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I remember CoQ10 supplements, or CoEnzyme Q10 supplements, being very popular in skincare products a few years ago. But it’s great to see that the health and fitness industry is paying more attention to it.
Unfortunately, there are too many supplements that use lower quality and levels of CoQ10 that would mostly be a waste of money.
So, as a trained nutrition coach, I teamed up with 10 Total Shape testers to evaluate and rank 40 different products to see how well they actually work. We chose the top 10 and recommend the best CoQ10 supplement.
The Best CoQ10 Supplements
- Best Overall CoQ10 Supplement: Performance Lab Energy
- Cheapest CoQ10 Supplement: Dr. Valerie Nelson CoQ10
- Best Tested CoQ10 Supplement: Performance Lab Energy
- Best Vegan Coenzyme Q10 Supplement: Sports Research CoQ10
- Best Non-GMO CoQ10 Supplement: Garden of Life Raw CoQ10
- Best CoQ10 Formula With Fastest Absorption: Performance Lab Energy
- Best CoQ10 Capsules for Improved Heart Health: Nuzena CoQ10 Complex
- Best Pre-Workout CoQ10 Supplement: Performance Lab Energy
- Best Coenzyme Q10 Softgels for Athletes: Sports Research CoQ10
Our Top CoQ10 Supplements (December 2023)
1 - Performance Lab Energy (Best Overall & Pre-Workout)
This formula seems to be right on the generally recommended dosage of 100mg per day, and we saw many positive comments that it should work well to give you a mental energy boost.
But our tests indicate that it may also work well for a physical energy boost before you hit the gym.
The only real downside is that you’ll need to place a larger order to get the free shipping, but that would also mean some bulk-discount savings.
Considering it's one of the best coQ10 supplements, I wouldn’t mind getting it in bulk.
- Strength: 100 mg
- Aims to provide a formula for a jitter-free physical and mental energy boost
- Claims to work well for increased exercise performance
- Independently tested for banned substances for more peace of mind
- Added black pepper extract may help with faster absorption
- Free shipping is only available on larger orders
2 - Nuzena CoQ10 Complex (Best for Heart Health)
Nuzena has created a product with a stronger dose of 200mg per serving, which may suit performance athletes a bit better.
It also seems to be commonly recommended by cardiologists, as the higher dose may better help improve heart health.
A couple of testers also reported that it might be a good natural remedy for migraine headaches.
- Strength: 200 mg
- Claims to be one of the more commonly recommended supplements by doctors
- May work well to avoid heart failure and diseases
- Positive comments about it reducing inflammation that leads to migraines
- It’s one of the more expensive options
Just keep in mind that the higher strength also means that it’s a bit more expensive than the previous options.
3 - Qunol Ultra CoQ10
The Qunol Ultra CoQ10 supplement is unique as it has some added vitamin E, which should help you with detox benefits as well as a boost for your immunity.
It should be easy enough for your body to absorb as it has been formulated to be water and fat-soluble, allowing better cellular energy production.
In addition to its notable features, Qunol Ultra CoQ10 supplement provides potential benefits for cardiovascular health. CoQ10, a naturally occurring enzyme in the body, plays a vital role in cellular energy production, particularly in the heart.
- Strength: 100 mg
- Contains some added vitamin E for detox and immunity boost
- Claims to be water and fat-soluble for faster absorption
- May work well for increased cellular energy production in elderly people
- Some people have reported gas and bloating
The only thing we saw was a few comments about it causing some gas and bloating, which you may want to keep in mind if you have a sensitive digestive system.
4 - Sports Research CoQ10 (Best for Athletes & Vegans)
This Sports Research coenzyme Q10 supplement has many positive comments from athletes who like the overall energy boost they seem to feel.
There’s also a good money-back guarantee, which may allow you to try it out for 90 days to see how you react.
- Strength: 100 mg
- Vegan certified and free from the most common allergens
- Added black pepper may help to digest and absorb it faster
- Comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee
- Some people would like it to go back to an organic coconut oil source
The only thing we noticed during our testing is that an organic source of coconut ingredients could bring this product further up our list.
5 - Garden of Life Raw CoQ10 (Best Non-GMO)
This product combines 200 mg per serving of coenzyme Q10 with some omega 3s, which may give you some added cardio benefits.
It’s also based on an herb and fruit blend that claims to specifically target more detox processes in the human body.
- Strength: 200 mg
- Combines CoQ10 with omega 3s and probiotics for multiple health benefits such as oral and gum health
- The herb and fruit blend may help with added detox benefits
- Non-GMO and gluten-free for less risk of side effects
- Some people have found the capsules a bit large to swallow
The only thing we noted during our testing is that the capsules seem to be a bit bigger than the above.
6 - Doctor's Best High Absorption CoQ10
Next on our best CoQ10 supplements list claims to be one of the fastest to be absorbed, which may be down to the added black pepper to aid digestion.
