If you're comparing CoQ10 labels and can't tell whether you need ubiquinone or ubiquinol, this guide explains the difference, what the research shows, and how to choose.
Short answer: ubiquinone and ubiquinol are both CoQ10. Ubiquinone is the oxidized form and ubiquinol is the reduced form. Your body uses CoQ10 to help cells make energy and as an antioxidant [1], and it switches between these two forms as part of that work.
Ubiquinol vs ubiquinone at a glance
| Ubiquinone | Ubiquinol | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The oxidized form of CoQ10 | The reduced form of CoQ10 |
| Label wording | Often just "CoQ10" or "coenzyme Q10" | Usually says "ubiquinol" by name |
| In one small study | Raised blood CoQ10 from 0.9 to 2.5 µg/mL [2] | Raised blood CoQ10 from 0.9 to 4.3 µg/mL [2] |
| Typical price | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Take with food? | Yes, with a meal | Yes, with a meal |
Is ubiquinol the same as CoQ10?
Yes. Ubiquinol is one form of CoQ10. When a label just says "CoQ10" or "coenzyme Q10", it usually means ubiquinone. A ubiquinol product will normally name ubiquinol on the front.
Is ubiquinol better than ubiquinone?
The research is limited, so it's fairer to say ubiquinol may be absorbed better than to say it is always better.
- In a 2014 study of 12 healthy adults, 200 mg a day of ubiquinol for 4 weeks raised blood CoQ10 levels more than the same dose of ubiquinone (4.3 vs 2.5 µg/mL) [2]. The study was small and wasn't designed to test health outcomes.
- A 2020 review of how CoQ10 is absorbed found that the way a product is formulated has a big effect on absorption. In one example, a missing processing step reduced absorption by 75% [3]. In other words, the product itself matters, not just the form.
A practical way to choose: compare the milligrams per serving, the price per milligram, and whether the label clearly states the form and source. Take it with a meal that contains some fat.
Can you take ubiquinol in addition to CoQ10?
Both are CoQ10, so taking a ubiquinol product and a ubiquinone product simply adds up to more total CoQ10. Most people choose one. If you're considering combining them, add up the total milligrams and check with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take warfarin, as CoQ10 can reduce its effect [1].
How much ubiquinol should I take?
There is no official recommended daily amount for CoQ10. Products range widely: Biopro-Q contains 50 mg of ubiquinol per capsule [4], while the 2014 study above used 200 mg a day [2]. Follow the directions on your product's label, and ask a health professional what makes sense for you.
When to take ubiquinol
CoQ10 is fat-soluble, so take it with a meal. Many people take it with breakfast or lunch so it fits into a routine they'll remember.
Biopro-Q: what's on the label
Biopro-Q® is Partner.Co's ubiquinol supplement. According to its Supplement Facts [4], each capsule contains:
- 50 mg ubiquinol (Kaneka Ubiquinol®)
- 5 mg BioPerine® black pepper extract
- 5 mg Tahitian noni fruit
- 5.1 mg bitter melon extract
- A vegetable soft capsule, with 56 servings per bottle
If you also want omega-3, see our guide to CoQ10 vs omega-3.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ubiquinol and ubiquinone?
Both are CoQ10. Ubiquinone is the oxidized form and ubiquinol is the reduced form. Most standard CoQ10 supplements use ubiquinone.
Is ubiquinol the same as CoQ10?
Yes. Ubiquinol is a form of CoQ10. Labels that just say "CoQ10" usually contain ubiquinone.
Which is better, CoQ10 or ubiquinol?
A small 2014 study found ubiquinol raised blood CoQ10 levels more than ubiquinone at the same dose, but research is limited and product formulation also affects absorption. Compare dose, price and label quality.
Can you take ubiquinol in addition to CoQ10?
Both are CoQ10, so taking both just increases your total CoQ10. Most people choose one. Check the total dose with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take warfarin.
When should I take ubiquinol?
With a meal, because CoQ10 is fat-soluble.
Sources
- National Cancer Institute. Coenzyme Q10 (PDQ®), Health Professional Version. NCBI Bookshelf, 2024. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen AM. Comparison study of plasma coenzyme Q10 levels in healthy subjects supplemented with ubiquinol versus ubiquinone. Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development. 2014;3(1):13–17. PubMed
- Mantle D, Dybring A. Bioavailability of coenzyme Q10: an overview of the absorption process and subsequent metabolism. Antioxidants. 2020;9(5):386. PubMed
- Partner.Co. Nutrifii Biopro-Q® Supplement Facts. PDF
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional. Talk to a health professional before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication (including blood thinners), have allergies or have a medical condition.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results vary.
Noni Nectar is an independent Partner.Co Brand Partner and earns money from sales of the products mentioned in this article. Last reviewed: October 2026.
