Article Summary:
- Both CoQ10 and fish oil exert therapeutic effects on cardiovascular health.*
- CoQ10 supplementation enhances the depleting CoQ level in the body due to certain medications, such as statins.*
- Nanoformulations containing cyclodextrin-encased CoQ10 molecules have been found to be better absorbed in the body than formulations featuring uncomplexed CoQ10.
If you are considering taking a nutritional supplement for heart health, then CoQ10 and fish oil are the most popular options to choose from. Coenzyme Q10 (or CoQ10) is endogenously produced in the body, and its level is the highest in organs that have high metabolism rates, such as the heart, kidney, and liver. On the other hand, fish oils are derived from the tissues of oily fish, such as tuna, salmon, herring, and mackerel, and contain omega-3 fatty acids known to help support heart health.
The efficacy, benefits, and drawbacks of CoQ10 and fish oil supplements are much debated, making it difficult to determine the right supplement for your heart health. Below, we compare CoQ10 vs fish oil and explain why you should include a powerful heart health supplement in your diet.
CoQ10 vs Fish Oil: A Comparison
CoQ10, one of the most significant lipid antioxidants, primarily functions as an energy transfer molecule, playing a critical role in the body’s energy production – the Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) cycle. As an intracellular antioxidant, CoQ10 neutralizes free radicals, preventing them from damaging cellular lipids, proteins, and DNA. The ability of CoQ10 to enhance ATP production and minimize oxidative stress is believed to be the mechanism of action1 that addresses the high metabolic requirements of heart muscles and supports cardiovascular functions.*
Fish oil primarily contains two types of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), originally synthesized by microalgae. These microalgae are then consumed by phytoplankton that fish further consume, and the omega-3 fatty acids accumulate in the tissues of the fish. Omega-3 fatty acids play a structural role in cell membranes and are critical to forming eicosanoids, the signaling molecules known to regulate various heart functions.
The following table summarizes the key differences between CoQ10 and fish oil, their benefits, and efficacy to help you determine the right supplement for your heart health.
| CoQ10 | Fish Oil | |
| Dietary Sources | Oily fish, organ meats, cruciferous vegetables, certain fruits, nuts and seeds, and whole grains. | Derived from tissues of fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, and tuna. |
| Key Benefits | a. Involved in cellular energy production, improves oxygen utilization at the cellular level.* b. Prevents the generation of free radicals and their adverse impact on cellular structures.* | a. Rich source of omega-3 fatty acids essential for various health functions, including heart, lung, and immune and endocrine systems. b. Fish oils with higher DHA content have been found2 to slow the rate of cognitive decline. |
| Absorption | The absorption of orally ingested CoQ10 is generally poor but varies depending on the formulation. | Fish oil fatty acids are better absorbed in the triacylglycerols form when consumed with a high-fat meal. |
Various clinical studies highlight the individual beneficial effects of CoQ10 and fish oil supplements on heart health.* The consumption of CoQ10 and fish oil supplements together has also been found to be therapeutic for heart health.* Further, research3 indicates the potential role of CoQ supplements in enhancing the depleted levels in the body due to the intake of statin medications for regulating cholesterol levels.*
A Powerful CoQ10 Supplement to Support Your Cardiovascular Health*
It is worth noting that a healthy balanced diet can provide sufficient amounts of CoQ10 to the body. However, oral CoQ10 supplementation might become necessary due to certain pathological conditions or side effects of certain medications.
One of the significant challenges associated with oral CoQ10 supplementation is CoQ10’s naturally poor absorption and bioavailability, which impacts its efficacy. CoQ10 absorption in the body thus varies widely depending on the supplement formulation. Various strategies have been adopted to enhance the absorption of CoQ10, with CoQ10-loaded nanoparticles displaying the most promising results.
CoQ10 Pro® developed by Tesseract Medical Research, is a revolutionary CoQ10 nanoformulation utilizing proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® technology to ensure targeted delivery of the active ingredient molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract. CoQ10 Pro’s unique formulation enables optimal solubility and maximum absorption of CoQ10 at daily intake levels much lower than previously required. The resulting enhanced efficacy of the formulation supports the optimal functioning of your heart.*
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing bioavailability and absorption, and micro-dosing multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Shop products on our website and learn more about how they can help support your cardiovascular health.*
Citations:
1Raizner AE. Methodist DeBakey cardiovascular journal 2019;15(3):185-191. doi:10.14797/mdcj-15-3-185
2Samaneh GF, et al. 2019;59(11):1684-1727. doi:10.1080/10408398.2018.1425978
3Aaseth Jan, et al 2021;197:111521. doi:10.1016/j.mad.2021.111521
