Debunking the Advertising Myths—Which Form of CoQ10 Is Best?

by Dr. Stephen Sinatra

Filed Under: Heart Health, Heart Health Principles

Last Reviewed 02/12/2013

Years ago when I first learned about coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) few doctors had heard of it. Now, I couldn’t imagine practicing cardiology without it.

That’s because CoQ10 is the “spark” that fuels energy production inside every single cell—including your heart which is the biggest energy user in your body. But as we age our bodies’ natural CoQ10 production declines. Plus, statin (cholesterol) medications can deplete your body’s CoQ10 supply even further. So, I feel very strongly that everyone should be taking CoQ10 every day.
 
Which type of CoQ10 should you take? I’m asked that question quite often. There are two forms of CoQ10, ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Ubiquinol is the form your body makes naturally. So, advertisers have capitalized on that fact, saying that it’s the easier form for your body to use and absorb. Not surprisingly, it’s also the more expensive form of CoQ10. But as a cardiologist who has been studying and using CoQ10 for 30 years, I have yet to see solid evidence to back up the claim that the pricier ubiquinol form is better. Through my research and clinical experience I’ve found that ubiquinone gives you the same benefits at a much lower cost. 
 
What’s more important is to make sure you’re choosing a highly available form of CoQ10. The best one I’ve found, and take myself is Hydro Q-Sorb® which I have included in my Omega Q Plus formula.
 
The scientific research has shown that Hydro Q-Sorb is eight times better absorbed than ordinary powdered CoQ10. So when you take 50 mg of Hydro Q-Sorb, it’s like getting 400 mg of ordinary CoQ10. 
 
How much CoQ10 should you take? I recommend a minimum daily dose of 50 to 100 mg of CoQ10. If you’re over 60 or on a statin drug, I recommend taking 100 to 200 mg daily. I also suggest dividing the dosages, taking half of your daily CoQ10 in the morning and the rest in the afternoon. That’s because when CoQ10 is taken twice a day, as opposed to one, the blood levels remain higher throughout the day.
 
When your CoQ10 levels are where they should be, not only does your heart, brain, and entire body benefit—you’ll also feel it in your energy level. In fact, I’ve had patients tell me that the “energy shortage” they chalked up to aging actually came back once they increased their CoQ10 intake. It was that noticeable!
 
Now it’s your turn: Do you take CoQ10?
 

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Meet Dr. Sinatra

Dr. Stephen Sinatra is a highly respected and sought-after cardiologist and nutritionist with more than 30 years of clinical practice, research, and study. His integrative approach to heart health focuses on reducing inflammation in the body and maximizing the heart's ability to produce and use energy. More About Dr. Sinatra

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