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|Are you taking ubiquinol supplements but not seeing the significant results you expected? Perhaps your body isn't absorbing it to the fullest.
Yes, you heard it right! When it comes to CoQ10 or ubiquinol supplements, it's not just the amount you take but also how much your body absorbs. This is what science calls bioavailability, which makes or breaks a supplement. From timings to capsule packaging, here's the list of factors that influence ubiquinol absorption in the human body.
Wait, Isn't Ubiquinol Already More Absorbable Than CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a crucial role in protecting mitochondrial energy and antioxidation. However, as humans age, the body's ability to synthesize CoQ10 naturally decreases. Results? low energy levels, weak muscles and bones, and risk of chronic diseases.
Beyond age-related factors, certain medications, such as statins, can also decrease CoQ10 levels in the blood.
Ubiquinol bridges this gap by replenishing CoQ10 levels in the bloodstream. And yes, ubiquinol supplements are more absorbable than standard CoQ10 because:
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Reduced and electron-rich: Ubiquinol can directly donate electrons to neutralize free radicals.
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Convenient for body: It already exists in the form needed for energy production and antioxidant activity within cells.
Still, the total bioavailability of ubiquinol varies! Even among different individuals taking the same dose. Even the form and formulation of the dosage also significantly impact the results. The following sections go through the topic in detail.
Why Bioavailability Matters in Ubiquinol Supplementation?
Imagine you have fueled up your car's diesel tank. But what if, for some reason, the engine isn't working? Will you be able to enjoy the long drive as planned?
No. Right? The same applies to ubiquinol bioavailability (it's the engine). No matter how much ubiquinol supplement you take, if your body fails to absorb it, it's of no use. The better your body utilizes it, the more visible the results will be. Bioavailability decides the therapeutic action of the supplements. Let's see the factors that impact ubiquinol's bioavailability.
5 Primary Factors That Influence Ubiquinol Absorption
Without wasting another minute, let's examine the primary factors that influence ubiquinol absorption within the human body.
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Supplement's Formulation You Trust
The first factor is the formulation of supplements. Ubiquinol supplements are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and crystal-free options. Hermetically sealed ubiquinol softgels exhibit higher bioavailability due to their superior pharmacokinetic properties.
Softgels contain crystal-free formulations (where the active ingredient is liquid or dissolved) that have higher absorption compared to crystalline doses. These formulations don't degrade in the atmosphere and easily deliver drugs to targeted sites.
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Your Dietary Meals and Fat Intake
Like Vitamin A, D, E, and K, Ubiquinol is also fat-soluble. Or, in other words, it dissolves better in fats than in water. Therefore, it is best to take ubiquinol supplements with meals filled with healthy fats. In fact, healthy fats can increase the absorption of ubiquinol three times.
Below are healthy fat sources that you can add to your daily meals:
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Avocado
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Olive or palm oil
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Salmon
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Dry fruits and nuts
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Dark chocolate
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Eggs, tofu, and dairy products
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Dosage You Take
The higher the dose of ubiquinol, the higher its absorption will be. You may be surprised to learn that, ideally, there is no safe dose of ubiquinol. Every individual has a different requirement based on the natural amount of CoQ10 their body synthesizes.
Hence, for sufficient bioavailability, seniors may require higher doses than adults (best to consult the doctor). Further, you should split larger doses into smaller ones with a sufficient time gap. Studies show that divided ubiquinol dosages of 2 × 100 mg yield a larger increase in serum levels than a single 200 mg dose.
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Your Physiological Conditions
Your health conditions matter, not just for your well-being but also for ubiquinol bioavailability. Genetic variation and metabolic rate can significantly affect the absorption of ubiquinol. Moreover, certain health conditions can also reduce the overall bioavailability.
For example, individuals with low stomach acid or poor bile production may fail to absorb ubiquinol properly. Reason? Bile and other acids are important for the digestion of fat-soluble nutrients, which absorb ubiquinol.
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Medications/Supplements in Case You Have Any
Certain drugs and medications also reduce the bioavailability of ubiquinol (because they alter CoQ10's natural synthesis). It includes:
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Statins (drug used to lower cholesterol levels)
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Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, amoxapine, and clomipramine
On the other hand, you can increase the bioavailability of ubiquinol by pairing it with certain supplements like Omega 3, Vitamin C, Geranylgeraniol and Selenium. (Isn't the science of bioavailability really unpredictable yet beautiful?)
Therefore, if you have a chronic condition or are taking medications, it is best to consult a healthcare expert before adding any supplement to your routine.
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Myth Buster
Only morning is the 'best time' to take ubiquinol! Truth? There's no best time to take ubiquinol. You may take it at any time according to your schedule (don't forget to include healthy fats). However, a few individuals prefer to take ubiquinol in the morning to avoid possible sleep disruptions. |
Next Time, Before You Take Ubiquinol
Remember that absorption is everything when it comes to any drug or supplement, particularly ubiquinol. Even the best form fails if your body's missing out of the loop. With just a few changes to your routine, you can see visible results earlier than ever. So, the next time you take ubiquinol, ensure:
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GRAS-approved, crystal-free ubiquinol softgels (avoid ubiquinone).
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A complementary balanced diet filled with healthy fats.
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Determine the dose as per your age and health conditions.
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Better to split higher doses instead of taking them all at once.
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Be consistent with the supplements for at least 3-6 months (they aren't a cure or magic potions).
And that's all you need to maximize the health potential of ubiquinol. The right dose at the right time with the right food.
Final Words
Now you know why your ubiquinol supplements are not delivering the benefits their health labels promise. the how matters just as much as the how much. Pair it with healthy fats, split the high dose, and choose brands like Bio-qunol. And watch how bioavailability transforms your wellness journey.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which is better, ubiquinone or ubiquinol?
Ubiquinol is better than ubiquinone since it has greater bioavailability and is easily absorbed in the bloodstream.
Q2. Which is the best time to take ubiquinol supplements?
You can take ubiquinol supplements at any time, according to your schedule. Ensure to take it with meals that are fulfilling and rich in healthy fats, such as nuts, avocado, and olive oil.
Q3. How do you choose the best ubiquinol supplements?
Choose a supplement that contains high-quality ubiquinol. You can also check for third-party testing and GRAS certification, like Bioqunol by Wellness Extract.
Q4. How do you maximize CoQ10 absorption?
Split the dose, take supplements with healthy fats, and choose hermetically sealed, crystal-free ubiquinol supplements for maximum absorption.
Q5. What is the best bioavailable form of CoQ10?
Ubiquinol is the most bioavailable form of CoQ10, allowing for the replenishment of its natural levels in the bloodstream.
References
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Sood B, Patel P, Keenaghan M. Coenzyme Q10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Updated January 30, 2024. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531491/
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Suárez-Rivero JM, Pastor-Maldonado CJ, Povea-Cabello S, et al. Coenzyme Q10 analogues: benefits and challenges for therapeutics. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 Feb 4;10(2):236. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7913973/
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Mitsui J, Matsukawa T, Uemura Y, et al. High-dose ubiquinol supplementation in multiple-system atrophy: a multicentre, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial. eClinicalMedicine. Apr 14, 2023;59:101920. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10225719/
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Mantle D, Dybring A. Bioavailability of Coenzyme Q₁₀: an overview of the absorption process and subsequent metabolism. Antioxidants (Basel). May 5, 2020;9(5):386. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7278738/


















