CoQ10 (ubiquinone, classic form)

Tier 2 — promising · Mitochondrial · Antioxidant · Statin users · Converts to ubiquinol

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.