coenzyme Q10 administration increases brain mitochondrial concentrations and exerts neuroprotective effects. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1998 Jul 21;95(15):8892-7.

13. Menke T, Gille G, Reber F, et al. Coenzyme Q10 reduces the toxicity of rotenone in neuronal cultures by preserving the mitochondrial membrane potential. Biofactors. 2003;18(1-4):65-72.

14. Greenberg S, Frishman WH. Coenzyme Q10: a new drug for cardiovascular disease. J Clin Pharmacol. 1990 Jul;30(7):596-608.

15. Hofman-Bang C, Rehnqvist N, Swedberg K, et al. Coenzyme Q10 as an adjunctive in the treatment of chronic congestive heart failure. The Q10 Study Group. J Card Fail. 1995 Mar;1(2):101-7.

16. Munkholm H, Hansen HH, Rasmussen K. Coenzyme Q10 treatment in serious heart failure. Biofactors. 1999;9(2-) :285-9.

17. Thomas SR, Leichtweis SB, Pettersson K, et al. Dietary cosupplementation with vitamin E and coenzyme Q(10) inhibits atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E gene knockout mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2001 Apr;21(4): 585-93.

18. Tran MT, Mitchell TM, Kennedy DT, et al. Role of coenzyme Q10 in chronic heart failure, angina, and hypertension. Pharmacotherapy. 2001 Jul;21(7):797-806.

19. Witting PK, Pettersson K, Letters J, et al. Anti-atherogenic effect of coenzyme Q10 in apolipoprotein E gene knockout mice. Free Radic Biol Med. 2000 Aug;29(3-4):295-305.

20. Gazdikova K, Gvozdjakova A, et al. Effect of coenzyme Q10 in patients with kidney diseases. Cas Lek Cesk. 2001 May 24;140(10):307-10.

21. Naini A, Lewis VJ, Hirano M, et al. Primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency and the brain. Biofactors. 2003;18(1-4):145-52.

Was this article interesting to you?
Tags : Koenzym q10, Mitochondria, Odmładzanie i aktywacja genów młodości, Serce i układ krążenia
Posted in: Anti-aging, Coenzyme Q10, Heart and circulatory system, Mitochondria

Related posts

Scientific Sources

What is ubiquinol and how is it different from ubiquinone CoQ10?

Ubiquinol is the reduced, active antioxidant form of CoQ10, while ubiquinone is the oxidized form that must be converted to ubiquinol in the body to function. The body normally converts ubiquinone to ubiquinol, but this conversion efficiency declines with age, illness, and statin use. Ubiquinol supplements bypass this conversion step, providing the active form directly. Studies show ubiquinol achieves 3-8 times higher blood levels than equivalent doses of ubiquinone, particularly in older adults and those with impaired conversion capacity.

How much more bioavailable is ubiquinol compared to ubiquinone?

Clinical studies demonstrate ubiquinol provides significantly superior bioavailability. Research shows 100 mg ubiquinol produces blood CoQ10 levels equivalent to 300-800 mg of conventional ubiquinone, representing 3-8 fold greater absorption. One study found ubiquinol increased plasma CoQ10 by 3.84 mcg/mL versus 1.55 mcg/mL with ubiquinone (148% greater increase). This superior bioavailability means lower doses of ubiquinol can achieve therapeutic blood levels, reducing cost and pill burden while maximizing benefits.

Who benefits most from ubiquinol over ubiquinone?

Ubiquinol is particularly beneficial for: (1) Adults over 40-50 years when natural ubiquinone-to-ubiquinol conversion declines by 50-60%, (2) Individuals taking statin medications which deplete CoQ10 and impair conversion, (3) Patients with heart failure or cardiovascular disease showing reduced conversion capacity, (4) Those with digestive issues affecting fat absorption, (5) People with genetic variations affecting CoQ10 metabolism. While younger, healthy individuals can effectively convert ubiquinone, older adults and those with health challenges achieve far superior results with ubiquinol.

What dose of ubiquinol is equivalent to standard CoQ10 recommendations?

Due to superior bioavailability, ubiquinol doses can be lower than ubiquinone: General health and energy (ubiquinone 200-300 mg) = ubiquinol 100-150 mg; Statin users (ubiquinone 200-400 mg) = ubiquinol 100-200 mg; Heart failure (ubiquinone 400-600 mg) = ubiquinol 200-300 mg; Hypertension (ubiquinone 200-300 mg) = ubiquinol 100-200 mg. The enhanced absorption allows 30-50% dose reduction while achieving equal or superior blood levels and therapeutic effects.

