What's the difference between ubiquinone and ubiquinol?
Written by
Gina Mason
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Knowing the difference between ubiquinone and ubiquinol is important for supplementation. Ubiquinone is the oxidized form that must be converted in your body, and ubiquinol is the active reduced form. They exhibit some biochemical differences that result in significant variations in potential absorption effectiveness and therapeutic effects.
Absorption Efficiency
- Ubiquinol absorbed 3-4x better than standard ubiquinone
- Bypasses conversion steps needed for oxidized form
- Higher peak blood levels achieved faster
- Particularly beneficial for impaired digestive function
Conversion Factors
- Ubiquinone requires enzymatic reduction to become active
- Conversion efficiency declines significantly after age 40
- Certain genetic variants impair conversion capability
- Digestive disorders further reduce conversion capacity
Stability Considerations
- Ubiquinone more stable in supplement formulations
- Ubiquinol requires special encapsulation to prevent oxidation
- Proper manufacturing prevents degradation during storage
- Refrigeration extends ubiquinol shelf life significantly
The conversion challenge clarifies why ubiquinol is better suited for older adults. After the age of 40, the body's ability to reduce CoQ10 levels decreases by 20-40% per year, resulting in less bioavailable CoQ10 from normal supplements. Ubiquinol by-passes that hurdle. It provides instantly bioavailable antioxidant protection and boosts your energy levels.
For therapeutic purposes, ubiquinol's greater absorption provides benefits. It delivers higher doses for exposure to target tissues. This is important for cardiac support, neurological protection, and defense against infertility. The measurable outputs often counter the difference in cost.
Practical choices depend on individual situation. Younger adults with a faster metabolism who used ubiquinone experienced benefits. In comparison, older adults with digestive health issues saw improvements when using ubiquinol, regardless of age. However, there are emulsion technologies available that significantly increase ubiquinone absorption above that of ubiquinol. This makes ubiquinone viable for some users.
No matter the shape, always prioritize quality manufacturing above all else. Look for third-party purity certifications. Oxygen-blocking, light-proof packaging preserves product potency. Avoid purchasing transparent plastic containers, as they can cause degradation in potency due to exposure to light. Store your probiotics properly to ensure effectiveness for the life of the supplement.
Read the full article: 9 Essential Benefits Coenzyme Q10 Offers
