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In the world of fertility supplements, few nutrients receive as much attention as Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). It plays a central role in energy production, supports mitochondrial health and protects reproductive cells from oxidative damage. But when shopping for a CoQ10 supplement, you might notice two different terms: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Are they the same? Which form is better, especially when trying to conceive?
This guide explains the differences between ubiquinol and ubiquinone, their respective roles in fertility, how absorption differs between the two forms, and how to use CoQ10 effectively as part of your preconception or fertility plan.
Zita West uses Kaneka Ubiquinol in our CoQ10 supplement, the active, bioavailable form and one of the most researched CoQ10 ingredients in the world. Research shows Kaneka Ubiquinol is up to 70% more bioavailable than standard CoQ10 supplements. Read the research here.
Shop Kaneka Ubiquinol CoQ10 Book a free 1:1 consultationCoQ10 is a vitamin-like compound naturally produced by the body and present in almost every cell. Its main role is to help generate energy within the mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells.1 It also serves as a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from free radical damage.
In the context of fertility, this is particularly important. Mitochondria are vital for healthy egg and sperm function, including egg maturation, fertilisation and early embryo development. CoQ10 supplementation may support these energy-intensive reproductive processes, and is one of the most widely recommended fertility supplements in clinical practice. Read our full guide to CoQ10 and fertility here.
Yes and no. Ubiquinol is a form of CoQ10, not a different substance. CoQ10 exists in two main forms in the body: ubiquinone (the oxidised form) and ubiquinol (the reduced, active form). Both are CoQ10 — the difference is in their chemical state and how efficiently the body can use them.
When you take a ubiquinone supplement, your body has to convert it into ubiquinol before it can be effectively used by cells. Ubiquinol is already in its active state and does not require this conversion step, which is why it is more readily absorbed and utilised.
This conversion step is where the practical difference lies. In younger individuals with healthy metabolic function, the conversion from ubiquinone to ubiquinol is reasonably efficient. As we age, particularly from the mid-thirties onwards, this conversion becomes progressively less efficient, meaning a larger proportion of a ubiquinone supplement may be lost before it reaches the cells where it is needed.1
Age is one of the most significant factors in fertility, and declining CoQ10 production and conversion efficiency is one of the biochemical reasons why. From the mid-thirties onwards, the body produces less CoQ10 naturally and becomes less efficient at converting ubiquinone to ubiquinol. This may result in reduced mitochondrial efficiency, which directly affects egg and sperm quality.
Eggs require significant amounts of energy for proper division and implantation. Poor mitochondrial function has been linked to chromosomal abnormalities, lower fertilisation rates and reduced embryo viability.2 The same applies to sperm motility and DNA integrity.
Supplementing with ubiquinol, which is already in its active form, may provide more reliable mitochondrial support than ubiquinone, particularly for women over 35. Read our guide to CoQ10 and fertility after 40 here.
Research has shown that ubiquinol is significantly more bioavailable than ubiquinone. Studies indicate that Kaneka Ubiquinol, the form used in Zita West's CoQ10 supplement, is up to 70% more bioavailable than some standard CoQ10 supplements, meaning more of each dose reaches the cells that need it.
This is particularly relevant in fertility contexts where time may be limited, such as in IVF preparation or for women over 35, and where optimising mitochondrial support as efficiently as possible matters.
In addition to its role in energy production, ubiquinol is one of the most powerful fat-soluble antioxidants in the human body. It helps neutralise free radicals, unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage and accelerate reproductive ageing.
Oxidative stress is known to negatively affect both male and female fertility. In women, it may damage eggs, reduce ovarian reserve and interfere with hormone balance. In men, it has been associated with reduced sperm motility and increased DNA fragmentation. Supporting antioxidant status with ubiquinol may help address this.
Mitochondria generate energy in the form of ATP through a process called the electron transport chain. Ubiquinol plays a critical role in this chain, shuttling electrons and enabling efficient energy conversion.2 In eggs and sperm, this energy powers motility, cellular division and developmental programming, all essential functions for healthy conception and early pregnancy.
Kaneka Ubiquinol is produced through a natural fermentation process that yields a bioidentical compound to the ubiquinol the body produces. It is one of the most extensively researched forms of CoQ10 available and is used in clinical fertility research worldwide.
Uses the Kaneka form of ubiquinol, up to 70% more bioavailable than standard CoQ10. Manufactured in Japan and used in clinical fertility research worldwide. Available in 60 and 120 capsule sizes.
Shop nowCoQ10 is fat-soluble and should be taken with a meal containing healthy fats to support absorption. Typical doses for fertility support range from 200mg to 600mg daily depending on age and individual circumstances. Consistency matters — CoQ10 builds up in the body over time, so starting at least two to three months before trying to conceive or beginning fertility treatment is generally recommended.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are undergoing fertility treatment.
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