Ubiquinol FAQ’s: Everything You Need to Know
Ubiquinol is the activated form of Coenzyme Q10; a core antioxidant found in every cell of your body. CoQ10 protects your cells from oxidative stress and supports healthy function of your organs, being required for 95% of your body’s cellular functions [1].
But here’s the kicker:
The average Australian diet is lacking in CoQ10, leaving us susceptible to diseases brought on by oxidative stress [3]. Supplemental CoQ10 - Ubiquinol - may be recommended to some to help fill nutritional gaps and promote heart health, energy levels and general wellbeing in older individuals.
Here we answer the top FAQ’s on Ubiquinol to help you make an informed choice.
Disclaimer:This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice. You should always consult your healthcare provider prior to beginning a new supplement regime. Always speak with your doctor before taking any action regarding your health. Supplements have a wide range of potential effects and it's important to ensure that they are right for you. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. |
What Does Ubiquinol Do?
CoQ10 is a fat soluble antioxidant that gives up part of its own structure to neutralise free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative stress. By generating the antioxidant adenosine triphosphate (ATP), CoQ10 prompts cell energy transfer, providing energy to your heart and other vital organs.
Ubiquinol is the activated form of CoQ10 and an antioxidant supplement. Many CoQ10 supplements contain the oxidised form called Ubiquinone. When you consume Ubiquinone, our bodies naturally convert it into the activated Ubiquinol in order to transport it to your tissues.
This process becomes less efficient when a person is over 40 years old. Ubiquinol is recommended for older individuals as it enters the body ready to perform its antioxidant functions and provide energy to cells.
Benefits of Ubiquinol CoQ10 [1][2]:
- Activated and ready to be used by your body without needing to be converted from non-active CoQ10 forms
- More bioavailable form of CoQ10 for people over 40 years old
- Antioxidant effects protecting your body from oxidative stress
- Supports energy production
- Maintains healthy blood lipids and cholesterol
- Supports heart and blood vessel health
- Supports sperm motility
Can I Take Ubiquinol While Pregnant?
Taking CoQ10 supplements is likely safe when taken at the recommended dosage during pregnancy from 20 weeks gestation up until delivery, though more research is needed to determine safety during breastfeeding [1]. It is best to discuss any supplement use during pregnancy and breastfeeding with your healthcare provider prior to consuming.
Can Ubiquinol Lower Blood Pressure?
Ubiquinol has been observed to reduce blood pressure in people diagnosed with hypertension [2]. While studies have shown mixed results, ubiquinol supplementation may help lower blood pressure in some individuals, though could interact with antihypertensive medications [2].
Can I Take Ubiquinol with Other Vitamins?
Research is yet to find any interactions between Ubiquinol and other vitamin and mineral supplements. While it is likely safe, you should discuss combining supplements with your healthcare provider prior to use.
Can You Take Ubiquinol and CoQ10 Together?
Are Ubiquinol and CoQ10 the same thing? Ubiquinol is the activated form of CoQ10. Taking both forms would be doubling down on CoQ10 supplements which is not recommended, though there are no reported interactions between the two [1].
Can You Take Too Much Ubiquinol?
Typical dosages are between 100-200 mg per day. Though toxicity from overdose is unlikely, some people have reported the following side effects after exceeding the recommended dose [3]:
- Headaches
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Skin Rashes
Can You Take Ubiquinol at Night?
You can take ubiquinol supplements at any time of day, though some people have reported that it affects their sleep quality, as CoQ10 stimulates energy production. It’s best to monitor your sleep and general wellbeing and adjust the timing of your intake to get the best results.
You should take Ubiquinol with a meal that contains fatty oils, such as olive oil drizzled on a salad or oily fish, to help stimulate the bile production necessary to help your body absorb CoQ10. This means that it’s best to take Ubiquinol during the day, alongside a meal to get the most out of the supplement.
Which Ubiquinol Supplement is Best?
| BioCeuticals Ubiquinol Bioactive 300mg Contains a high dose of activated CoQ10 in a once-a-day capsule to support energy production and overall health and wellbeing. Provides potent antioxidant support to reduce free radical formation in the body. Must complete the questions on the product page to purchase. Click on the product to read more. |
|
Herbs of Gold Ubiquinol 150mg |
| Eagle Ubiquinol Bio Q10 300mg Formulated to be the highest strength Ubiquinol at 300mg per capsule. The most metabolically bioavailable form of CoQ10 to support general health and wellbeing, energy production and cardiovascular health. Must complete the questions on the product page to purchase. Click on the product to read more. |
Summary
Ubiquinol is an antioxidant supplement derived from Coenzyme Q10. It is activated so that it is ready to use by your body, bypassing the need to be converted, which may be more efficient for those over 40 years old.
Ubiquinol is used as a natural way to promote energy production, heart health and general wellbeing and reducing cell damage.
References
[1] WebMD, 2024. Ubiquinol: Uses, Side Effects and More. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-153517/coenzyme-q10-ubiquinol-oral/details
[2] Shackleford, K., 2024. Taking CoQ10 to Lower Blood Pressure. https://www.verywellhealth.com/improve-blood-pressure-with-coq10-supplements-4129265
[3] Sood, B., Patel, P., Keenaghan, M., 2024. Coenzyme Q10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531491/#:~:text=CoQ10%20is%20safe%20as%20a,100%20to%20200%20mg%2Fd.
