Ubiquinol is a supplement form of the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) that plays a major role in energy production. While research on its potential health benefits is ongoing, there are both proven pros and cons to using this nutrient supplement.
In this post, we’ll overview ubiquinol, break down its benefits versus risks, and explain how it may be used as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Let’s dive in.
What is Ubiquinol?
Ubiquinol, also known as Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in the body. It is essential for providing energy to cells and helps protect against free radical damage.
CoQ10 comes in two different forms: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. The body converts ubiquinone into the more potent antioxidant form of CoQ10, ubiquinol.
Both types decrease with age. Ubiquinone production in humans declines significantly beyond the age of 20. The loss of ubiquinone reduction capacity also prevents the body from producing ubiquinol. Ubiquinone is a common ingredient in supplements.
While they may be reasonably priced, ubiquinol supplements, which may be of most value as we age, can be difficult to locate and more expensive.
Ubiquinol plays an important role in maintaining normal cell health. It has been studied for its potential benefits in treating various health conditions, from heart disease to cancer. It is a dietary supplement obtained through organ meats, fatty fish, and some vegetables.
What is Ubiquinol Used For?
Ubiquinol is most commonly used as a dietary supplement to promote overall health and wellness. It has been studied for its potential benefits in treating many conditions, including heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
In addition, ubiquinol may help reduce inflammation, improve energy levels, lower cholesterol, and protect against free radical damage. It has also been studied for its potential to improve fertility in men and women.
What are the Benefits of Ubiquinol?
Ubiquinol offers many potential benefits for overall health and wellness. Its antioxidant properties help protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, which can lead to various chronic diseases.
In addition, ubiquinol may help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and improve energy levels. It has also been studied for its potential to improve fertility in men and women.
Here are some of the conditions it may be beneficial for:
1. Ubiquinol for Heart Disease and High Cholesterol
The heart muscle is known to possess a high concentration of mitochondria due to the organ’s high and continual energy demands. As a lipid-soluble antioxidant positioned in the mitochondria, Ubiquinol serves a very significant function in quenching the free radicals created in abundance in the mitochondrial membrane as a by-product of the catabolism of food for energy. As a result, the membrane and its environs are safe from harm.
According to several research studies, ubiquinol benefits heart health by boosting cellular energy levels, allowing the heart to continue beating efficiently. Ubiquinol, the reduced and active form of coenzyme Q10, plays a pivotal role in generating energy within cells. Due to its special properties, it also has an important impact on cardiovascular health.
The necessity for Ubiquinol supplementation for cardiovascular health and general well-being rises with age because of the age-related decline in these functions. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been demonstrated to alleviate symptoms of congestive heart failure. Although research is conflicting, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may help lower blood pressure.
According to certain studies, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may also enhance recovery after bypass and heart valve surgery when mixed with other nutrients. Ubiquinol’s antioxidant properties in the blood provide a secondary advantage for cardiovascular health.
Plaque development in the arteries is exacerbated by LDL cholesterol, a well-known risk factor. Supplementing with CoQ10 might help mitigate the muscular weakness and soreness resulting from taking statins. [1]
2. Ubiquinol for Fertility
Ubiquinol has been demonstrated to reduce DNA oxidation (damage from free radicals), safeguarding the genetic code. CoQ10 is a vital component of the electron transport chain, which helps create energy in our cells.
When CoQ10 levels are larger, the electron train produces more energy. And with greater energy, cells perform at a higher level, positively impacting sperm and egg development.
Also, CoQ10 works as a powerful antioxidant. This property aids in shielding cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, which work to harm our fertility and reproductive health.
There’s some evidence that CoQ10 fertility pills (typically combined with DHEA) can enhance results for women with poor ovarian reserve. In one study, treating CoQ10 before an IVF cycle resulted in a better likelihood of developing viable embryos, lower dosages of necessary medication, and a slightly higher pregnancy rate than untreated IVF cycles. [2]
3. Ubiquinol for Diabetes
Patients with type 2 diabetes may benefit from taking 100 mg of liquid ubiquinol per day, according to research, since it increases antioxidant enzyme activity, decreases HbA1c levels, and keeps HDL-cholesterol levels stable. [3]
4. Ubiquinol for Cancer
Coenzyme Q10 was found to be effective against cancer and can help the immune system when tested on animals. It also has shown promise in some small clinical studies for different types of cancers, including breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma, and liver cancer, by lowering blood levels of inflammatory cytokine markers, enhancing the quality of life, decreasing treatment side effects like cardiotoxicity, and increasing survival rates. However, the findings must be confirmed in bigger studies. [4]
5. Ubiquinol for Brain Health
One research revealed that consuming 400–800 milligrams of CoQ10 daily for a month dramatically relieved feelings of exhaustion, melancholy, and trouble concentrating or brain fog in people with depression. [5] It also protects your brain cells from oxidative stress.
