Coenzyme Q10 VS Reduced Coenzyme QH

31 Jul.,2025

Unravel the mysteries of oxidized and reduced coenzyme Q10. Compare their stability, in - body activity, and absorption efficiency. Get practical advice on which form suits different demographics, such as young adults, the elderly, and those with specific medical conditions, for effective health supplementation.

 

 Coenzyme Q10 is the only coenzyme Q substance in the human body. As an electron transfer carrier, it is mainly involved in the mitochondrial energy metabolism process and antioxidant function, and is one of the most popular health foods. Its main physiological functions include:

  • Protecting the heart, treating heart failure, and preventing/treating cardiovascular diseases.
  • Promoting energy conversion, enhancing energy, and anti-fatigue.
  • Antioxidizing cells, scavenging free radicals, and delaying aging.
  • Strengthening the immune system and adjuvantly treating tumors.
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 Coenzyme Q10 VS Reduced Coenzyme QH

Anders Kalen. et. al., Age-related Changes in the Lipid Compositions of Rat and Human Tissues, Lipids, 1989, 24, 579-587  

 

Coenzyme Q10 vs Reduced Coenzyme Q10

coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) and reduced coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol) are the two main forms of coenzyme Q10. Oxidized coenzyme Q10, ubiquinone (abbreviated as UQ), is the traditional coenzyme Q10, also known as ordinary coenzyme Q10. Its chemical name is ubiquinone, a fat-soluble quinone compound existing in nature, with a structure similar to that of vitamin K, vitamin E, and plastoquinone. Reduced coenzyme Q10, ubiquinol (abbreviated as QH), is also called "active coenzyme Q10".

Comparison between Coenzyme Q10 and Reduced Coenzyme Q10:

  1. Oxidized Q10 has a stable structure and is the mainstream form in the market.

  2. QH is the active structure in the body (accounting for more than 98% in plasma), and Q10 needs to be converted into QH to exert its efficacy.

  3. The absorption rate of QH is 3 - 7 times that of Q10.

  4. The cost of QH is higher.

Coenzyme Q10 VS Reduced Coenzyme QH

Constructure of coenzyme Q10

 

Coenzyme Q10 VS Reduced Coenzyme QH

Constructure of  reduced coenzyme Q10

Market Application and Selection

 

Coenzyme Q10 VS Reduced Coenzyme QH

For young people, supplementing ubiquinone is sufficient, and the absorption problem can be solved by taking multiple low - dose supplements. However, there are indeed some people who are more suitable for supplementing ubiquinol compared to ubiquinone:

1.People over 50 years old
As people age, the body's ability to convert ubiquinone Q10 into ubiquinol QH weakens. At this time, for the elderly, directly taking ubiquinol QH will bring more direct benefits. Therefore, the elderly have a lower utilization rate of ubiquinone, and it is necessary to supplement ubiquinol.

2.People with neurodegenerative diseases
In neurodegenerative diseases, a plasma coenzyme Q10 level > 3.5 mg/mL is considered necessary for therapeutic effects, and supplementing ubiquinone cannot reach this concentration for people with an average level. Therefore, people with neurodegenerative diseases are suitable for supplementing ubiquinol.