Written by the Plenthera team (trained in orthomolecular nutrition). Scientifically reviewed in April 2026. Last updated: 21 September 2026.
Q10 — coenzyme Q10 — is literally the spark in every cell. It is found in every mitochondrion and is essential for the production of ATP, the cellular energy currency. From your thirties, your own Q10 production gradually declines; in statin users this decline is faster. At Plenthera you will find Q10 as ubiquinol — the activated form — from Doctor's Best with Kaneka-certified ubiquinol (50 mg, 90 softgels), in an oil softgel for optimal absorption. We describe ubiquinone and other forms below as market information.
Which Q10 suits you?
Overview of the common forms of Q10 on the market. At Plenthera we stock ubiquinol (Kaneka).
| Form | Best for | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| Ubiquinone (Kaneka) | General, <50 years, cost-efficient | Most researched |
| Ubiquinol (Kaneka) — at Plenthera | 50+, statins, reduced mitochondrial capacity | Activated |
| Q10 + omega 3 | Cardiovascular theme | Synergistic |
| Q10 + B vitamins | Broad energy approach | Mitochondrial cluster |
| Liposomal Q10 | Maximum absorption | Premium |
What is Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 (Q10 or CoQ10) is a fat-soluble compound present in every mitochondrion of every cell. It is essential for the production of ATP — the body's "energy currency" — and also functions as an antioxidant in cell membranes.
In the electron transport chain of your mitochondria — the place where food is converted into ATP — Q10 plays a central role. It transports electrons between the complexes that ultimately produce ATP. Without Q10, the whole machinery stops. The body makes Q10 itself in the liver and tissues, via the complex mevalonate pathway — the same pathway by which cholesterol is produced. That is why statins, which inhibit this pathway to lower cholesterol, also reduce the body's own Q10 production as a side effect.
The body's own Q10 production peaks around the age of 25 and then gradually declines. By the time someone is 65, the Q10 status in the heart and muscles is about 50% lower than at the age of 25. For most organs this is not a problem — there is ample margin in the system — but for the most energetically active tissues (heart, brain, muscles) supplementation may become of interest, especially in specific circumstances.
Q10 exists in two interchangeable forms. Ubiquinone is the "oxidised" form — what you get in classic supplements, most researched in studies. Ubiquinol is the "reduced" active form — the form in which Q10 acts as an antioxidant and transports electrons. The body converts the two forms into each other, but this conversion capacity declines with age. Also see our magnesium category and B vitamins category for the broader mitochondrial energy cluster.
Science and Kaneka
Q10 has been widely researched since its discovery in 1957 (Frederick Crane, University of Wisconsin). The largest clinical studies focus on cardiovascular applications — in particular the Q-Symbio study (Mortensen et al., 2014), which reported positive effects of ubiquinone supplementation in heart failure patients. There is also research on statin side effects, migraine, mitochondrial disorders and ageing.
Kaneka Corporation (Japan) has been the original commercial producer of Q10 since 1977. Their fermented, bio-identical Q10 has been the premium standard for decades. The vast majority of clinical research has been carried out with Kaneka Q10 or Pharma Nord's Bio-Quinone (Denmark).
We describe the mechanism and the research context, without claims about its effects. Q10 is a food supplement, not a medicine. With statin use or cardiac conditions: consult a doctor or cardiologist beforehand.
Ubiquinone or ubiquinol — which suits you?
Ubiquinone: The classic oxidised form. Cheaper, most researched. The body converts ubiquinone into ubiquinol — in younger people (<50) this conversion is efficient.
Ubiquinol: The activated reduced form. Directly bioavailable without a conversion step. For people over 50 and with reduced mitochondrial capacity (statins, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue) often the more logical choice. Premium price point.
Stability: Ubiquinone is chemically stable; ubiquinol oxidises in air and is usually supplied in sealed softgels to preserve that stability.
Clinical data: Much clinical research has been done with ubiquinone; ubiquinol studies are newer but growing.
Practical: Start with ubiquinone (cost-efficient). Switch to ubiquinol if you are 50+ or if ubiquinone seems to have insufficient effect.
Q10 at Plenthera and other forms on the market
Ubiquinol (Kaneka) — at Plenthera
Doctor's Best Ubiquinol with Kaneka 50 mg, 90 softgels. The activated form in an oil softgel — for people over 50, with statin use or reduced mitochondrial capacity. For a desired dosage of 100 mg: 2 softgels per day.
Other forms on the market
Ubiquinone (Kaneka or Bio-Quinone) — the classic form, in oil-based softgels, dosages 60-200 mg. We do not currently stock it.
