Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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Are you lacking in energy? Has your get up and go got up and gone?
It could be that you are lacking in Co-enzyme Q10, commonly known as CoQ10. This is a compound found in your mitochondria, the energy factory of your muscle cells. CoQ10 plays a key role in cellular energy production.
Our levels of CoQ10 decrease with age, which is one reason we don't feel as energetic as we did in our youth. Taking a CoQ10 supplement is an effective strategy to increase your supply and regain your lost energy levels.
In this article, we review the 9 best CoQ10 supplements on the current market. We'll also provide you with the research-based reasons that you should be taking a CoQ10 supplement, along with a buyer's guide to help you make the smartest CoQ10 supplement purchase.
Table of Contents:
- 9 Best CoQ10 Supplements
- What is CoQ10?
- Benefits of CoQ10
- Side Effects
- What To Look For When Buying
- FAQs
- Summary
Best CoQ10 Supplements
- Overall Best: Besibest Ubiquinol CoQ10
- Runner Up: Triquetra CoQ10
- Best For Skin: aSquared Nutrition CoQ10
- Best For Vegans: Sports Research CoQ10
- Strongest: Carlyle CoQ10
- Best For Heart Health: Nature Target CoQ10
- Best Gummy: Wild & Organic CoQ10
- Best Powder: Nootropics Depot CoQ10
- Best Liquid: Qunol CoQ10
SFS Pick
Besibest
2nd Pick
Triquetra
3rd Pick
aSquared Nutrition
1. Overall Best CoQ10 Supplement: Besibest Ubiquinol CoQ10
We chose Besibest CoQ10 as the best Ubiquinol supplement thanks to the massive dose of 600mg of coenzyme Q10.
A serving size of two soft gel capsules delivers 600 mg of Ubiquinol CoQ10, a total of 300 mg of omega-3, 6, and 9, 100 IU of vitamin E and 100 IU of mixed tocopherols.
The main ingredient used in this CoQ10 supplement can aid in promoting a healthy heart and cardiovascular system thanks to Ubiquinol which is a reduced form of CoQ10 that can lead to up to 3 times better absorption rate compared with other CoQ10 supplements. Apart from the big dose of Ubiquinol, you also get a healthy dose of vitamin E, mixed tocopherols and omega 3, 6, and 9 that boost your antioxidant intake and help your body absorb the CoQ10 better.
Unlike some CoQ10 supplements, this one is free from fillers, additives, and artificial sweeteners and is gluten free and non-GMO.
With a cost of just over $20 you get a bottle filled with 60 softgels which works itself out to 30 servings.
Besibest manufactures their CoQ10 in the USA and provides buyers with a satisfaction guarantee so if you're unhappy with your product you can return it for a full refund within 30 days.
Pros
- Uses Ubiquinol
- Added Vitamin E and tocopherols
- Added Omegas 3,6,9
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Our Ubiquinol CoQ10 supplement delivers 600 mg of coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) softgels per daily intake. With a superior dose compared to most CoQ10 supplements, our CoQ10 600mg soft gels can help you reach optimal...
2. Runner Up Best CoQ10 Supplement: Triquetra CoQ10
Triquetra SoActive CoQ10 makes use of phytosome technology to significantly boost the bioavailability of the compound. According to the product label, it is 9 times more bioavailable than competing CoQ10 products. Clinical testing backs up this claim, giving this version of the compound a definite advantage. After all, the dosage of a supplement is only as good as its ability to get to your muscle cells!
In clinical tests, Triquetra SoActive CoQ10 was shown to double circulating CoQ10 levels in two weeks. An important part of absorbability is the ability of the supplement to pass through the intestinal wall. Many supplements do a terrible job of this. However, in clinical studies, Triquetra SoActive CoQ10 has been shown to have 14 times higher intestinal solubility than standard CoQ10.
This product is made in the USA. It is vegan friendly, as well as being dairy, gluten, and GMO-free.
The serving size is one 250 mg capsule per day and there are 60 capsules per bottle. The per-bottle cost is about $25. That breaks down to roughly 40 cents per daily serving.
