Coenzyme Q10 goes by several alternative names that can appear on supplement labels, in research literature, and during clinical discussions. The most common alternatives include ubiquinone (the oxidised form), ubiquinol (the reduced, active form), ubidecarenone (the WHO-recognised International Nonproprietary Name), and simply coenzyme Q. Understanding these different names helps patients navigate the supplement market and communicate effectively with healthcare professionals. This article explains the various names for CoQ10, the differences between its forms, and how to identify quality supplements in the UK.

What Is CoQ10 and Its Alternative Names?

Coenzyme Q10, commonly abbreviated as CoQ10, is a naturally occurring compound found in virtually every cell of the human body. This vital substance plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Understanding its various names can help patients and healthcare professionals navigate supplement labels, research literature, and clinical discussions more effectively.

The primary alternative names for CoQ10 include:

• Ubiquinone – the oxidised form of CoQ10

• Ubiquinol – the reduced, active form of CoQ10

• Coenzyme Q – the broader family name

• Ubidecarenone – the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) recognised by the World Health Organization

• Vitamin Q10 – an older, less commonly used term (though technically not a vitamin)

The name "coenzyme Q10" derives from its biochemical function as a coenzyme in the electron transport chain and the presence of 10 isoprenoid units in its chemical structure. The "Q" refers to the quinone chemical group within its molecular structure. In clinical and research settings, you may encounter the abbreviation "CoQ₁₀" with a subscript, though "CoQ10" is more commonly used in patient-facing materials.

In the UK, CoQ10 is generally sold as a food supplement regulated by the Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards, unless it makes medicinal claims that would bring it under Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) oversight. On supplement labels, you'll most commonly see the terms ubiquinone and ubiquinol, though manufacturers may use various nomenclatures to describe this compound.

Understanding Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol

The distinction between ubiquinone and ubiquinol represents more than just alternative naming – these terms describe two different chemical forms of CoQ10 that exist in a dynamic equilibrium within the body. Understanding this difference is essential for making informed decisions about supplementation and interpreting clinical research.

Ubiquinone is the oxidised form of CoQ10 and the most stable version for manufacturing and storage. When you consume ubiquinone, your body converts it to ubiquinol through a reduction process that occurs naturally in the digestive system and liver. This form has been used in the majority of clinical trials over the past several decades and has an established safety profile. Ubiquinone supplements are generally more affordable and have a longer shelf life due to their chemical stability.

Ubiquinol, conversely, is the reduced form of CoQ10 that participates directly in cellular energy production and antioxidant activity. A significant proportion of the CoQ10 circulating in healthy individuals exists as ubiquinol, though this can vary with age and health status. This form is sometimes marketed as having advantages for individuals whose conversion capacity may be compromised, such as older adults or those with certain health conditions.

The body continuously cycles between these two forms during normal metabolic processes. When ubiquinol donates electrons as an antioxidant, it becomes ubiquinone; when ubiquinone accepts electrons in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, it converts back to ubiquinol. There is ongoing scientific debate regarding whether ubiquinol supplementation offers superior bioavailability compared to ubiquinone, with evidence being heterogeneous and clinical outcome superiority unproven. The conversion between forms appears to function efficiently in most healthy individuals, though this capacity may decline with age or in certain disease states.

How to Identify CoQ10 on Supplement Labels

Navigating supplement labels can be challenging, particularly when manufacturers use different terminology for the same compound. When searching for CoQ10 supplements in the UK, several key elements on the label will help you identify the product correctly and assess its quality.

Primary identification markers include:

• Active ingredient listing – Look for "Coenzyme Q10", "CoQ10", "Ubiquinone", or "Ubiquinol" in the ingredients panel

• Dosage information – Typically expressed in milligrams (mg) per capsule or serving, commonly ranging from 30mg to 300mg

• Form specification – Quality manufacturers will clearly state whether the product contains ubiquinone or ubiquinol

• Additional ingredients – Many formulations include oils or fats to enhance absorption, as CoQ10 is lipophilic (fat-soluble)

UK supplement labels must comply with regulations set by the Food Standards Agency under the Food Supplements Regulations and retained EU Food Information to Consumers Regulation. Reputable manufacturers will provide clear information about the CoQ10 content without making unauthorised health claims. Any health claims must comply with the GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) guidelines.

Some labels may display additional quality markers such as "pharmaceutical grade", "bioavailable form", or third-party testing certifications. These terms are not regulated for food supplements in the UK and should be viewed as marketing terminology rather than regulatory standards. The presence of a batch/lot number and best before date (date of minimum durability) is legally required on all food supplements.

When comparing products, ensure you're comparing equivalent forms (ubiquinone to ubiquinone, or ubiquinol to ubiquinol) and similar dosages. Some manufacturers use proprietary names or trademarked formulations, but the active ingredient should always be clearly identified as one of the recognised CoQ10 variants. If the label is unclear or uses unfamiliar terminology without specifying the CoQ10 content, consider this a potential red flag regarding product transparency.

Choosing the Right CoQ10 Supplement in the UK

Selecting an appropriate CoQ10 supplement requires consideration of several factors, including form, dosage, quality standards, and individual health circumstances. Whilst CoQ10 supplements are widely available in the UK without prescription, consulting with a healthcare professional before commencing supplementation is advisable, particularly for individuals taking medications or managing chronic health conditions.

Key considerations when selecting a CoQ10 supplement:

• Form selection – For most healthy adults, standard ubiquinone supplements are adequate and cost-effective. Ubiquinol may be preferable for older adults (over 60), individuals with absorption difficulties, or those seeking potentially enhanced bioavailability, though this comes at a higher cost.

• Dosage requirements – Typical supplemental doses range from 100mg to 200mg daily, though some conditions studied in research have used higher doses (up to 300mg daily). There is no official NHS or NICE guidance on optimal CoQ10 dosing, as it remains classified as a food supplement rather than a medicine for most indications.

• Quality assurance – Look for products from reputable manufacturers that follow food safety standards. While not specific to supplements, standards such as HACCP and ISO 22000 indicate adherence to food safety protocols.

• Formulation factors – CoQ10 is fat-soluble, so supplements formulated with oils or taken with fatty meals may enhance absorption. Some products use specialised delivery systems claiming improved bioavailability, though evidence for superiority varies.

Important safety considerations:

CoQ10 supplements are generally well-tolerated, with adverse effects being uncommon and typically mild (such as gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, or insomnia). However, CoQ10 may interact with certain medications, particularly warfarin and other anticoagulants. People taking warfarin should consult their GP or anticoagulation clinic before starting CoQ10 and should have their INR monitored after starting or stopping supplementation.

Individuals taking statins sometimes consider CoQ10 supplementation, though NICE does not recommend routine CoQ10 to prevent or treat statin-associated muscle symptoms. CoQ10 may also have additive effects with blood pressure medications, so monitor for symptoms of dizziness or low blood pressure.

Patients should contact their GP before starting CoQ10 supplementation if they are taking anticoagulants, have scheduled surgery, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have significant cardiovascular, hepatic, or renal conditions. Whilst serious adverse effects are rare, any suspected side effects should be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk). The long-term safety profile of CoQ10 supplementation appears favourable based on available evidence, though as with any supplement, the principle of using the lowest effective dose applies.

Frequently Asked Questions