Protects heart vitality, cardiovascular health, and cellular energy.
It’s also available in a large bottle to give you a supply that may last for several months.
- Strength: 100 mg
- Claims to be safe for people taking statin drugs
- Comes in a large bottle to last longer with each order
- The black pepper may help it to act faster
- Some reviews said that it might not boost energy levels enough
Our tests indicate that it doesn’t seem to give the same boost as some other supplements do.
7 - Nature Made CoQ10
Our next recommendation we have for the best CoQ10 supplements is another one that’s a bit stronger with 200mg per day.
This would explain why a lot of users like taking it to start off their day for a nice mental and physical energy boost.
- Strength: 200 mg
- Positive reviews about the boosted energy levels
- Claims to be safe for people on statin medications
- Available in bulk order bottles to make it more cost-effective
- Some reports about the gel caps sticking together in the bottle
Based on my experience, I advise you ensure keeping them in a cool place because the softgels tend to get stuck together.
8 - Dr. Valerie Nelson CoQ10 (Cheapest)
This is another option for people who need a stronger dose of 200mg per serving. This coenzyme Q10 product should support the claim that it may be a strong provider of antioxidants to promote heart functions.
We also noted during our testing that many users found it provided them with a good boost of mental and physical energy production throughout the day.
- Strength: 200 mg
- Claims to be formulated for added cardiac antioxidants
- Many positive comments about boosted energy and endurance
- Non-GMO veggie capsules for added peace of mind
- Some people find the capsules might be a bit big
The only downside we noticed during our testing is it might be the size of the capsules that some struggle to swallow.
9 - Dr. Anna Cabeca's Pura CoQmax
This coenzyme Q10 product takes a slightly different approach by trying to provide a formula more targeted at preventing congestive heart failure and other heart health conditions.
With added omega 3, it should give you a better overall health boost.
- Strength: 100 mg
- Combines Omega 3 oil for broader heart health-promoting effect
- Requires only one softgel capsule, which seems to be easy to swallow
- Available with good subscription discounts
- It just might be missing some black pepper extract
One downside we noted during the testing phase is that it doesn’t contain any black pepper that may help speed up absorption.
10 - Transparent Labs Coenzyme Q10
The last on our best coQ10 supplements list is from Transparent Labs. This is another supplement with 100mg per day and probably one of the simplest formulas you’ll find available.
It contains no additives or other unnecessary ingredients to make this possibly the purest CoQ10 supplement.
Our test also showed that it might help reduce signs of fatigue if you take it at the start of a workout.
- Strength: 100 mg
- A simple and transparent formula which only contains high-quality CQ10 enzyme
- Comes in large bottles for a longer-lasting supply
- Seems to work well to reduce early signs of fatigue
- Some added black pepper extract would be helpful
The only thing we were missing with this supplement is a small amount of black pepper to help with the absorption rate.
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How We Tested Best CoQ10 Supplements
Here is how we tested the best CoQ10 supplements on our list.
Ingredients
In evaluating the best CoQ10 supplements, the first criterion was the quality of ingredients. As a certified personal trainer, I understand the importance of purity and potency in supplements.
I closely examined the source and type of CoQ10 used in each product, prioritizing those with high-quality, bioavailable forms like ubiquinol.
The presence of any additional beneficial components, such as antioxidants or vitamins that complement the efficacy of CoQ10, was also considered.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of each CoQ10 supplement was assessed through a combination of personal trials and client feedback.
This involved monitoring improvements in energy levels, exercise performance, and overall wellness through consistent use. Supplements that showed a noticeable positive impact on endurance and recovery times post-exercise were rated higher.
Price
Price is always a crucial factor, especially when recommending supplements to a wide range of clients. I compared the cost per dose across different brands, seeking a balance between affordability and quality.
It was important to identify products that offered good value without compromising the efficacy or quality of CoQ10.
Absorption and Bioavailability
The body's ability to absorb and utilize CoQ10 is a key factor in its effectiveness.
I looked for supplements with enhanced absorption properties, such as those formulated with oils or offered in a soft gel form, as these can significantly improve the bioavailability of CoQ10.
Safety and Side Effects
Safety is paramount, so I closely examined the potential side effects of each supplement. Products that were free from major allergens, non-GMO, and manufactured in a GMP-certified facility were given preference.
I also considered any reported side effects from clinical studies or user reviews.
Third-Party Testing and Certification
To ensure the supplements met high standards of quality and purity, I focused on products that had undergone third-party testing.
Certifications from independent organizations added a layer of trust and assurance about the product's claims and ingredient integrity.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Lastly, I took into account the experiences of other users.
Customer reviews and feedback provided real-world insights into the supplement's performance, helping to gauge overall satisfaction and identify any common issues or benefits not evident in clinical settings.