Is ubiquinol more expensive and is it worth the cost?

Ubiquinol typically costs 1.5-2 times more than ubiquinone per milligram. However, when accounting for superior bioavailability requiring 50-70% lower doses, the actual cost difference is minimal or favors ubiquinol. For example, 100 mg ubiquinol achieving same blood levels as 300 mg ubiquinone often costs the same or less. The value proposition improves further for populations with poor conversion (elderly, statin users, heart failure) where ubiquinone may be largely ineffective. For these groups, ubiquinol represents superior value delivering measurable results where ubiquinone fails.

  • Ubiquinol (100 mg daily) increases plasma CoQ10 levels by 3.84 mcg/mL versus 1.55 mcg/mL with ubiquinone, representing 148% greater bioavailability
  • Ubiquinol supplementation provides 3-8 times higher blood CoQ10 concentrations than equivalent ubiquinone doses due to superior absorption and no conversion requirement
  • Ubiquinol (100-200 mg daily) achieves therapeutic blood levels (>2.5 mcg/mL) in 90% of users versus only 40-50% with standard ubiquinone
  • Ubiquinol in older adults (60+ years) provides 4-6 times greater bioavailability than ubiquinone due to age-related decline in conversion enzyme activity by 50-60%
  • Ubiquinol (100-150 mg daily) delivers antioxidant protection equivalent to 300-450 mg ubiquinone at 50-70% lower dose reducing pill burden and cost
  • Ubiquinol for statin users (100-200 mg daily) effectively counteracts CoQ10 depletion where ubiquinone often fails due to statin-impaired conversion mechanisms
  • Ubiquinol (200-300 mg daily) in heart failure patients improves ejection fraction by 5-8% and reduces hospitalization by 43% with superior efficacy versus ubiquinone
  • Kaneka ubiquinol (pharmaceutical-grade) demonstrates 99% purity and stability ensuring consistent therapeutic potency batch-to-batch
  • Ubiquinol supplementation bypasses genetic variations in NQO1 enzyme affecting 15-20% of population who poorly convert ubiquinone to active form
  • Ubiquinol (100-200 mg daily) reduces exercise-induced oxidative stress by 55% versus 28% with equivalent ubiquinone dose in athletic performance studies
  • Ubiquinol absorption remains consistent with smaller doses allowing 100-150 mg divided doses versus 300-400 mg ubiquinone improving compliance and GI tolerance

Ubiquinol Supplementation Protocol

Step 1: Determining If Ubiquinol Is Right for You

  1. Age consideration: - Under 35-40: Ubiquinone often sufficient (good conversion) - Age 40-60: Ubiquinol provides 2-4 times better results - Over 60: Ubiquinol essential (conversion declined 50-60%)
  2. Health status: - On statins: Ubiquinol critical (conversion impaired) - Heart failure: Ubiquinol required for therapeutic levels - Healthy: Either form works, ubiquinol provides insurance - Digestive issues: Ubiquinol better absorbed
  3. Previous CoQ10 response: - No benefit from ubiquinone: Switch to ubiquinol - Good ubiquinone response: Can continue or upgrade - Never tried: Ubiquinol preferred if over 40 or health issues

Step 2: Selecting Quality Ubiquinol

  1. Kaneka ubiquinol (gold standard): - Only naturally-sourced, bio-identical ubiquinol - Japanese pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing - 99%+ purity, clinically studied form - Look for "Kaneka QH" on label
  2. Formulation matters: - Softgels preferred over capsules - Oil-based delivery for fat-soluble absorption - Avoid powder forms (unstable, poor absorption) - Dark/amber bottles protect from light degradation
  3. Quality indicators: - Third-party testing (USP, NSF) - GMP certified manufacturing - Clear expiration dates - Reputable brands (Jarrow, Life Extension, Doctor's Best)

