Idebenone
What it is
A synthetic short-chain analogue of CoQ10 with smaller molecular size and higher water-solubility, enabling it to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach mitochondria that ubiquinone cannot penetrate efficiently. Approved in Europe (Raxone) for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy at 900 mg/day. Used off-label for mitochondrial disorders, cognitive support, and oxidative stress. Unlike CoQ10, idebenone can bypass a partially blocked electron transport chain by directly shuttling electrons to Complex III.
Dose
150–300 mg/day (research/cognitive use); 900 mg/day (LHON, physician-supervised)
Time of day & tips
Take with fatty food for absorption; split dose AM/afternoon to avoid sleep interference; more effective than CoQ10 for CNS indications but far more expensive
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