Buyer’s Guide
When looking at the best coq10 supplements in the market, remember these things:
1 - Confirm The Quality Of The Source
This is quite a difficult thing to judge.
And unless you’re going to send off a sample of your product to be lab-tested, you’re going to have to rely on some good old-fashioned detective work.
The good news is that a lot of supplements are regularly tested, and the companies will make a big deal if they pass those tests.
But the better way to approach it is read through as many online reviews as you can find to see if there’s any hint of a quality issue.
That’s what we did for all the above products to save you a ton of time.
2 - Check The Dosage
This is an important factor to consider when you compare prices.
It explains some considerable price differences when supplements range from 100mg to 200mg.
But you may also want to keep in mind that there could be some side effects of gluten-free CoQ10 with higher doses.
Some clinical trials I found on the MedicalNewsToday website have gone as far as 1,200 mg per day, but we wouldn’t recommend going anywhere near that [1].
Unless you have some underlying medical conditions and a doctor has recommended such a dose, you’ll find more than enough benefits to support heart health, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels by taking CoQ10 levels at about 100-300mg a day.
3 - Don’t Ignore The Absorption Rate
This is tied to the quality of the source to an extent.
But you may also find that some supplements take advantage of some black pepper [2].
This could improve your body’s ability to fully absorb the gluten-free CoQ10 supplement dose in a much faster time, giving them a superior absorption compared to other products.
“Levels of CoQ10 in your body decrease as you age. CoQ10 levels have also been found to be lower in people with certain conditions, such as heart disease.”
- Mayo Clinic
4 - Look Into The Benefits Of Other Ingredients
Generally speaking, I tend to prefer supplements that focus on one thing and focus on it well.
It happens too often that companies try to combine too many different ingredients, and then none of them really work.
But there are a few exceptions.
And the above list does contain one product where we saw a nice added benefit of some vitamin E [3].
Our test results confirmed that combining different forms of CoQ10 supplements with some vitamins would generally be a good option, especially if they contribute to some detox benefits as well.
FAQs
How Much CoQ10 Should You Take?
You should take 100 to 200 mg of coenzyme Q10 daily for optimum power output and help deal with fatigue. Some clinical studies have used much larger doses, but they have not been able to prove that taking higher amounts would result in more benefits in certain areas such as blood pressure and cognitive function.
Does CoQ10 Make You Lose Weight?
Yes, CoQ10 may make you lose weight if combined with a proper diet and plenty of exercise. It works by helping create energy used in all types of body cells, which could result in higher workout performance and increased fat burning.
When Should You Take CoQ10 Morning or Night?
You should take CoQ10 in the morning. Some clinical trials have noted that taking CoQ10 at nighttime may result in insomnia. This seems rare, but improving your physical performance levels during the day makes more sense.
Is CoQ10 the Same as Fish Oil?
CoQ10 isn’t the same as fish oil, but they are sometimes combined into one product. Mixing the two has been shown to provide a higher success rate for improving brain function and preventing a heart attack.
How Does CoQ10 Supplementation Affect Exercise Performance?
CoQ10 supplementation can enhance exercise performance by increasing energy production and reducing fatigue. It is particularly beneficial in endurance sports, where it helps in maintaining energy levels and improving recovery times.
Can CoQ10 Supplements Improve Skin Health?
Yes, CoQ10 supplements can contribute to healthier skin by acting as powerful antioxidants and protecting the skin from damage caused by UV rays and pollution. Regular intake can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful complexion.
What Is the Role of CoQ10 in Neurological Health?
CoQ10 plays a crucial role in neurological health by supporting mitochondrial function and protecting neurons from oxidative damage. It has shown potential benefits for slowing the progression of neurological disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
Is CoQ10 Supplementation Necessary for Vegetarians and Vegans?
Vegetarians, and especially vegans, might find it challenging to get enough CoQ10 through diet alone, as it is primarily found in meat and fish. Therefore, supplementation can be an important consideration for these groups to ensure adequate CoQ10 levels.
Are There Environmental or Ethical Concerns Associated With CoQ10 Production?
CoQ10 production can have environmental and ethical implications, particularly regarding the sourcing of ingredients and manufacturing processes. Consumers interested in sustainability should look for brands that prioritize ethical sourcing and environmentally friendly practices.
Our Verdict on Best CoQ10 Supplements
During our testing phase, we carefully kept notes on how our clients were performing with the different products.
And the one product that we just kept going back to is Performance Lab Energy.
At 100mg per day, it might not be the strongest, but we found it to have the best improvements to exercise stamina and health effects overall.
Our #1 Recommendation
Performance Lab Energy (Best Overall & Pre-Workout)
- Aims to provide a formula for a jitter-free physical and mental energy boost
- Claims to work well for increased exercise performance
- Independently tested for banned substances for more peace of mind
- Added black pepper extract may help with faster absorption
- Get 10% off using code: TOTALSHAPE
- Free shipping is only available on larger orders
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