CoQ10 (USP Grade) - Sports Research

Product: 100 mg per softgel | 120 Veggie Softgels Brand: Sports Research Primary Use: Cellular energy production, antioxidant support, cardiovascular health

Form & Bioavailability

Form Used: Ubiquinone (USP Grade) Absorption Enhancers: Coconut MCT oil + BioPerine (black pepper extract)

Form | Bioavailability | Best For

------|----------------|----------

Ubiquinol | Higher (especially >40 yrs) | Older adults, those with absorption issues

Ubiquinone | Good with fat/piperine | General population, cost-effective

This product uses ubiquinone (oxidized form) rather than ubiquinol (reduced form). Research shows ubiquinol may be 1.7x better absorbed in older adults, but the difference is less significant with proper delivery (MCT oil + piperine). For cardiovascular benefits specifically, ubiquinone is well-supported by research.

Mechanism

CoQ10 is essential for mitochondrial ATP production in the electron transport chain. It also functions as a lipid-soluble antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage. Highest concentrations are found in heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas.

Dosing

• Maintenance: 100 mg/day
• Therapeutic: 200-300 mg/day (heart health, statin users)
• Upper limit: 200 mg/day shows diminishing efficacy above this
• Timing: With meals containing fat for optimal absorption
• Duration: Continuous use; benefits accumulate over weeks

Safety

Common side effects: Generally well-tolerated; rare GI upset Contraindications: None significant Key interactions:

• 🟡 Warfarin: May reduce anticoagulant effect (structurally similar to vitamin K)
• 🟢 Statins: Recommended co-supplementation (statins deplete CoQ10)
• 🟢 Blood pressure meds: May have additive BP-lowering effect

Evidence Quality

Strong evidence for:

• Mitochondrial function support
• Statin-induced myopathy reduction
• Heart failure symptom improvement (adjunct therapy)

Moderate evidence for:

• Blood pressure reduction
• Exercise performance
• Migraine prevention

Product Assessment

Positives:

• USP Grade (pharmaceutical purity standard)
• Third-party tested, cGMP facility
• Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan Certified
• BioPerine + MCT oil enhance absorption
• Veggie softgel (tapioca-based, no carrageenan)
• Appropriate 100 mg dose per capsule

Considerations:

• Uses ubiquinone, not ubiquinol (acceptable for most, but ubiquinol may be better for 40+)
• 100 mg is maintenance dose; may need 2 caps for therapeutic dosing

Verdict

Solid product with good quality markers. The USP grade, third-party testing, and absorption enhancers make this a reliable choice. For adults under 40 or those primarily seeking cardiovascular support, ubiquinone is appropriate. Those over 40 or with absorption concerns may want to consider ubiquinol form.

---

*Research compiled using supplement-researcher methodology*