Pros
- 9X more bioavailable than other brands
- 14x higher intestinal solubility
- Vegan friendly
- Made in the USA
Cons
- No added ingredients to boost energy potential
SoActive® Berberine leverages phytosome technology to provide the most biologically active and effective form of CoQ10. Clinical studies showed 9x higher absorption than standard CoQ10...
3. Best CoQ10 Supplement For Skin: aSquared Nutrition CoQ10
ASquared Nutrition CoQ10 is a maximum-strength supplement. You get 400 mg with every capsule, which is about twice (sometimes four times) that of most competitors.
With 200 capsules per bottle, you get a lot of product for your money. Each bottle costs around $40. That calculates to a per-serving cost of about 20 cents. When you consider that you're getting 400 mg in each capsule, that represents excellent value for money.
This product is made in the USA and is vegan friendly. It uses an advanced absorption formula to increase the bioavailability of the active ingredient. There are no binders, fillers or artificial ingredients in this supplement.
Every batch of Asquared Nutrition CoQ10 is 3rd party tested for product purity.
Pros
- 3rd party tested
- 400 mg per capsule
- Vegan
- Great value
Cons
- 400 mg capsule may be too much for some users
Our top rated supplement delivers 400 mg of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) powder per daily intake (yielding 6% ubiquinone-10). Our high absorption CoQ 10 formula is naturally sourced and packs...
4. Best CoQ10 Supplement For Vegans: Sports Research CoQ10
Sports Research CoQ10 adds coconut oil to the ubiquinone form of CoQ10 to improve its solubility and availability. They also throw in the black pepper extract bioperine, to further improve the bioavailability.
Each capsule of Sports Research CoQ10 contains 100 mg per the active compound. That is a relatively low amount. It could easily be doubled with no adverse side effects.
The soft gels that contain the ingredients are vegan-friendly. This product is also gluten and soy free. A 120 soft gel container costs less than $25, which works out to less than 20 cents per serving, which represents very good value for money.
Pros
- Added coconut oil for greater bioavailability
- Bioperine added
- Vegan friendly
- Excellent value
Cons
- Low dosage
SR CoQ10 is blended with Bioperine (Black Pepper) and Coconut Oil to aid with Coq10 absorption. Non-GMO Project Verified & Vegan Certified...
5. Strongest CoQ10 Supplement: Carlyle CoQ10
Carlyle CoQ10 provides even more active ingredient per dose than ASquared Nutrition. You get 600 mg per dose, which is way higher than the average. As well as being higher dosed than most, Carlyle's CoQ10 is also contained inside of a quick-release softgel.
Carlyle Nutrition has been producing high-quality nutritional supplements for more than 40 years. During that time they have established themself as a provider of high-quality products delivered with exceptional service.
Every batch of Carlyle CoQ10 is quality tested for purity and potency. It is non-GMO and gluten-free.
Each soft gel container of Carlyle CoQ10 provides you with 60 capsules. You will pay close to $20, which breaks down to just over 30 cents per daily serving.
Pros
- Very high dosed at 600 mg per 3 capsules
- Well priced
- Quick-release softgel
Cons
- Dosage may be too high for some users
MEGA Q-SORB: Highly absorbable trademarked form of antioxidant CoQ10 in quick-release softgels, featuring 600 mg per serving...
6. Best CoQ10 Supplement For Heart Health: Nature Target CoQ10
Nature Target CoQ10 is another high-dose supplement, providing you with 400 mg of the active ingredient per capsule. It also includes the following extra ingredients:
- Omega 3 fatty acids - 60 mg
- Vitamin E - 30 mg
- Sunflower Lecithin - 30 mg
- Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQR) - 20 mg
- L-Carnitine - 10 mg
- Black pepper extract - 5 mg
This combination of ingredients makes this product excellent for heart health. PQR is especially beneficial for improving heart function and maintaining healthy blood pressure. The combination of CoQ10 and l-carnitine provide a powerful double whammy to prevent free radical damage and fight oxidative stress.
Black pepper extract increases the bioavailability of all the other ingredients in the supplement, increasing the overall potency. It will increase the deliverability of CoQ10 by 30%.
This product is gluten-free and non-GMO. Your purchase is backed by a money-back guarantee.
A 120-serving of Nature Target CoQ10 costs about $23. That comes to a per-serving price of around 20 cents, which is a good bang for your buck.