Coenzyme Q10 also helps prevent brain decline, mental disease, and migraines. Hence, it plays a crucial role in avoiding a structural decline in the brain and preserving normal brain function over the lifespan. [6]
What are the Side Effects of Ubiquinol?
Ubiquinol is generally safe and well-tolerated. Most people do not experience any side effects when taking Ubiquinol supplements, but some may experience mild digestive issues such as nausea or an upset stomach. It is also important to note that Ubiquinol should not be taken by pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding.
How Much Ubiquinol Should I Take Daily?
The recommended ubiquinol supplements dosage varies depending on age and health condition. Generally, the recommended daily dose is 200 to 400mg for adults.
Here are the recommended dosage for different conditions, according to studies.
| Recommended Dose Per Day | Condition |
| 100 mg | Statin-related muscle pain |
| 100 – 300 mg | Diabetes symptoms |
| 100 – 600 mg | Boosting fertility |
| 300 mg | Boosting athletic performance |
Even at 1,000 mg or more per day, CoQ10 has an excellent safety profile. [7] However, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
Risks of Taking Ubiquinol
Although ubiquinol is a natural substance and relatively safe, some risks are associated with it. Occasionally, you may have nausea, lack of appetite, stomach pain, or diarrhea. If these symptoms persist or worsen, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Ubiquinol supplements may interact with certain medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin), which can cause abnormal bleeding. It may also interact with chemotherapy drugs and other medications that affect the liver.
Finally, there is a risk of drug-induced nutrient depletion when taking ubiquinol supplements. Because it works as an antioxidant in the body, it may reduce the effectiveness of certain medications, such as statins, antibiotics, and anti-anxiety drugs.
Due to its potential interactions with medications or other supplements, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking ubiquinol.
Bottomline: Ubiquinol Benefits and Risks
Although more research is needed to determine the true effectiveness of Ubiquinol, it plays an important role in cell health and has potential benefits for treating various health conditions. If you are considering taking Ubiquinol supplements, be sure to consult with your doctor first to ensure they are right for you.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Rabanal-Ruiz Y, Llanos-González E, Alcain FJ. The Use of Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 May 10;10(5):755. doi: 10.3390/antiox10050755. PMID: 34068578; PMCID: PMC8151454.
- Xu Y, Nisenblat V, Lu C, Li R, Qiao J, Zhen X, Wang S. Pretreatment with coenzyme Q10 improves ovarian response and embryo quality in low-prognosis young women with decreased ovarian reserve: a randomized controlled trial. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018 Mar 27;16(1):29. doi: 10.1186/s12958-018-0343-0. PMID: 29587861; PMCID: PMC5870379.
- Yen CH, Chu YJ, Lee BJ, Lin YC, Lin PT. Effect of liquid ubiquinol supplementation on glucose, lipids and antioxidant capacity in type 2 diabetes patients: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Br J Nutr. 2018 Jul;120(1):57-63. doi: 10.1017/S0007114518001241. PMID: 29936921.
- Hodges S, Hertz N, Lockwood K, Lister R. CoQ10: could it have a role in cancer management? Biofactors. 1999;9(2-4):365-70. doi: 10.1002/biof.5520090237. PMID: 10416054.
- Forester BP, Harper DG, Georgakas J, Ravichandran C, Madurai N, Cohen BM. Antidepressant effects of open label treatment with coenzyme Q10 in geriatric bipolar depression. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2015 Jun;35(3):338-40. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0000000000000326. PMID: 25874916; PMCID: PMC4414830.
- 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.
- Shults CW, Oakes D, Kieburtz K, Beal MF, Haas R, Plumb S, Juncos JL, Nutt J, Shoulson I, Carter J, Kompoliti K, Perlmutter JS, Reich S, Stern M, Watts RL, Kurlan R, Molho E, Harrison M, Lew M; Parkinson Study Group. Effects of coenzyme Q10 in early Parkinson disease: evidence of slowing of the functional decline. Arch Neurol. 2002 Oct;59(10):1541-50. doi: 10.1001/archneur.59.10.1541. PMID: 12374491.