Does Yogurt Contain CoQ10? The Truth About This Antioxidant

October 4, 2025 •

3 min read

While the body naturally produces coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), production declines significantly with age. Research shows that while yogurt does contain CoQ10, it is not a major source compared to foods like meat and fatty fish. This article clarifies how much CoQ10 is in yogurt and what you can do to ensure adequate intake of this crucial nutrient.

Quick Summary

This nutritional guide explores whether yogurt is a meaningful source of CoQ10. It compares the CoQ10 content in yogurt to that found in other food groups, clarifies the nutrient's function, and details where to find rich dietary sources.

Key Points

Trace Amounts Only: Yogurt is not a significant source of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10); richer sources are needed for meaningful intake.
Age-Related Decline: Natural CoQ10 production in the body decreases with age, increasing the importance of dietary and supplementary sources.
Primary Sources: The richest food sources of CoQ10 include organ meats, fatty fish, and certain vegetable oils.
Fortified Varieties: Specialized functional yogurts can be fortified with CoQ10 in nanoparticle form to improve absorption, but these are not typical grocery store items.
Enhance Absorption: Because CoQ10 is fat-soluble, consuming it with healthy fats can increase its absorption rate.
Consider Supplements: For those with low CoQ10 levels or certain health conditions, supplements offer a much higher and more consistent dosage than food sources.

Yogurt's Role in a CoQ10-Rich Diet

Although some CoQ10 is present in yogurt, it's not a primary source for increasing your overall intake. Most dairy products contain much lower levels of CoQ10 compared to animal products like organ meats and fatty fish. A balanced approach to nutrition, including a variety of CoQ10-rich foods, is the most effective way to maintain healthy levels naturally.

The presence of CoQ10 in yogurt is minimal due to the nature of its source (milk) and the fermentation process, which can further reduce its content. While a full-fat Greek yogurt might offer a tiny amount of CoQ10, it cannot be relied upon to meet significant dietary needs, especially for individuals with depleted levels.

The Importance of CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance essential for cellular energy production. It plays a critical role in the mitochondria, the "powerhouses" of our cells, where it helps generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In addition to its role in energy production, CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.

CoQ10 is particularly vital for organs with high energy demands, such as:

Heart: Highest concentrations of CoQ10 are found in the heart, where it is essential for maintaining proper function.
Kidneys and Liver: These organs also contain high levels due to their active metabolic processes.
Muscles: Essential for energy production during exercise.

As we age, our body's natural production of CoQ10 declines, making dietary intake and supplementation more important. Low levels of CoQ10 have been associated with various chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Comparing CoQ10 Sources: Yogurt vs. Richer Foods

For those looking to increase their CoQ10 intake, focusing on sources other than yogurt is key. Here is a comparison of common dietary sources:


Source	Typical CoQ10 Content (per 100g)	Notes
Beef Heart	113 mg	Exceptionally rich, reflecting the high energy demand of heart muscle.
Pork Heart	12–128 mg	Organ meats are consistently the highest source.
Beef Muscle	26–40 mg	Significant, but less than organ meats.
Fatty Fish (e.g., Mackerel)	43–67 mg	Excellent marine source.
Fatty Fish (e.g., Sardines)	5–64 mg	Varies but is a great option.
Soybean Oil	54–280 mg	Among the richest plant-based sources.
Peanuts	~27 mg	Good plant-based source.
Broccoli	6–9 mg	A modest but reliable vegetable source.
Yogurt (Unfortified)	Very low (approx. 0.01–0.3 mg)	Insignificant dietary source; some is lost during fermentation.

Can Yogurt be a Functional Source of CoQ10?

While natural yogurt offers minimal CoQ10, researchers have explored fortifying it to enhance its health benefits. Studies have shown that when CoQ10 is added to yogurt in nanoparticle form, it can significantly increase its bioaccessibility, meaning the body can absorb it more effectively.

Nanoparticle-enriched yogurt: Has demonstrated the highest CoQ10 bioaccessibility in studies.
Emulsified CoQ10: Also improves bioaccessibility compared to unfortified yogurt.

However, these are specialized functional products, not standard yogurts you find in the dairy aisle. For consumers relying on regular yogurt, it's important to understand it is not a substantial source of CoQ10.

Optimizing CoQ10 Intake

For most people, a varied diet that includes naturally rich sources is the best way to support CoQ10 levels. Since CoQ10 is fat-soluble, consuming it with healthy fats can improve absorption. For example, pairing fish or nuts with a meal can help your body get the most out of the CoQ10 present. In cases of deficiency or for individuals with conditions like heart disease, supplementation may be a more effective route under medical supervision, as supplements offer far higher doses than can be achieved through diet alone.

Conclusion

To answer the question, "Does yogurt contain CoQ10?" – yes, but only in trace amounts. It is not a reliable or significant dietary source of this important antioxidant. While yogurt offers other nutritional benefits, those seeking to increase their CoQ10 intake should focus on foods like organ meats, fatty fish, and certain oils. In some cases, medically supervised supplementation may be the most effective way to ensure adequate CoQ10 levels, particularly for older adults or those with specific health conditions.

Summary of Key Takeaways

Yogurt contains only trace amounts of CoQ10 and is not a significant source.
Your body's natural CoQ10 production declines with age.
Organ meats, fatty fish, and some oils are much richer dietary sources of CoQ10.
Fortified, functional yogurts exist, but are not standard consumer products.
Taking CoQ10 with fat improves absorption.
Supplements offer higher doses for targeted needs, particularly for heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the fermentation process used to create yogurt from milk can actually lead to a reduction in the naturally present CoQ10 content. While some fermented foods, particularly certain Korean products like fermented fish (jeotgal), are rich in CoQ10 due to specific microflora, this is not the case for standard dairy yogurt.

If you are focused on CoQ10, no type of standard yogurt is a good source. While full-fat yogurt might contain slightly more CoQ10 than non-fat versions (since CoQ10 is fat-soluble), the overall amount remains negligible compared to other foods like meat and fish.

Yes, some specialized or functional yogurts are fortified with CoQ10. Research has explored various methods, such as adding nanoparticle or emulsified CoQ10, to increase its bioaccessibility. However, these are not widely available in typical grocery stores.

The most effective way to increase CoQ10 naturally is by regularly consuming a variety of rich dietary sources. This includes oily fish (like salmon and mackerel), organ meats (like liver and heart), nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. Ensuring you consume these sources with some fat will also help improve absorption.

For most healthy individuals, a balanced diet rich in whole foods and natural CoQ10 sources is often sufficient. However, daily intake from diet is typically low (3–6 mg) and may not be enough for those with age-related decline or certain health conditions.

Consider a CoQ10 supplement if you have a documented deficiency, are taking statin drugs, or have a chronic condition like heart failure. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you take other medications.

The body can absorb CoQ10 similarly from food and supplements, but absorption can be slow and limited. Taking supplements with food can aid absorption. Various formulations, such as soft-gels or nanoparticles, have been developed to enhance bioavailability.