Ubiquinone vs. Ubiquinol: What’s the Difference?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is one of your body’s most important coenzymes. Levels of this vitamin-like, antioxidant-rich nutrient diminish with age, especially after 40, and certain medications such as statin drugs can further deplete it. Muscle weakness, fatigue, and high blood pressure are signs you’re not getting enough CoQ10. There are two types of supplements—ubiquinone and Ubiquinol—and it’s important to know the difference. Ubiquinone, the conventional form, is oxidized and can be harder for the body to convert to the active, nonoxidized form, Ubiquinol. As a supplement, Ubiquinol is better absorbed than ubiquinone. Read product labels carefully—if there’s no mention of Ubiquinol on the label, you’re likely getting ubiquinone.