Q10 + omega 3 — combination formulas with fish oil or algae oil. We stock fish oil and algae oil as separate products to combine yourself.
Q10 + B vitamins — for those who want a broader mitochondrial energy approach: combine with a B-complex.
Liposomal Q10 — Q10 in phospholipid liposomes, a premium niche. We do not currently stock it.
How do you use Q10?
A simple basic approach to Q10:
- Determine the right form: ubiquinone (general, <50) or ubiquinol (50+, statins).
- Start with 100 mg per day. For statin users, often 200 mg.
- Always take with a fat-containing meal — Q10 is fat-soluble.
- Split higher dosages (>200 mg) over two moments — morning and afternoon.
- Avoid late evening if you are sensitive — some people experience a mildly alerting effect.
- Give it at least 8-12 weeks of consistent use for a fair assessment.
- With statin use or cardiac conditions: consult a doctor or cardiologist beforehand.
- If you use blood thinners (especially warfarin): consult beforehand — Q10 can slightly affect clotting time.
Myths and misconceptions about Q10
Myth 1: "Everyone over 30 needs Q10 supplementation."
Not automatically. Although the body's own production gradually declines, there is ample margin in the system. For most people under 50 without a specific reason, targeted supplementation is not necessary. Statin users and people with chronic fatigue or cardiovascular points of attention are the most obvious candidates.
Myth 2: "Ubiquinol is always better than ubiquinone."
Not automatically. In younger people (<50), the body efficiently converts ubiquinone into ubiquinol — no clinical difference has been demonstrated in this group. For people over 50 and with statin use, ubiquinol may be more favourable — there the conversion capacity is reduced.
Myth 3: "Q10 replaces statins."
Incorrect and legally problematic. Q10 is not a substitute for cardiovascular medication. It is sometimes used as support for statin side effects — which is something fundamentally different from replacement.
Myth 4: "The more Q10, the more energy."
Dosages above 300 mg/day show no additional effects in most studies. In the absence of a specific clinical context (such as heart failure research, where up to 600 mg is used), 100-200 mg is the usual daily range.
Combining Q10 with other supplements
Q10 is often combined with other supplements for energy or cardiovascular themes. Popular combinations:
- Omega 3: EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart.
- B vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, biotin — all cofactors in mitochondrial energy metabolism.
- Magnesium: needed for ATP function (ATP-Mg complex).
- L-carnitine: a cofactor in fatty acid oxidation in the mitochondria — synergistic with Q10 for the energy theme.
- PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone): for those who want to approach the theme of mitochondrial biogenesis more broadly.
- Vitamin E: vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
What is Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble compound in all mitochondria, essential for ATP energy production. The body's own production declines from about the age of 30.
What is the difference between ubiquinone and ubiquinol?
Ubiquinone: the classic oxidised form (most researched). Ubiquinol: the reduced activated form (for 50+, statins).
Which Q10 is the best?
General <50: ubiquinone (Kaneka or Bio-Quinone). 50+ or statins: ubiquinol (Kaneka).
How much Q10 per day?
100-200 mg/day as standard. With statins, often 200 mg. Cardiovascular research up to 300 mg.
When should you take Q10?
With a fat-containing meal for optimal absorption. Avoid late evening if you are sensitive.
Do I need Q10 with statins?
Statins inhibit the body's own Q10 production. Many cardiologists and orthomolecular doctors advise 100-200 mg Q10/day with statin use. Consult your practitioner.
What does Q10 do in the cell?
Q10 transports electrons in the mitochondria and is therefore indispensable in ATP production.
What has been researched regarding Q10 and the heart?
The Q-Symbio study (2014) examined ubiquinone supplementation in heart failure patients under medical supervision. That is a clinical context, not supplement advice.
What is Kaneka Q10?
The original Japanese Q10 producer (since 1977). The gold standard for purity and bioactivity.
Does Q10 have side effects?
Generally well tolerated. At high dosages, possible mild stomach complaints or a mildly alerting effect. If you use blood thinners, consult beforehand.
Sources
- Mortensen SA. et al., "The effect of coenzyme Q10 on morbidity and mortality in chronic heart failure: results from Q-SYMBIO", JACC Heart Fail (2014).
- Hernandez-Camacho JD. et al., "Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Aging and Disease", Front Physiol (2018).
- Mancuso M. et al., "Coenzyme Q10 in neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders", Curr Drug Targets (2010).
Disclaimer: This text is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Q10 is a food supplement, not a medicine. If in doubt or if you take medication, we recommend consulting a doctor or orthomolecular therapist first.