Difference Between CoQ10 and Ubiquinol

The main difference between CoQ10 and ubiquinol is that CoQ10 is oxidized while ubiquinol is not oxidized. 

CoQ10 and ubiquinol are essential nutrients for the body. They are coenzymes. CoQ10 naturally occurs in every cell, while ubiquinol provides more excellent therapeutic benefits.  

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Coq10
– Definition, Facts, Features
2. What is Ubiquinol
– Definition, Facts, Features
3. Similarities Between Coq10 and Ubiquinol
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Coq10 and Ubiquinol
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ – Coq10 and Ubiquinol
– Answers to frequently asked questions

Key Terms  

1,4-Benzoquinone, CoQ10, Coenzyme Q10, Ubiquinol, Ubiquinone-10

What is Coq10

CoQ10, or Coenzyme Q10, is a coenzyme ubiquitous in animals. Ubiquinone-10 is the other name of coenzyme Q10. The IUPAC name of CoQ10 is 1,4-benzoquinone. The Q refers to the quinone, which is the chemical group. Coenzyme Q10 contains ten isoprenyl chemical subunits, forming a tail. Also, CoQ10 resembles vitamins as they primarily occur in the mitochondria. 

Figure 1: CoQ10 

Furthermore, coenzyme Q10 is the most common form in humans. CoQ10 serves as a component of the electron transport chain, participating in aerobic cellular respiration. The electron transport chain is a part of cellular respiration and is responsible for generating ATP. Hence, the organs with higher energy requirements, including the heart, liver, and kidney, contain the highest concentration of CoQ10.

Oxidization State

The three redox states of CoQ10 include ubiquinone, semiquinone, and ubiquinol. Here, the fully-oxidized form of CoQ10 is ubiquinone. Also, the fully reduced form of CoQ10 is ubiquinol. However, it can act as both a single-electron carrier and a two-electron carrier. When it is a single electron carrier, it moves between semiquinone and ubiquinone or ubiquinol.

But it moves between quinone and quinol when it is a double electron carrier. Also, in the electron transport chain, the iron-sulfur clusters of the coQ10 accept one electron at a time, resembling a free-radical–scavenging antioxidant.  

What is Ubiquinol

Ubiquinol is the reduced form of ubiquinone (CoQ10). Importantly, it is the naturally occurring CoQ10 form in humans. The primary function of ubiquinol in cellular respiration is to serve as an antioxidant that allows the exchange of two electrons in a redox cycle. However, ubiquinol is not a vitamin and can be synthesized inside cells.

Figure 2: Ubiquinone to Ubiquinol

Moreover, ubiquinol is a benzoquinol containing ten isoprene units. Further, it provides various health benefits for those over 40. It supports cardiovascular health.   

Similarities Between CoQ10 and Ubiquinol

• CoQ10 and ubiquinol are two essential nutrients.
• They provide health benefits to the body.
• They are not vitamins.
• They are coenzymes that serve as antioxidants. 

Difference Between CoQ10 and Ubiquinol

Definition

CoQ10 refers to an antioxidant that the body produces naturally, while ubiquinol refers to an electron-rich (reduced) form of coenzyme Q (ubiquinone).

Oxidation State

CoQ10 is oxidized, while ubiquinol is reduced. 

Function

CoQ10 naturally occurs in every cell, while ubiquinol provides more excellent therapeutic benefits.  

FAQ: CoQ10 and Ubiquinol

Is ubiquinol better than CoQ10?

Fundamentally, ubiquinol and CoQ10 are similar. Ubiquinol (the active form) and ubiquinone (the inactive form) are the two forms of CoQ10. Ubiquinol has a higher bioavailability. Also, it is more suitable for individuals with specific health conditions. 

What is the best form of CoQ10 to take?

Ubiquinol is the best supplement of CoQ10. It is the most effectively absorbed form of CoQ10. In contrast, CoQ10 is oil soluble, and dietary fat ensures better absorption. 

What foods are high in CoQ10?

Oily fish (such as salmon and tuna), organ meats (such as liver), and whole grains are the dietary sources of CoQ10. CoQ10 supplements are helpful for particular health conditions. 

Conclusion

In brief, CoQ10 and ubiquinol are two coenzyme forms that naturally occur in the body. CoQ10 is an oxidized form. Also, it naturally occurs in all cells of the body. In comparison, ubiquinol is the reduced form of the CoQ10. However, it has therapeutic benefits in the body. It is essential as a potent energy booster and efficient antioxidant protection. Therefore, the main difference between CoQ10 and ubiquinol is their oxidation state and benefits.      

References:

1. Wikimedia Foundation. (2024c, January 16). Coenzyme Q10. Wikipedia.
2. Wikimedia Foundation. (2023a, May 10). Ubiquinol. Wikipedia.

Image Courtesy:

1. “CoenzymeQ10” By Sponk – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Ubiquinone ubiquinol conversion” By Triples in LA – Own Work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia