What are the main ingredients in CoQ10?

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

While the human body naturally produces CoQ10, levels of this vital coenzyme often decline with age and due to certain medical conditions or medications. For this reason, many people turn to supplements to increase their CoQ10 intake and support cellular energy and antioxidant function. Understanding a CoQ10 supplement's ingredients, including its active and inactive components, is key to choosing an effective product.

Quick Summary

CoQ10 supplements contain the active ingredients ubiquinone or ubiquinol, along with other components like carrier oils and emulsifiers to improve absorption since it is a fat-soluble nutrient. The quality of a supplement and its bioavailability depend heavily on these supporting ingredients and the form of CoQ10 used.

Key Points

Active Ingredients: The core ingredients are CoQ10 in its oxidized form, ubiquinone, or its more readily absorbed, reduced form, ubiquinol.
Absorption Enhancers: Carrier oils like sunflower, rice bran, and palm oil, along with emulsifiers like soy lecithin, are common ingredients to improve CoQ10's absorption due to its fat-soluble nature.
Bioavailability Factors: The form of CoQ10 (ubiquinone vs. ubiquinol), the formulation's quality, and the presence of fats or enhancers significantly impact how well the body can absorb and use the supplement.
Supplement Differences: While younger, healthy individuals can convert ubiquinone efficiently, older adults or those with certain health issues may benefit more from ubiquinol's higher bioavailability.
Manufacturing Impact: The manufacturing process, including proper encapsulation and crystal dispersion, is crucial for ensuring optimal bioavailability and potency throughout the product's shelf life.
Consumer Considerations: Look for third-party tested products, check for quality carrier oils, and consult a healthcare professional to choose the best CoQ10 supplement for your needs.

Core Active Ingredients: Ubiquinone vs. Ubiquinol

At its core, a CoQ10 supplement contains one of two primary forms of the coenzyme: ubiquinone or ubiquinol. Both are derived from the same compound, but they represent different redox states (oxidized and reduced).

Ubiquinone (Oxidized CoQ10)

The Original Form: Ubiquinone was the first form of CoQ10 commercially available as a supplement. It is the oxidized state of the molecule, which the body must convert into ubiquinol to use as an antioxidant.
Research-Backed: Ubiquinone has been the subject of extensive research, particularly in landmark studies related to fertility and cardiovascular health.
Cost-Effective: Because it is more stable and less expensive to manufacture, ubiquinone is often the more affordable option.
Body's Conversion: Healthy, younger individuals can typically convert ubiquinone to ubiquinol effectively, so either form may be suitable.

Ubiquinol (Reduced CoQ10)

The Active Form: Ubiquinol is the biologically active, or reduced, form of CoQ10. It functions as a powerful antioxidant and is ready for use by the body's cells.
Higher Bioavailability: Some research suggests that ubiquinol may have superior bioavailability and absorption, especially for older adults or those with impaired absorption. For older individuals whose natural conversion process may be less efficient, ubiquinol could be a better choice to boost CoQ10 levels.
Less Stable: Ubiquinol is less stable than ubiquinone and is more susceptible to oxidation, which requires more sophisticated encapsulation techniques to preserve its integrity.

Additional Ingredients for Enhanced Absorption

Because CoQ10 is a fat-soluble compound, its absorption is significantly enhanced when it is consumed with fat. To increase bioavailability, supplement manufacturers include specific inactive ingredients, also known as excipients, in their formulations.

Common Excipients in CoQ10 Supplements

Carrier Oils: Many softgel capsules suspend CoQ10 in a carrier oil to improve absorption. Common examples include rice bran oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) from palm oil.
Emulsifiers: Certain formulations use emulsifiers to make the CoQ10 more water-soluble, which can also boost bioavailability. Examples include soy lecithin and polysorbate 80.
Encapsulation Materials: Softgels typically use gelatin or vegetable-based alternatives like hypromellose. Other ingredients like glycerin and sorbitol are also common components of softgel shells.
Flavorings and Colorings: For oral sprays or gummies, ingredients like natural flavors, sweeteners, and colorants (such as annatto suspension) are used to improve taste and appearance.

