Difference between Ubiquinol and Ubiquinone

Ubiquinol and Ubiquinone: What's the difference?

The two primary forms of CoQ10 are known as a redox pair. The main difference between these two forms of CoQ10 is that Ubiquinone is the oxidised form of coenzyme Q10 whereas Ubiquinol is the reduced form. Together, they help to maintain the redox status within your body by creating a balance between antioxidants and oxidants.

As the oxidised form, Ubiquinone has lost an electron. It’s the more reactive form of the two and is required when generating energy within your cells.

Alternatively, Ubiquinol as the reduced form has gained an electron, so it can help balance free radicals by donating its extra electron and neutralizing them so that they don’t damage tissues. It’s the less reactive of the two forms, which ultimately makes it more stable and a more effective antioxidant.

Ubiquinol has greater bioavailability compared to Ubiquinone, which means it’s more easily absorbed and used by the body. With this in mind, taking Ubiquinol makes for a better supplemental form as you’ll feel the effects of a Ubiquinol supplement much faster. However, as the oxidised form of CoQ10, a Ubiquinone supplement is more stable when used in topical treatments like lotions and emulsions.

The role of Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol within the body

Both Ubiquinol and Ubiquinone assist with energy production throughout the body. They're found in greater proportion in organs with high energy demands, like the heart, brain, liver, lungs and skin.

CoQ10 is primarily located in the mitochondria, which are the energy factories of the cells. Here the molecule participates in aerobic cellular respiration and ATP production.

To create energy, Ubiquinone, which is also known as regular coenzyme Q10, travels down a path in your cells known as the Electron Transport Chain. As it moves along this chain, it picks up electrons and in doing so is converted from Ubiquinone to Ubiquinol.

As this new Ubiquinol form continues its journey, it drops off its extra electron to other parts of the chain, helping to generate the energy that your body needs to perform optimally.

Under normal circumstances, CoQ10 is continually converted from Ubiquinone to Ubiquinol and back again. However, as we age our production of CoQ10 slows down, which is why people aged over forty are encouraged to take some form of CoQ10 supplement.

The benefits of coenzyme Q10

CoQ10 is found in all cells throughout the body. It’s a natural antioxidant that helps to support energy production and combat oxidative stress within the human body.

Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance of free radicals that stem from overexposure to factors like pollution, UV exposure, alcohol, smoking and even poor nutrition. This oxidative damage has been found to interrupt normal cell functioning. CoQ10 supplementation can help to restore balance and support cellular health.

In particular, CoQ10 helps to support a healthy cardiovascular system and researchers have shown CoQ10 to support fertility. CoQ10 can help by improving egg quality and production. On the other hand, can also support sperm health and concentration while supporting sperm motility.

Other benefits of CoQ10 supplementation include supporting immune system function.

Supplementation with MitoQ

The effects of MitoQ supplements are backed by thorough research and independent clinical trials. Specially formulated for greater bioavailability, MitoQ is up to 1000 times more effective at entering the mitochondria than standard CoQ10 supplements, making it better at combating free radicals and restoring oxidative balance.

For the best absorption, we suggest taking two capsules at least 30 minutes before your meal with a glass of water or your coffee. Because MitoQ is intended to boost energy, many people find that taking it first thing in the morning is ideal.