Pros
- 7 ingredients
- Enhanced bioavailability
- Very good price
- High dosed
Cons
- Dosage may be too high for some people
Nature Target USP Grade CoQ10 400mg Softgels Naturally sourced, each softgel contains 60mg Omega-3s and 20mg PQQ to improve heart function, and maintain healthy blood...
7. Best Gummy CoQ10 Supplement: Wild & Organic CoQ10
Wild & Organic CoQ10 provides you with your daily CoQ10 supplement in tasty gummy form. This product is specifically designed to deliver heart support.
Each two-gummy serving gives you 200 mg of natural CoQ10 to help you offset natural age-related deficiencies. The active ingredients increase the energy supply to the heart and fight off free radical damage that can affect your body's most vital organ.
Wild & Organic gummies are made with only natural ingredients. As a result, you will not find any harmful preservatives, fillers, or additives in this product. This company was one of the first to offer CoQ10 supplements in chewable gummy form. That makes the product available to people who want to supplement with CoQ10 but are unable to swallow tablets, pills capsules. The gummies come in a tasty banana flavor.
There are 60 bear-shaped gummies in every bottle of Wild & Organic CoQ10. and a serving is two gummies. The cost per container sits around $20, for a per-serving breakdown of a tad more than 60 cents.
Pros
- Tasty gummy bear format
- 200 mg per serving
- Provides heart support
Cons
- Expensive
Each serving of our gummies delivers 200mg of coenzyme Q10, which acts as an antioxidant that protects your body against ravaging free radicals...
8. Best Powder CoQ10 Supplement: Nootropics Depot CoQ10
Nootropics Depot is a company that focuses on brain-boosting supplements. Though CoQ10 is mainly known as an energy enhancer, it also helps to improve brain health. It does this by increasing energy to the brain and fighting oxidative stress.
Unlike most CoQ10 manufacturers, Nootropics have chosen to deliver this CoQ10 supplement in the form of a powder rather than a capsule. That means that you need to mix it with water or another liquid. While this allows you to control the dosing, it can also make it harder to get a uniform dose from day to day.
The recommended dose is 200 mg per day. You don't get a scoop with your purchase, so will have to use your own measuring device.
Nootropics Depot CoQ10 is sold in a 15-gram and 30-gram pack. The prices are about $30 and $50, respectively. You will get free shipping on the 30-gram pack, making it the best value for money. The per-dose cost of the 30-gram pack is around 30 cents, which is about average for the market.
Pros
- Brain boosting focus
- Free shipping on large pack
- Powder form
- Reasonably priced
- Improves immune system function
Cons
- Difficult to get uniform dosage
- No scoop provided
Nootropics Depot CoQ10 offers a wide range of potential benefits. Research suggests that Coenzyme Q10 may provide oxidative support...
9. Best Liquid CoQ10 Supplement: Qunol CoQ10
Qunol CoQ10 is a liquid form of CoQ10 that has been specially formulated to dissolve in water and fat. This provides superior absorption in comparison to capsule delivery systems. Qunol liquid CoQ10 has been naturally sweetened to produce a very pleasant-tasting beverage. It is available in an orange pineapple flavor.
A serving size for Qunol CoQ10 is 10 ml or two teaspoons. That equates to 100 mg of USP-grade ubiquinone. That is a relatively low dosage in comparison to the competition. The cost for a 90-serving bottle of Qunol CoQ10 is about $34. That works out to just under 40 cents.
The other ingredients in this product are water, natural flavors, monk fruit juice concentrate, caprylic/capric triglycerides, sunflower lecithin, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, citric acid, and potassium sorbate.
Pros
- Liquid form for superior absorption compared to capsules
- Pleasant taste
- Dissolves in fat and water
Cons
- Low dose
Qunol CoQ10s patented formulation is 100% water and fat-soluble, unlike regular CoQ10 that does not dissolve in water...
What Is CoQ10?
CoQ10 is a compound manufactured by humans and stored in the mitochondria of our cells. It is classified as a vitamin-like compound. The reason it is not regarded as a vitamin is that it is able to be synthesized by our cells. The mitochondria are the energy production factories of your muscle cells.