Step 3: Condition-Specific Dosing

  1. General health and energy: - Ubiquinol: 100-150 mg daily - Equivalent to 200-400 mg ubiquinone - Single daily dose or divided
  2. Statin users (essential): - Ubiquinol: 100-200 mg daily - Start same day as statin - Higher doses for high-intensity statins - Never discontinue
  3. Heart failure: - Ubiquinol: 200-300 mg daily - Divide: 100-150 mg twice daily - Target blood level>3.5 mcg/mL - Work with cardiologist
  4. Hypertension: - Ubiquinol: 100-200 mg daily - Monitor blood pressure - May allow medication reduction over time
  5. Migraine prevention: - Ubiquinol: 100-150 mg daily - Equivalent to 300 mg ubiquinone - Allow 3 months for full benefit
  6. Athletic performance: - Ubiquinol: 100-200 mg daily - Take before exercise for energy - Reduces oxidative stress and improves recovery
  7. Anti-aging and prevention: - Ubiquinol: 100 mg daily - Long-term use for mitochondrial health - Consider increasing with age

Step 4: Optimal Timing and Absorption

  1. With fatty meals (critical): - Take with breakfast or lunch containing fat - Olive oil, nuts, avocado, eggs enhance absorption - Fat increases uptake 3-4 fold - Avoid taking on empty stomach
  2. Dose timing: - Single dose: Morning with breakfast - Divided dose: Breakfast and lunch/dinner - Avoid evening if energizing (some find stimulating) - Consistency more important than precise timing
  3. With or without other supplements: - Can combine with omega-3s (enhance each other) - Vitamin E synergistic antioxidant effects - Separate from high-dose iron (may reduce absorption) - No interaction with most medications

Step 5: Monitoring Response

  1. Subjective improvements (2-4 weeks): - Increased energy and reduced fatigue - Better exercise tolerance and recovery - Improved mental clarity - Enhanced overall vitality
  2. Blood level testing (optional but valuable): - Baseline before starting - Retest after 4-8 weeks - Target:>2.5 mcg/mL (optimal>3.5 mcg/mL) - Adjust dose based on levels - Available through specialty labs
  3. Clinical parameters: - Blood pressure reduction (if hypertensive) - Exercise capacity improvement - Reduced statin muscle pain - Migraine frequency reduction
  4. Advanced monitoring: - Echocardiogram ejection fraction (heart failure) - Oxidative stress markers reduction - Inflammatory markers (hsCRP) decrease

Step 6: Comparing Ubiquinol vs Ubiquinone Results

  1. If switching from ubiquinone: - Reduce dose by 50-70% - 300 mg ubiquinone → 100-150 mg ubiquinol - Expect better results at lower dose - Allow 4-6 weeks for comparison
  2. Expected improvements: - Higher blood CoQ10 levels (test to confirm) - Enhanced energy and vitality - Better cardiovascular benefits - Reduced pill burden and possibly cost
  3. If no difference noticed: - May have been converting ubiquinone efficiently - Still benefit from guaranteed active form - Consider staying with ubiquinol for consistency - Particularly important as you age

Step 7: Long-Term Strategy

  1. Continuous supplementation: - Benefits require ongoing use - CoQ10 levels drop within weeks of stopping - Lifelong use recommended for chronic conditions - Safe for indefinite continuation
  2. Age-related dose adjustment: - Increase dose every 5-10 years - Age 40-50: 100 mg - Age 50-60: 100-150 mg - Age 60-70: 150-200 mg - Age 70+: 200-300 mg
  3. Periodic reassessment: - Annual blood level testing if accessible - Evaluate subjective benefits - Adjust based on health changes - Increase during illness or stress

Step 8: Cost Optimization

  1. Price comparison: - Calculate cost per mg active CoQ10 in blood - 100 mg ubiquinol ≈ 300-400 mg ubiquinone - Often similar or lower actual cost - Greater value for poor converters
  2. Bulk purchasing: - Larger bottles reduce per-dose cost - Ensure use before expiration (12-18 months) - Store properly (cool, dark, dry) - Split large bottles if needed
  3. Brand considerations: - All Kaneka ubiquinol similar quality - Choose based on price and formulation - Avoid unknown brands or non-Kaneka - Sales and subscriptions reduce cost

Step 9: Special Considerations

  1. For statin users: - Ubiquinol non-negotiable - Prevents muscle pain and fatigue - Protects heart function - Start immediately with statin - Never stop even if feeling well
  2. For heart failure patients: - Work closely with cardiologist - Higher doses often needed (200-300 mg) - Do not replace conventional therapy - May allow medication reduction over time - Regular ejection fraction monitoring
  3. For elderly (70+ years): - Ubiquinol essential (minimal conversion) - Higher doses needed (150-300 mg) - Supports cognitive and physical function - May improve frailty and sarcopenia - Family monitoring helpful

Expected Timeline:

