Coenzyme Q10

The Viva Saudável Coenzyme Q10 collection brings together supplements from brands such as Thorne Research, NOW Foods, Zeinpharma, Solaray, WHC, CentroPhos, Ecogenetics, Quest, Holos Nutrition, and Suravitasan. You'll find ubiquinone and ubiquinol, in doses ranging from 30 to 200 mg per unit, in capsules, softgels, and liposomal liquid format, with vegan options and formulas combined with omega 3, vitamin D3, vitamin K2, and PQQ.

What is Coenzyme Q10 and what distinguishes ubiquinol from ubiquinone?

Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is a fat-soluble molecule present in the cell membranes of practically all organisms — hence its name, from "ubiquitous". It was first isolated in 1957 from bovine heart mitochondria. The human body synthesizes it, and it is also obtained in small quantities through diet, mainly from meats, fatty fish, nuts, and vegetable oils.

Ubiquinone is the oxidized form and ubiquinol is the reduced form; the body converts one into the other as needed. The designation Kaneka refers to a raw material produced by fermentation, common in high-end products.

How to compare and a warning

Compare the milligrams per capsule — in this collection, they range from 30 to 200 mg — and the form used. Being fat-soluble, CoQ10 is better absorbed when taken with a meal containing fat, which is why many products come in softgels with an oily vehicle. If you are taking coumarin anticoagulants, such as warfarin, talk to your doctor before starting: an interaction has been described due to structural similarity between CoQ10 and vitamin K. The same applies to those taking medication for blood pressure or lipid profile.