All of the cells in the body contain CoQ10. The greatest quantities are found in the organs that require the most energy, such as the heart, lungs, and liver.
There is a natural age-related decline in the body's production of CoQ10. As a result, it is common for seniors to be deficient in this compound.
CoQ10 plays an important role in the production of energy, that is because it is involved in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's main energy source. The compound is also an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from free radical damage resulting from oxidative stress.
Low levels of CoQ10 can result in some chronic diseases.
Benefits Of CoQ10 Supplements:
There has been a significant level of research into the benefits of CoQ10 in recent years. Here are the five main science-backed benefits of the compound.
1. Promotes Heart Health
Supplementation with CoQ10 has been shown to help with the treatment of heart failure. In a study of 420 people with heart failure, supplementation with CoQ10 over a period of two years significantly improved their symptoms.
In another study, this time involving 641 people with heart problems, the group who took CoQ10 had fewer hospital visits and a lower rate of complication.1
From this research, it appears that CoQ10 can be beneficial in helping in recovery after a chronic heart condition. It also supplies more energy to the heart to allow it to function more effectively and generally improve cardiovascular health. Overall, this is a great supplement to support healthy cardiovascular function.
2. May Enhance Physical Performance
The antioxidant properties of CoQ10 mean that it mitigates the energy-draining effects of oxidative stress on muscles. This improves physical performance, allowing the muscles to contract more forcefully.
CoQ10 also enhances cellular energy production, which provides more energy to the working muscle.
Clinical trials show that supplementing with CoQ10 at a dosage of 1200 mg per day significantly improves exercise performance, improve cellular energy production, boosts power levels, and reduces fatigue. 2
3. Improves Brain Health
The brain's major energy source are the brain's own mitochondria. As we get older, our levels of mitochondria decrease, which can lead to cognitive decline. Oxidative stress is also more active in the brain than in other areas of the body. The combined effect of these factors can be brain cell death and the development of conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
CoQ10 may be able to increase energy levels in the brain and decrease the level of oxidative stress in the brain. It is also possible that the compound may slow down the progression of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease as well as improving cognitive function.3
4. Lower High Blood Pressure
Research shows that CoQ10 may help to lower blood pressure. A meta-study of 12 peer-reviewed studies found that supplementing with CoQ10 can bring down systolic blood pressure levels by up to 17 mm Hg, with diastolic pressure dropping by as much as 10 mm Hg. The researchers pointed out that it can take between four and twelve weeks to see any significant results.4
5. Oral and Gum Health
There is some evidence that CoQ10 may improve oral and gum health. This is due to its ability to control inflammation.5
It should be noted that statin medications used to reduce cholesterol can result in muscle pain and lower CoQ10 levels, therefore CoQ10 supplementation can help ease these issues.
Side Effects Of CoQ10
Supplementing with CoQ10 has been shown to be well tolerated in research studies. Dosages of up to 1200 mg per day have been given, with no side effects being reported. If you do experience minor side effects such as digestive issues, gas, or diarrhea, it is suggested that you divide the dosage into two or three portions, divided by several hours.
What to look for when buying CoQ10 Supplements:
Taking the time to do your research will help ensure that the CoQ10 supplement you're buying is the most effective product to meet your needs. Here are four keys areas that should be taken into account.
1. Ingredients
There are two different types of CoQ10:
- Ubiquinol
- Ubiquinone
Ubiquinol is more absorbable than ubiquinone. Your blood contains 90% Ubiquinol CoQ10 compared with ubiquinone. For those reasons, you should look for a supplement that contains Ubiquinol CoQ10. However, we've also featured some of the best Ubiquinone CoQ10 supplements above that include a variety of other ingredients which can help to improve absorbability and effectiveness.
You should also consider the source of the CoQ10 ingredients in a supplement. These may include only fish, organ meats and if you are vegan, extra virgin olive oil and avocado.
2. Testing
Whenever you buy a supplement, you are trusting that what's in the capsule is exactly what is listed on the label. You might think that would be obvious, but is it possible that traces of other ingredients could get into a product if the same machinery is used for multiple products.
By buying products that are 3rd party-tested you will have the assurance that you are getting a pure supplement. Third-party testing is when the manufacturer employs an outside laboratory to independently test the product for purity and dosage. Supplements that are third-party tested will prominently announce this on the label.