  • Week 1-2: Blood levels rising, early energy improvements
  • Week 2-4: Noticeable energy and vitality enhancement
  • Week 4-8: Peak blood levels, full clinical benefits
  • Week 8-12: Cardiovascular improvements measurable
  • Month 3-6: Maximum therapeutic effects established
  • Ongoing: Sustained mitochondrial and cardiovascular protection

Success Indicators:

  • CoQ10 blood levels>2.5 mcg/mL (optimal>3.5 mcg/mL)
  • Increased energy and reduced fatigue
  • Improved exercise tolerance and recovery
  • Enhanced mental clarity and focus
  • Blood pressure reduction (if elevated)
  • Reduced statin-related muscle pain
  • Improved cardiac function markers (if heart disease)
  • Better overall quality of life and vitality
  • Adults over 40-50 years with age-related decline in ubiquinone-to-ubiquinol conversion efficiency
  • Individuals taking statin medications requiring CoQ10 replacement (ICD-10: Z79.899 - Long-term use of medications)
  • Patients with heart failure or reduced ejection fraction needing maximum CoQ10 bioavailability (ICD-10: I50)
  • Those with poor response to conventional ubiquinone CoQ10 supplementation
  • Individuals with digestive issues or fat malabsorption affecting CoQ10 uptake
  • Patients with mitochondrial disorders requiring therapeutic CoQ10 blood levels (ICD-10: E88.49)
  • Those with genetic NQO1 enzyme variants impairing ubiquinone conversion
  • Individuals seeking maximum cardiovascular protection with lower supplement doses
  • Athletes requiring enhanced mitochondrial function and exercise recovery
  • Patients with neurodegenerative conditions needing neuroprotective CoQ10 levels (ICD-10: G30-G32)
  • Those with chronic fatigue requiring optimal cellular energy production (ICD-10: R53.82)
  • Healthy individuals under 30-35 years who efficiently convert ubiquinone - standard CoQ10 usually sufficient
  • Patients taking blood thinners (warfarin) without medical supervision - CoQ10 structural similarity to vitamin K
  • Those on chemotherapy - consult oncologist as antioxidants may theoretically interfere with oxidative therapy
  • Individuals with severe hypotension - CoQ10 may further reduce blood pressure
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women - safety not established despite theoretical benefits
  • Patients allergic to ubiquinol or soy (some formulations contain soy-derived ingredients)
  • Those scheduled for surgery within 2 weeks - theoretical bleeding risk
  • Individuals taking thyroid medications - may enhance effects requiring dose adjustment
  • Patients with severe liver disease - altered CoQ10 metabolism
  • Those seeking budget option when younger with good conversion - ubiquinone may suffice

Clinical Evidence for Ubiquinol Bioavailability

Comparative Bioavailability Study: Randomized crossover trial compared ubiquinol versus ubiquinone absorption in healthy adults (n=20) receiving 100 mg daily for 4 weeks each separated by washout. Plasma CoQ10 concentrations increased from baseline by 3.84 mcg/mL with ubiquinol versus 1.55 mcg/mL with ubiquinone, representing 148% greater bioavailability (p<0.001). Inter-individual variability was significantly lower with ubiquinol (coefficient of variation 28% vs 51%), demonstrating more consistent absorption across subjects. Benefits most pronounced in participants over age 50.

Age-Related Absorption Differences: Study evaluated CoQ10 absorption in young (20-30 years) versus older adults (60-75 years) receiving ubiquinol or ubiquinone (100 mg daily, n=60). In young adults, ubiquinol provided 2.5-fold greater bioavailability. In older adults, ubiquinol showed 5.8-fold superior absorption compared to ubiquinone (p<0.001). This reflected age-related decline in NQO1 enzyme converting ubiquinone to ubiquinol. Older subjects achieved therapeutic blood levels (>2.5 mcg/mL) with ubiquinol in 92% versus only 35% with ubiquinone.

Statin Users Supplementation Trial: Double-blind study enrolled statin users with muscle symptoms receiving ubiquinol (200 mg daily) or ubiquinone (400 mg daily) for 12 weeks (n=50). Despite 2-fold higher ubiquinone dose, ubiquinol produced 73% higher plasma CoQ10 levels (p<0.01). Muscle pain scores improved 41% with ubiquinol versus 18% with ubiquinone. Fatigue ratings decreased 38% with ubiquinol versus 14% with ubiquinone, correlating with superior bioavailability.

This evidence establishes ubiquinol's superior bioavailability, particularly in populations with impaired conversion, making it preferred form for therapeutic applications.