Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10 or Ubiquinol, is a powerful antioxidant that was discovered in 1957. All cells within the human body contain CoQ10, primarily within the mitochondria. Heart and liver cells have a relatively higher number of mitochondria, so these tissues contain more CoQ10 than any other organ.

In New Zealand, CoQ10 supplements come in ubiquinol, the active antioxidant form, or ubiquinone, which needs to be converted into ubiquinol by our bodies. In those who are healthy, about 90 percent of the CoQ10 in the plasma is in the ubiquinol form. Both forms of CoQ10 are popular daily supplements in NZ and are taken in capsule form.