CoQ10 (ubiquinone, classic form)
What it is
The oxidised form of CoQ10 that the body converts to active ubiquinol in cells. In healthy adults under 40 with intact conversion capacity, ubiquinone is as clinically effective as ubiquinol at substantially lower cost. After 40, or in those with cardiovascular disease, statins, or metabolic disorders, conversion efficiency declines — making ubiquinol the preferred form. Both forms have identical clinical evidence for heart failure benefit, statin myopathy relief, and migraine prevention. Ubiquinone is the form used in most clinical trials and is the original well-studied form.
Dose
Under 40, general health: 100–200 mg/day ubiquinone with a fatty meal. Over 40 or cardiac: consider upgrading to 200–400 mg/day ubiquinol.
Time of day & tips
Take with a meal containing fat for best absorption. Can be mildly stimulating — avoid evening doses. Statin users should not skip CoQ10 regardless of form. If response is poor with ubiquinone, switching to ubiquinol may improve absorption, especially over age 40.
Cycling
Safe for continuous daily use indefinitely. Most critical continuous supplement for statin users. No cycling needed.
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