You don’t have time to read through countless pages of customer reviews and label studies, do you? That’s why it’s essential not just to choose an affordable brand but one that experts in the industry have analyzed. Speaking of expert analysis, we will review the best fifteen CoQ10 supplements in this article. Pressed for time? Here are the top six CoQ10 supplements of 2023:
- Best Overall Softgels: Qunol Ubiquinol 200 mg Extra Strength Softgels
- Best Capsules: Garden of Life 200 mg CoQ10
- Best for High-dosage: Mecinalis Liposomal 1000 mg CoQ10
- Best Liquid: Qunol Liquid 100 mg CoQ10
- Best Gummies: Qunol CoQ10 100 mg Gummies
- Best Powder: Nootropics Coenzyme 30 g CoQ10 Powder
In this review, we’ll also answer some key questions that you have about CoQ10. And, of course, the first question is, “what is CoQ10?”
Table of Contents
What Is CoQ10?
CoQ10 is a substance naturally produced in the human body that helps the mitochondria, or power plants, of cells, produce energy. The mitochondria are tiny organelles inside cells, and they convert the energy from food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the form of energy that cells use to do all their work.
When the mitochondria produce ATP, they release free radicals. As their name suggests, free radicals are unstable molecules containing oxygen and an odd number of electrons. This makes them “free” to bond with other molecules in the body, causing a chain of chemical reactions collectively called oxidation.
Fortunately, the human body has a built-in mechanism to counterbalance the damage caused by free radicals. This mechanism produces antioxidants such as CoQ10 and other substances that can neutralize free radicals by adding an extra electron or removing one from them.
But what happens when the body has too many free radicals and insufficient antioxidants? The result is oxidative stress. Scientific research shows that oxidative stress can cause many medical pathologies, including chronic fatigue, diabetes, cancer, inflammatory disorders, and aging-related diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. One easy way to prevent oxidative stress is taking CoQ10 supplements, which we’ll review immediately.
Best CoQ10 Supplements (Regular Dosage)
Qunol Ubiquinol Extra Strength 200 mg Softgels
Made from 100% natural ingredients, Qunol Ubiquinol Extra Strength softgels are easy to swallow and gentle on your stomach. The high-potency formula helps promote cardiovascular health, boost cellular energy production, and maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Also, they’re acclaimed to be super effective, helping users reach optimum CoQ10 levels faster. Qunol Ubiquinol softgels (s-gels) are rated among the top picks on leading e-commerce platforms, including Amazon.
Pros
- Smell very good.
- Soluble in fat and water.
- 60 pills per bottle.
- Free of allergens like milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, peanuts, soybeans, and GMO ingredients.
- Help statin users maintain optimal energy levels.
- Free shipping.
- Save 10% with a 2-month Qunol subscription.
Cons
- Contain soy.
Unit count: 60 softgels
Recommended dosage: 1 softgel daily
Nature’s Bounty Rapid Release 100 mg Softgels
Nature’s Bounty Coenzyme Rapid Release Softgels are made with a combination of two ingredients: CoQ10 and L-carnitine. CoQ10 is an antioxidant that helps to protect your cells from damage by free radicals. At the same time, L-carnitine is an important amino acid in transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production.
Together, these two ingredients can help you maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood and good blood circulation throughout your body.
Pros
- Free of gluten, artificial flavors, sugar, lactose, sodium, wheat, fish, yeast, starch, milk, and GMO.
- Contains L-carnitine.
Cons
- No free shipping.
- Expensive
- Contain soy.
Unit count: 45 / 75 softgels
Recommended dosage: 3 softgels daily
Nature Made CoQ10 200 mg Softgels
Nature Made CoQ10 200 Mg Softgels are comprehensive, complete, and easily absorbed liquids soft gels that are odorless and tasteless for a pleasant experience. Their key ingredient is 100% pure coenzyme Q10, and beneficial to those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or other conditions that can cause cardiovascular problems.
Pros
- Free of gluten and GMO.
