Why Take a CoQ10 Supplement?

Supplements

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring compound that plays a critical role in cellular energy production and antioxidant defense. Found in every cell of the body, particularly in energy-demanding organs such as the heart and liver, CoQ10 supports mitochondrial function and helps protect against oxidative stress. As we age or face increased metabolic demands, CoQ10 levels decline - making supplementation an effective way to support cardiovascular and overall health.*

What Is CoQ10?

CoQ10 is stored in the mitochondria, the "power plants" of your cells. It helps convert fats, sugars, and proteins from food into ATP - the chemical energy your body depends on for virtually every function. The heart, liver, pancreas, and muscles have especially high concentrations of CoQ10 because they require constant energy to perform optimally.*

Beyond energy, CoQ10 is also a potent antioxidant. It helps neutralize free radicals - unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to premature aging, inflammation, and chronic disease. This dual role of energy production and antioxidant protection makes CoQ10 a cornerstone nutrient for cellular health.*

Why Supplement with CoQ10?

While the body produces CoQ10 naturally, production peaks in early adulthood and declines steadily after age 20. By age 40, levels can be significantly lower. Certain lifestyle factors and medications (such as statins for cholesterol management) can also deplete CoQ10 stores. For many adults, dietary intake alone - from sources such as organ meats, fatty fish, and spinach - is insufficient to restore optimal levels.

Low CoQ10 status has been associated with a range of health issues, particularly those involving the heart and metabolic systems. Research suggests that maintaining healthy CoQ10 levels supports cardiovascular function, energy metabolism, and antioxidant defenses, while potentially reducing the risk or severity of conditions such as heart failure, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and migraines.*

Ubiquinone vs. Ubiquinol: Choosing the Right CoQ10 Supplement

CoQ10 supplements come in two forms: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Both support cellular energy and antioxidant protection, but they differ in form, absorption, and ideal use cases:

Feature	Ubiquinone	Ubiquinol
Form	Oxidized (body converts to ubiquinol as needed)	Reduced, active form - ready to use
Best For	Younger adults with good conversion capacity; cost-effective support	Adults 40+ or those with reduced conversion efficiency
Absorption	Crystal-free technology for enhanced uptake*	Crystal-free + reduced form = highest absorption*
Primary Focus	Cardiovascular and cellular energy support*	Heart health, enhanced absorption, antioxidant defense*

Symptoms of Low CoQ10

CoQ10 deficiency is uncommon, but suboptimal levels are widespread, particularly among older adults and individuals taking certain medications. Common signs of low CoQ10 may include:

Low energy or chronic fatigue
Muscle weakness or exercise intolerance
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Increased frequency of migraines

Your healthcare practitioner can measure CoQ10 levels through a simple blood test if deficiency is suspected.*

CoQ10 in a Healthy Lifestyle

CoQ10 supplementation works best as part of a broader health strategy. Combined with a nutrient-dense diet, regular physical activity, and stress management, CoQ10 supports long-term cardiovascular and cellular health. Whether you choose ubiquinone or ubiquinol, maintaining optimal CoQ10 levels can help sustain energy, resilience, and well-being as you age.*

To learn more about specific product options, explore NuMedica CoQ-Clear® 100 Ubiquinone or NuMedica CoQ-Clear® 100 Ubiquinol to find the form that best supports your health goals.