Co-Q10

What this is. Coenzyme Q10, a compound your cells use to make energy. Commonly taken for heart health and for general energy, and often by people on statins, since statins lower the body's own levels.

200 mg of CoQ10 per capsule, as ubiquinone. Not ubiquinol. That is the distinction most labels leave you to work out, so we have put it on the front.

What you are actually getting, per 1 capsule

• Coenzyme Q10 (as ubiquinone) — 200 mg

There is no extract ratio and no standardisation percentage here, so the 200 mg is simply 200 mg of CoQ10. That is refreshingly straightforward and it is the whole ingredient list.

Worth knowing before you buy

Ubiquinone is the oxidised form of CoQ10. Ubiquinol is the reduced form, and it usually costs more. Ubiquinone is what the large majority of the published research has used, so this is not a downgrade — but if you came looking for ubiquinol specifically, this is not that bottle.

200 mg a day sits inside the range the research commonly uses, which is broadly 100 to 300 mg a day, with some trials going considerably higher. We will say plainly what we would say in the other direction: this one is not underdosed.

CoQ10 is fat-soluble and absorbs poorly from a dry powder. The panel lists gelatin as the only other ingredient and no carrier oil, so there is nothing on it to indicate an oil-based softgel. Take it with a meal that contains some fat.

How to take it

One capsule a day with water, preferably with a meal containing fat. Thirty capsules, so one a day is 30 days.

Other ingredients

Gelatin. The capsule is gelatin, which is animal-derived, so this is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. The panel does not state which animal the gelatin comes from, so we cannot tell you whether it is bovine, porcine or fish-derived. If that matters to you for dietary, religious or allergy reasons, do not buy this one on an assumption.

Cautions

CoQ10 can reduce the effect of warfarin and shift your INR — it is structurally similar to vitamin K. If you take warfarin or another vitamin K antagonist, do not start this without telling the doctor or clinic who manages your dosing. CoQ10 has also been reported to affect blood pressure readings, so mention it if you take blood-pressure medication. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not use if the safety seal is damaged or missing. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not exceed the recommended dose. If you are pregnant, nursing, under 18, taking prescription medication or living with a medical condition, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting this or any supplement.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.