- Save 10% with a Nature Made subscription.
- USP-verified.
Cons
- They’re expensive.
- Contain ubidecarenone (the USP name for ubiquinone).
Unit count: 40 / 80 softgels
Recommended dosage: 1 softgel daily
Swanson Ultra Ubiquinol 100 mg Softgels
Swanson Ultra Ubiquinol Softgels are made from 100 percent pure Ubiquinol, the reduced form of CoQ10. This means you get all the benefits of standard CoQ10 without first converting it into the active form. These s-gels are gluten-free and contain no artificial colors or flavors, preservatives, or GMOs.
Pros
- Has been proven to be extremely effective, even in older adults.
- Manufactured from a superior grade of ubiquinol, Kaneka ™ Ubiquinol.
Con
- Not the cheapest item, but certainly worth its price.
Quantity: 120 softgels
Recommended dosage: 1 pill daily
Kirkland Signature CoQ10 300 mg Softgels
Kirkland Signature CoQ10 supplements are medium softgels made from pure oil from soybeans and ubiquinone and are non-GMO and gluten-free. They also come with a double guarantee: if you don’t notice any difference within two months of use, return them for a full refund.
If you have a Costco membership, you can purchase Kirkland Softgels for $24.99 and have them shipped to your delivery address for free.
Pros
- Save approximately 37% with a Costco membership.
- Promote healthy nerves and muscles.
Cons
- Softgels may stick together when exposed to high temperatures.
- May not relieve pain as much as you hope.
Unit count: 100 softgels
Recommended dosage: 1 softgel daily
Puritan’s Pride Ubiquinol Rapid Release 200 mg Softgels
Each Puritan’s Pride Rapid Release softgel contains 200 mg of Ubiquinol, a more bioavailable form of CoQ10. It helps support cardiovascular health, with benefits like helping keep systolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels healthy. Finally, provides antioxidant support for your immune system, which helps it fight off viruses and bacteria to stay healthy.
Pros
- Enhance prostate, oral, and gum health.
- Produced with ubiquinol.
- Get 20% off when you sign up for Puritan’s Pride newsletters.
- Save 5% when you subscribe to at least a month’s delivery of these supplements.
- Awesome bundle deals (buy 1 bottle, get 1 free. But 2, get 3 free).
Cons
- Somewhat expensive.
- Contain soy.
Unit count: 30 / 60 softgels
Recommended dosage: 1 softgel daily
Life Extension Super Ubiquinol 100 mg Softgels
Life Extension Super Ubiquinol softgels are a high-potency, vegetarian version of CoQ10. This product comes in capsule form.
Each capsule contains 100 mg of pure Kaneka™ ubiquinol combined with PrimaVie® shilajit fulvic acid, facilitating faster absorption of CoQ10 into the mitochondria.
The enhanced mitochondrial support in this supplement helps increase the production of ATP, which can help improve energy levels and athletic performance.
Pros
- Gluten and GMO-free.
- 8x more absorbable.
- Easy to swallow.
- Relatively cheap.
Cons
- Softgels may melt and clump together when stored under hot conditions.
Unit count: 30 / 60 softgels
Recommended dosage: 1 softgel daily
Sports Research CoQ10 100 mg Softgels
Sports Research softgels are uniquely formulated with CoQ10, coconut oil, and BioPerine. When taken with food, coconut oil helps your body absorb the CoQ10 better than without it. Coconut oil also provides additional health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain from inflammation, such as arthritis or sore muscles after exercising.
Pros
- Pills come in bright orange colors and smaller, reasonable sizes.
- No bitter aftertaste.
- May improve cardiac health.
- Easy to swallow.
- Non-GMO and gluten-free.
- Save 15% with a Sports Research subscription.
Cons
- Not suitable for persons allergic to coconut oil.
- Soluble in lipids only.
