Should You Be Taking Ubiquinol? Meet CoQ10's Secret Powerhouse Ingredient.
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When’s the last time you prioritized your cellular health?
Cellular health is at the core of everything we do, influencing everything from how well we recover from exercise, to how energetic we feel, to how gracefully we age. But when it comes to maintaining overall health and vitality, it’s often not the first thing we focus on.
As a registered dietitian, I’ve seen firsthand how foundational supplements like ubiquinol can positively impact cellular health, energy levels, and cardiovascular wellness, especially among adults over 40.
Learn whether you might stand to benefit from taking a ubiquinol supplement, along with key benefits of ubiquinol and how it pairs with other supplements you may already be taking.
Do I Need a Ubiquinol Supplement?
Ubiquinol is the active antioxidant form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a fat-soluble compound present in every cell of the body and particularly in high-energy-demanding organs. It’s crucial for cellular health, mitochondrial energy production, and oxidative stress prevention.
But as we age, our natural production of CoQ10 declines, as does its effectiveness in energy production and antioxidant protection. Certain medications and conditions can also deplete CoQ10 levels.
And while foods like oily fish, organ meats, and whole grains are rich in CoQ10, it’s difficult to consume therapeutic doses through diet alone.
So, you may stand to benefit from taking a ubiquinol supplement if you are:
An older adult
Our natural production of CoQ10 declines with age – and by our 40s and 50s, this decrease can significantly impact high-energy-demand organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Supplementing with ubiquinol can counteract this decline, supporting cellular energy production to promote vitality and stamina.
Taking certain medications
Statin medicines, commonly prescribed for cholesterol management, are known to deplete CoQ10 levels. While statins are effective for heart health, the associated lower levels of CoQ10 can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, and other health issues. Supplementing with ubiquinol can help replenish those levels and promote overall well-being.
Someone with naturally low CoQ10 levels
Some individuals naturally have lower CoQ10 levels due to genetics, underlying health conditions, or diet. This deficiency can impact energy production and cellular function. Supplementing with Ubiquinol helps bridge the gap, supporting optimal health.
Consult your healthcare provider to determine if a ubiquinol supplement might be right for you.
Benefits of Ubiquinol
Ubiquinol offers wide-ranging benefits, especially for the populations mentioned above. Here are a few of its key impacts:
- Enhanced cellular energy production
Ubiquinol is vital for 95% of cellular energy production. Ubiquinol doesn’t offer a sudden energy boost like caffeine does; rather, it benefits the body by providing cellular energy that helps your heart, liver, kidneys, and other organs function optimally.
- Powerful antioxidant protection
Oxidative stress contributes to cellular aging, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative conditions. Ubiquinol protects cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage to preserve cellular integrity and function.
- Relief from fatigue
Research indicates that healthy individuals who take Ubiquinol report increased energy levels and decreased tiredness and mental exhaustion.
- Improved cardiovascular health
Pairing Ubiquinol with Other Supplements
If you’re already taking a supplement (or two, or three, or six) to support your overall health and wellness, you might be wondering: How will ubiquinol fit into my existing regimen?
Am I already taking ubiquinol in a multivitamin without even knowing it?
Most likely, nope. Most multivitamins do not contain ubiquinol. Ubiquinol is a fat-soluble nutrient typically delivered dissolved in a softgel containing a fatty oil.
What other supplements pair well with ubiquinol?
As a registered dietician, I typically recommend any of the following foundational supplements to complement ubiquinol:
Resveratrol: Like ubiquinol, resveratrol supplements support cardiovascular health and healthy aging, but they impact the body through different mechanisms.
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Acetyl L-Carnitine: Acetyl l-carnitine plays a crucial role in energy production and brain production by facilitating the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria.
Creatine: Creatine supports cognitive function as well as increases muscle mass and strength.
Omega-3: Omega-3 supplements support cardiovascular health, enhance brain function, aid in muscle and joint recovery, and reduce exercise-induced inflammation.
How will ubiquinol interact with supplements I’m already taking?
Ubiquinol can safely be taken with most supplements and prescription medications. That said, if you are on any prescription medication, we recommend that you consult your healthcare practitioner before taking ubiquinol.
How should I take ubiquinol for best results?
Here are our best tips:
Take ubiquinol in the morning or early afternoon. Ubiquinol supports energy, and some individuals report difficulty falling asleep if they take it too late in the day.
Take the right dosage. 100mg is generally recommended for most adults – it’s a cost-effective, well-tolerated dosage that provides adequate support without the risk of side effects sometimes associated with excessive intake.
That said, studies show that a higher dosage may be beneficial for heart health, peak athletic performance, and migraine support. If your physician recommends a higher intake, consider split dosing into morning and afternoon servings.No need to take ubiquinol with food. Certain fat-soluble supplements should always be taken with food to improve absorption and maximize effectiveness, but ubiquinol can be taken with or without food.
Be consistent. Some people report feeling an energy boost within 1-2 weeks of taking a high-quality ubiquinol supplement, but it typically takes around 8 weeks of consistent use to experience full benefits.
Choosing a Ubiquinol Supplement
If you’re trying to find the best-quality ubiquinol supplement, look for the following:
Kaneka Ubiquinol ® – Kaneka Ubiquinol® is the only bioidentical ubiquinol on the market, meaning it is molecularly identical to what your body naturally produces. It’s patented, extensively researched, and unparalleled in bioavailability and effectiveness.
Optimized Absorption – Since ubiquinol is a fat-soluble nutrient, it’s best delivered dissolved in a fat source to enhance absorption. I prefer ubiquinol dissolved in a high-quality fat source like organic extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) over less effective oils like soybean or sunflower oil.
High-Quality Sourcing – Heads up: some CoQ10 supplements contain ingredients sourced from regions with lower quality standards. Look for a ubiquinol supplement that’s sourced in the USA for greater traceability and purity.
NSF Certified for Sport ® – Check for an NSF Certification seal, certifying that the product meets high quality, potency, and safety standards.
Clean Ingredients – Check the formulation and avoid common additives like palm oil and other unnecessary fillers.
Appropriate Dosage – Look for a supplement that offers 100mg of ubiquinol.
Quality Assurance – Choose a brand that stands by its product with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Momentous Ubiquinol checks all of the boxes and then some. It’s a clean, potent, sustainably sourced ubiquinol supplement that’s NSF Certified for Sport ® and made with the highest-quality ingredients available.
Tyler Roof, MS, RD
Tyler is a performance dietitian with experience in nutrition research and collegiate athletics, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges faced by athletes. She is passionate about empowering all athletes to reach their full potential through evidenced-based nutrition practices and sustainable, personalized guidance.