3. Price
The best way to compare the cost of CoQ10 supplements is on a per-dosage basis. The average per-dose cost on the current market is 35 cents. Ubiquinol based CoQ10 supplements are usually more expensive than those based on Ubiquinone.
4. Reviews
It is always a good idea to check online reviews when you are buying a supplement. This will alert you to any problems people have experienced with the product. For example, people may experience such minor issues as digestive discomfort, gas, and bloating when they take a new supplement.
You should also take note of the level of customer service that the reviewer has experienced, especially when they have had an issue.
CoQ10 FAQs
Which CoQ10 is the most effective?
The most effective CoQ10 supplement is Triquetra SoActyive CoQ10. This form of the supplement has nine times greater absorbability and has been clinically tested to be more effective. It is also best for energy production and to support heart health.
Which form of CoQ10 is best absorbed?
There are two forms of CoQ10; Ubiquinol and Ubiquinone. Ubiquinol CoQ10 is far better absorbed by the body than Ubiquinone. Ubiquinol is 70% more bioavailable than Ubiquinone.
What is better CoQ10 or ubiquinol?
Ubiquinol is the antioxidant form of CoQ10. It is better to take a supplement in this form because it is 70% more bioavailable. As a result, it is far better absorbed into the system. Ubiquinol is the only fat-soluble antioxidant that the human body manufactures. 90% of the CoQ10 in the blood is in this form.
The other form of CoQ10 - Ubiquinone - has to be converted to Ubiquinol before it can be used in the production of energy.
When should I take CoQ10 morning or night?
Taking your CoQ10 supplement at night might enhance the body's ability to use it for energy, though this is by no means certain. The key requirement is to take it with food as it is a fat-soluble compound. This makes it more absorbable by the body.
Who should avoid taking CoQ10?
People who have chronic diseases should not take a CoQ10 supplement unless under medical supervision. This includes those who are suffering from heart disease, liver ailments, or kidney malfunction. This supplement should also be avoided by children (under the age of 18) and pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Summary
CoQ10 is a vitamin-like compound manufactured in the body and used in the conversion of food into energy. It, therefore, plays a key role in cellular energy production. It is also an antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and supports heart health and cognitive function.
As we age our natural production declines, so supplementation can be beneficial. In our opinion, the best CoQ10 supplements on today's market are BesiBest CoQ10 and Triquetra SoActive CoQ10. We hope this post helped you to navigate the endless options of CoQ10 supplements online to make the right decision for your needs.
Our Ubiquinol CoQ10 supplement delivers 600 mg of coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) softgels per daily intake. With a superior dose compared to most CoQ10 supplements, our CoQ10 600mg soft gels can help you reach optimal...
Looking for more supplements to boost your overall health? Check out our post that covers the Best Berberine Supplements on the market.
References
- Morisco C, Trimarco B, Condorelli M. Effect of coenzyme Q10 therapy in patients with congestive heart failure: a long-term multicenter randomized study. Clin Investig. 1993;71(8 Suppl):S134-6. doi: 10.1007/BF00226854. PMID: 8241697.
- Gül I, Gökbel H, Belviranli M, Okudan N, Büyükbaş S, Başarali K. Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in plasma after repeated bouts of supramaximal exercise: the effect of coenzyme Q10. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2011 Jun;51(2):305-12. PMID: 21681167.
- Wadsworth TL, Bishop JA, Pappu AS, Woltjer RL, Quinn JF. Evaluation of coenzyme Q as an antioxidant strategy for Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2008 Jun;14(2):225-34. doi: 10.3233/jad-2008-14210. PMID: 18560133; PMCID: PMC2931577.
- Hodgson JM, Watts GF, Playford DA, et al. Coenzyme Q(10) improves blood pressure and glycaemic control: a controlled trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002;56:1137-1142.
- Manthena S, Rao MV, Penubolu LP, Putcha M, Harsha AV. Effectiveness of CoQ10 Oral Supplements as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing in Improving Periodontal Health. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Aug;9(8):ZC26-8. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2015/13486.6291. Epub 2015 Aug 1. PMID: 26436041; PMCID: PMC4576635.
Steve Theunissen
Author