Unit count: 120 softgels
Recommended dosage: 1 softgel daily
Best CoQ10 Supplements (Capsules)
Garden of Life Raw CoQ10 200 mg Capsules
Garden of Life manufactures vegan-friendly capsules of Coenzyme Q10 in raw, cold-pressed chia seed oil. These capsules are formulated to support cardiovascular health, and they also help with energy production and mitochondrial function in the cells.
These supplements are made from apples, broccoli, carrots, tarts, strawberries, green bell peppers, other fruits and vegetables, and probiotics that support healthy aging. This composition increases the bioavailability of the nutrients in the supplement, making it easier for your body to absorb and use them effectively.
Pros
- Suitable for vegans.
- Free of artificial sweeteners, colors, and GMOs.
- Soluble in fat.
- Save 10% on your first order by subscribing to Garden of Life’s newsletters.
- Free shipping
Cons
- Relatively expensive.
- Contain soy.
Unit count: 60 capsules
Recommended dosage: 1 capsule daily
Doctor’s Best High Absorption CoQ10 200 mg Pills
Not only does Doctor’s Best CoQ10 contain a high concentration of ubiquinone, but it also comes with a bonus: BioPerine, or black pepper extract. This ingredient helps to increase the bioavailability of nutrients in the body, which means that you’ll be able to absorb more of the CoQ10 than you would otherwise.
Pros
- Free of gluten, GMOs, and soy.
- Fully vegan.
- Solid 5-star customer reviews
- Cheaper than similar products from other brands.
- Easy to swallow.
- Improve cardiac well-being.
- Free shipping.
Unit count: 60 pills
Recommended dosage: 1 softgel daily
Best CoQ10 Supplements (High Dosage)
Mecinalis Liposomal CoQ10 1000 mg Softgels
Mecinalis CoQ10 Softgels are formulated with liposomes— small spherical vesicles made from natural phospholipids—that help drugs deliver nutrients to specific cells in the body. Liposomes are biodegradable and dissolve quickly, so more nutrients get where they need to go without being broken down or destroyed by stomach acids before reaching their destinations.
Pros
- High serving potency
- Good value for your money.
- Contain highly bioavailable ubiquinol.
- Free of gluten, lactose, and soy, making them ideal for people who have sensitivities or allergies to these ingredients.
- Non-GMO.
- Beneficial to the lungs, liver, and brain.
- Absorbed 5x faster into the gut.
Unit count: 60 softgels
Recommended dosage: 1 softgel daily
BesiBest Ubiquinol 600 mg Softgels
If you’re looking for a powerful, high-quality omega-3 supplement that provides the benefits of both fish oil and krill oil, BesiBest ubiquinol softgels are for you. Their high dosage accelerates your journey to healthy CoQ10 levels faster than smaller s-gels of 100 to 400 mg. They also contain vitamin E and mixed tocopherols to help support your health from multiple angles.
Pros
- Best for patients with really low levels of CoQ10.
- Offer good value for your money.
- Work 3x faster than regular CoQ10 pills.
- Full 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Promote optimal blood pressure.
- Prevent fatigue.
- Protect the heart, lungs, muscles, and bones.
- Free from soy, gluten, wheat, eggs, milk, and GMOs.
Unit count: 60 softgels
Recommended dosage: 1 softgel daily
Best Liquid CoQ10 Supplement
Qunol Liquid CoQ10
This Qunol CoQ10 supplement is a liquid sweetened with orange and pineapple flavors. However, it is made from USP-grade ubiquinone. Its benefits and downsides are similar to those of Qunol Ubiquinol Softgels.
Quantity: 100 mg per bottle
Suggested dosage: 10 ml daily
Best Chewable CoQ10 Supplement
Qunol CoQ10 100 mg Gummies
These provide the same benefits as regular Qunol CoQ10, but it comes in a delicious and chewable form. Qunol CoQ10 Gummies are made from ubiquinone with natural flavors and colors, so you don’t have to worry about any artificial ingredients being added.
Pro
- Have a high water dispersion technology, which aids their absorption into the body.
Con
- May melt when exposed to the sun or intense heat.
