CoQ10

evidence score

supplement

247 studies

Coenzyme Q10ubiquinolubiquinone+2 more

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble quinone compound endogenous to mitochondrial inner membranes, serving as an essential electron carrier in the respiratory chain (complexes I–III) and a lipophilic antioxidant. Endogenous synthesis declines with age and is depleted by statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibition blocks the CoQ10 synthesis pathway). Clinical evidence supports: reduced blood pressure in hypertension, reduced statin-associated myopathy with co-supplementation, and potential benefit in heart failure (Q-SYMBIO trial). Ubiquinol form (reduced) has superior bioavailability vs. ubiquinone, especially in older adults. Used broadly for cardiovascular health, mitochondrial function, anti-aging, and statin myopathy prevention. Safe and well-tolerated.

Evidence

Moderate evidence

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

Phase II

Research Sync

Feb 19, 2026

Dosing

Typical

200 mg

100 mgRange600 mg

FrequencyOnce or twice daily with fat-containing meal

Set height & weight in Settings to see your dose.

Pharmacology

Half-life~33 hours (ubiquinol)

OnsetPlasma CoQ10 rises within days; clinical effects over 4–12 weeks

DurationRequires continued supplementation to maintain elevated levels

Routes

oral

Evidence Score

Level B — Moderate

247 studies indexed · 7 meta-analyses

Scoring Factors

Volume(40%)~48/100

Quality(30%)~50/100

Sample Size(10%)~100/100

Consistency(10%)~100/100

Replication(5%)~100/100

Recency(5%)~100/100

Scores estimated from study counts. Exact breakdown computed after research sync.

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

CoQ10 is currently categorized as a supplement compound.

Evidence is moderate (73/100): promising signal from 247 indexed studies, but context and population still matter.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

Electron shuttle in mitochondrial ETC (complex I-III); lipophilic antioxidant protecting cell membranes; regenerates vitamins C and E; replenishes statin-depleted CoQ10

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

Level A: Clinical efficacy of adjunctive use of coenzyme Q10 in non-surgical periodontal treatment: A systematic review.
Level C: The protective effects of coenzyme Q10 on blood pressure: a narrative review of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms.
Level C: Coenzyme Q10 and Cognition: A Review.