CoQ10 is among the most popular supplements in the U.S. and is used for cardiovascular disease and a range of other conditions. However, it is easy, however, for a consumer to be confused about CoQ10 due to mixed clinical findings, absorption issues, two chemical forms (CoQ10 and its activated from, ubiquinol), and a variety of suggested dosing across products.

ConsumerLab.com recently purchased, tested, and compared many CoQ10 and ubiquinol supplements.

All products were found to contain the amounts of CoQ10 and ubiquinol listed on their labels, although four products could not be “Approved” due to other FDA labeling infractions.

The new report, available at a small cost, identifies high quality products and shows which may provide the best value. It also identifies those with potentially enhanced absorption, and includes clinical information regarding safety, efficacy,  and dosage. A news release about the report is found below:

The new report by ConsumerLab.com highlights the difficulty consumers may have in selecting a supplement containing the anti-oxidant CoQ10 or its activated form, ubiquinol.

CoQ10 is among the most popular dietary supplements in the U.S. with $450 million sold in 2009, according to Nutrition Business Journal.

The recent Supplement Users Survey by ConsumerLab.com showed that 53.3% of serious supplement users purchased CoQ10 in 2010 and this rate was even higher among men and people over the age of fifty-five.

Across thirty-one products reviewed by ConsumerLab.com, the suggested daily serving size ranged from only 22 mg to 400 mg of CoQ10 or ubiquinol.

The cost to obtain 100 mg of either ingredient from the products ranged from just 11 cents to more than three dollars.

Some products contained “solubilized” forms of CoQ10 or ubiquinol, which may deliver more than twice as much CoQ10 into the blood as standard capsules.

ConsumerLab.com’s supplement testing showed that all products contained their listed amounts of CoQ10 or ubiquinol but four products violated FDA labeling requirements by depicting a heart symbol on their labels.

The heart symbol is an implied health claim not permitted by the FDA for CoQ10 or ubiquinol supplements.

CoQ10 may help treat:

• congestive heart failure and
• mitochondrial encephalomyopathies.

There is some evidence, although mixed, that it may also help:

• prevent migraine headaches,
• delay the progression of Parkinson’s disease, and
• reverse side effects associated with cholesterol-lowering “statin” drugs.

Research suggests potential use in:

• muscular dystrophy,
• AIDS,
• hypertension, and
• other conditions.
• A study of ubiquinol in elderly people suggested an improvement in self-assessed “vitality.”

Tod Cooperman, M.D., President of ConsumerLab.com, cautioned, “Due to the wide range of dosage indicated on CoQ10 and ubiquinol supplement labels, anyone seeking to use these products should first determine the appropriate dosage for the intended use and then select a product that most conveniently and economically provides that dosage.

The ConsumerLab.com report includes information on the dosage used in clinical studies for various conditions, compares product costs, and explains differences in CoQ10 forms and formulations, including which may be better absorbed than others.

The new report is available here.

ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. Subscription to ConsumerLab.com is available online.

The company is privately held and based in Westchester, New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products.