Best Coenzyme Q10 Formulation for Supplements

Article Summary:

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is typically poorly absorbed, adversely impacting the efficacy of most CoQ10 supplement formulations. 
• An advanced CoQ10 supplement should have enhanced bioavailability and absorption of CoQ10. 
• The proprietary nutrient delivery technology developed by Tesseract Medical Research enables targeted delivery of CoQ10 at the desired point in the intestinal tract to ensure optimal absorption.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an endogenous antioxidant that plays a critical role as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, powering cellular energy production.*  CoQ10 modulates the mitochondrial permeability transition pore to influence cell signaling, cell growth, and apoptosis (cell death).* The beneficial effects of CoQ10 make it one of the most commonly used supplements for promoting optimal cardiovascular health.* 

However, coenzyme Q10’s poor bioavailability and absorption compromise the efficacy of most CoQ10 supplement formulations. So, what is the best coenzyme Q10 formulation that will ensure the optimal absorption of the active nutrient? Below, we discuss the key features of the best CoQ10 supplement formulation and why you should always consider an advanced formulation to support a healthy heart.* 

Key Features of the Best Coenzyme Q10 Supplements

Coenzyme Q10 has two forms: oxidized (ubiquinone) and reduced (ubiquinol). Both forms coexist and regenerate each other in the body through sequential redox reactions. This versatile molecule has been conventionally used as an oral supplement to enhance mitochondrial functions and to limit oxidative damage to cells by functioning as an antioxidant.* 

However, CoQ10’s poor intestinal absorption hinders its beneficial effects. One animal study ¹ indicated that only 3 percent of orally administered CoQ10 is absorbed. To combat this challenge, several approaches have been implemented to enhance CoQ10’s bioavailability and subsequent absorption. It has been observed that the bioavailability of CoQ10 supplement formulations depends on the matrix used to dissolve CoQ10 and the addition of nutrients, such as vitamin C, that help maintain CoQ10 in the reduced, more absorbable state. 

The following are several novel approaches to enhancing CoQ10’s solubility. 

• Liposomes: Nano-liposomes are long-circulating agents made of phospholipids or cholesterol. The lipid bilayers of nano-liposomes encapsulate CoQ10 molecules to enhance their bioavailability and prolong their circulating time in the blood.   

• Lipid-free nanoformulation: Biocompatible and biodegradable nanocarriers deliver small nutrient molecules, nucleic acids, etc. Lipid-based nanoparticles use surfactants to enhance the permeability and absorption of CoQ10 molecules. 

• Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems: These are lipid-based mixtures that help improve the bioavailability of CoQ10 molecules by enhancing their dissolution in the gastrointestinal tract and enhancing their effectiveness throughout the body. 

• CoQ10-loaded oleogels: Oleogels are lipophilic in nature and are used to deliver water-insoluble molecules. CoQ10-loaded oleogels, a semi-solid gel with an oily matrix, make it easier to consume high doses of fat-soluble CoQ10, leading to more sustained blood levels over time and promoting patient compliance. 

• CoQ10 micellization: Micelles as nutrient delivery carriers offer higher stability. CoQ10 micelles enhance the nutrient’s solubility and cell membrane permeability to maintain high CoQ10 levels in the blood. 

• Water-soluble CoQ10: Encapsulating CoQ10 molecules in β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes makes them soluble in aqueous environments. CoQ10/β-cyclodextrin complexes have been found² to significantly increase CoQ10’s solubility and enhance its gastrointestinal absorption.  

Based on the delivery systems, several novel CoQ10 supplement formulations have been developed. But how should you determine the best Coenzyme Q10 formulation for supplements? The following table highlights some key characteristics of the best CoQ10 formulations. 

A coenzyme Q10 supplement formula with these features can be considered an advanced supplement for promoting optimal cardiovascular health. 

An Advanced CoQ10 Formulation Developed by Tesseract Medical Research

CoQ10 Pro® is a unique Coenzyme Q10 formulation developed by Tesseract Medical Research. The proprietary formulation uses the CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery system — a cyclodextrin technology that ensures optimal solubility and absorption of CoQ10 in microdoses. The CyLoc® technology encases each CoQ10 molecule to protect its integrity during transit through the stomach. The accompanying DexKey® reactors release the CoQ10 molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract for maximum absorption. 

The targeted and sustained delivery of CoQ10 molecules to the heart and muscle tissues makes CoQ10 Pro® one of the best coenzyme Q10 formulations to support healthy cardiovascular function.* 

¹Bhagavan HN, Chopra RK. Plasma coenzyme Q10 response to oral ingestion of coenzyme Q10 formulations. Mitochondrion vol. 7 Suppl (2007):S78-S88. doi:10.1016/j.mito.2007.03.003

²Pastor-Maldonado CJ, et al. Coenzyme Q10: Novel formulations and medical trends.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences vol. 21,22 8432. 10 Nov. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijms21228432