Comparison of CoQ10 Supplement Types

To illustrate the differences in formulations, here is a comparison table outlining the components of standard ubiquinone capsules and enhanced ubiquinol softgels.


Feature	Standard Ubiquinone Capsules	Enhanced Ubiquinol Softgels
Active Ingredient	Ubiquinone (Oxidized CoQ10)	Ubiquinol (Reduced CoQ10)
Carrier Oil	Often contains a filler or a basic oil like soy oil.	Frequently uses high-quality oils like sunflower or rice bran oil to maximize absorption.
Bioavailability	Depends on the individual's ability to convert ubiquinone to ubiquinol.	Generally considered more readily absorbed and bioavailable, especially in older adults.
Manufacturing	Easier and less expensive to produce due to the stability of ubiquinone.	Requires specialized, protected encapsulation to maintain the stability of the active ubiquinol.
Target User	Younger, healthy adults or those seeking a more budget-friendly option.	Older adults, individuals with certain health conditions, or those with known absorption issues.
Packaging	Often sold in tablets or hard-shell capsules.	Typically available in protective, oil-based softgel capsules.

What to Consider When Choosing a Supplement

When evaluating CoQ10 supplements, it's important to look beyond just the active ingredient. The formulation's inactive ingredients play a crucial role in how well your body can absorb and utilize the CoQ10.

First, consider your age and health status. Younger, healthy individuals generally convert ubiquinone efficiently, while older adults may benefit from the more bioavailable ubiquinol. Next, check the ingredients list for a high-quality carrier oil, as CoQ10 is best absorbed with fat. Some manufacturers also use black pepper extract (piperine) to further enhance absorption.

For quality assurance, look for third-party certifications from reputable organizations like NSF International, ConsumerLab, or USP. These seals indicate that the product has been independently tested for purity and potency, verifying that the label is accurate and the product is free from contaminants. Finally, consult with a healthcare provider, particularly if you have underlying medical conditions or take other medications, to ensure CoQ10 supplementation is safe and appropriate for your needs.

Conclusion

While the primary active ingredient in CoQ10 supplements is either ubiquinone or ubiquinol, the overall formulation is critical for effectiveness. Manufacturers add specific ingredients like carrier oils and emulsifiers to overcome CoQ10's fat-soluble nature and improve its bioavailability. For consumers, understanding the differences between supplement forms, recognizing the role of additional components, and vetting products for quality and absorption can lead to a more informed and beneficial choice for supporting heart health and cellular energy. Making a decision based on individual needs and consulting with a healthcare provider is always the best approach. An authoritative source for comparing supplement ingredients and quality is the National Institutes of Health, which often publishes research on bioavailability and clinical studies involving different formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ubiquinone is the oxidized form of CoQ10, while ubiquinol is the reduced, active antioxidant form. The body must convert ubiquinone to ubiquinol to utilize it, a process that can become less efficient with age.

CoQ10 is a fat-soluble molecule, meaning it is better absorbed when consumed with fat. Oils like rice bran or sunflower oil, and emulsifiers such as soy lecithin, are added to formulations to enhance the supplement's absorption and bioavailability.

Yes, especially depending on your age and health. While both forms are beneficial, ubiquinol may be better absorbed by older adults or those with certain conditions, as their bodies may be less efficient at converting ubiquinone.

Look for supplements with quality carrier oils (e.g., olive oil) and potentially an absorption enhancer like black pepper extract. You should also check for third-party testing seals to ensure purity and potency.

The body naturally produces most of its CoQ10, but dietary intake is typically very low, around 3-6 mg per day. Supplements are often necessary to reach therapeutic levels, especially when body production declines with age.

CoQ10 itself is generally well-tolerated with mild, infrequent side effects. However, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset. Always discuss potential side effects and interactions with a healthcare provider.

For older adults, ubiquinol is generally recommended due to its higher bioavailability. This is because the body's natural ability to convert ubiquinone to the active ubiquinol decreases with age.