Unit count: 60 gummies
Best Powdery CoQ10 Supplement
Nootropics Coenzyme Q10 Powder
If you’re looking for ubiquinone that can give you the edge, look no further than Nootropics Coenzyme Q10 Powder. This supplement is made of pure CoQ10 with no additives or flavors.
Pros
- Helps you focus, increases your energy, and stimulates your brain.
- You determine exactly how much CoQ10 powder you take.
- Suitable for vegans and non-vegans.
- Free worldwide shipping on orders over $200.
Cons
- Does not come with a scoop, so measuring it is hard.
- Soluble in fat only.
Quantities: 15 g / 30 g
Recommended dosage: 200 mg daily.
Benefits of CoQ10
Supports Heart Health
People who suffer from heart failure may benefit from taking CoQ10 supplements. The reason for this is that when we generate energy in our bodies, free radicals are released as byproducts.
These free radicals disrupt the communication between cells that make up our hearts’ muscles. CoQ10 works to neutralize these free radicals, thereby improving the heart’s ability to communicate and generate energy.
Enhances Fertility
CoQ10 plays a vital role in the development of embryos. If you don’t get enough of it, you might miscarry your baby or give birth to one with chromosomal defects. This is especially true if you’re over 35 years old.
In addition, low levels of this vitamin could cause pain during your periods, reduce egg count and contribute to endometriosis. And if you’re a female fearing getting older, here’s another reason to top your list: scientific studies indicate that CoQ10 naturally declines after age 20.
In addition, the results of a study published in the World Journal of Men’s Health prove that CoQ10 supplements are especially helpful in treating men with idiopathic or unexplained infertility.
After three months of taking 200 mg doses of CoQ10, there was increased sperm motility and seminal fluid in the participants. Correspondingly, those men had decreased percentages of oxidation caused by free radicals.
So you see? When all else fails, taking CoQ10 supplements is always one of the last best options.
Promotes Healthier Skin
As we age, our skin often looks less vibrant and healthy. While there is no way to stop time, CoQ10 can help keep your skin looking young. Free radicals and other oxidizing agents can cause damage to the skin cells over time. Still, with adequate antioxidants, the skin can fight oxidation and look great!
Eases Headaches
While carrying out their traditional duties of producing energy, mitochondria sometimes release more free radicals than ATP. As a result, there’s a low level of energy in the body cells, including those of the brain, which leads to headaches and migraines in children and adults.
Since CoQ10 naturally resides in mitochondrial cells and helps in cellular energy production, it’s been proven to be one of the brain-boosting supplements.
Improves Mental Health
Although there’s no established direct link between CoQ10 and mental health, research-based evidence proves that physical exercises are effective antidotes to depression and anxiety. On the flip side, your body tends to release more free radicals as you exercise, and failing to supplement your diet with CoQ10 might tell on your mental well-being in the long run. Apparently, supplementation with CoQ10 is a fine way to replenish your energy before, during, and after every exercise, and therefore preserve your mental health.
Ubiquinone vs. Ubiquinol CoQ10: Which One Is Right for You?
Ubiquinone (called ubidecarenone in the USP) and ubiquinol are both forms of coenzyme. The former is the oxidized version of the latter, meaning it has more electrons than its reduced form (ubiquinol). Our bodies must convert ubiquinone to ubiquinol before using it, as ubiquinol is more readily absorbed.
There’s no clinical evidence that ubiquinol has any advantages over ubiquinone. However, the former is more expensive than the latter and more suitable for patients that require faster absorption of CoQ10 supplements.
Conclusion
The last thing you want is to end up with a bottle of inferior CoQ10 supplements sitting in your medicine cabinet. Fortunately, the list above covers many options—from the most popular and reliable brands to those that showcase an especially high CoQ10 concentration for maximal efficacy.
Please remember that none of the statements made concerning the products reviewed in this article have been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Also, no two persons are the same, so check in with your doctor before purchasing and using any CoQ10 supplements, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.