Coenzyme Q10, also called ubiquinone, is made by the body itself. It sits in almost every cell, and in greater amounts in the organs that burn the most energy: the heart, the muscles, the brain. It works inside the mitochondria, the small power plants that turn food into cellular energy.

Natural production falls over the years, and it is often around forty that people start asking about it. Food provides only small amounts (offal, oily fish, meat), and less again on a vegetarian diet. That is why CoQ10 is one of the supplements we are asked about most in our Paris shop.

You can browse the full Novoma range and our other coenzyme Q10 products.

Standard coenzyme Q10 has one drawback: it is a fatty molecule, it dissolves poorly and crosses the intestinal wall with difficulty. Novoma chose the CAVAQ10® form, developed by the German company Wacker. The CoQ10 sits inside a gamma-cyclodextrin, a ring-shaped sugar molecule that protects it and helps it disperse.

According to the supplier, this form is far better absorbed than standard CoQ10. That is why a single capsule a day is enough, where other formulas call for several.

Each capsule also provides 80 mg of vitamin C Quali®-C (100% of the nutrient reference values) and 12 mg of vitamin E Nutrabiol® (100% of the NRV). Vitamin C and vitamin E contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Vitamin C also contributes to the reduction of tiredness and to normal energy-yielding metabolism.

The two work together: vitamin C helps regenerate vitamin E. Quali®-C is made in Scotland, and Nutrabiol® vitamin E is a natural blend of tocopherols from Spain. More of this kind of thing sits in our antioxidants section.

One capsule a day with a glass of water, ideally during a meal. CoQ10 is fat-soluble: taking it with a little fat (olive oil, avocado, fish, cheese) helps absorption further, even in CAVAQ10® form.

The time of day matters less than regularity. Many customers pair it with a course from our energy and vitality section.

The ingredient list fits on one line: coenzyme Q10 CAVAQ10®, plant-based capsule (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), vitamin C Quali®-C, vitamin E Nutrabiol®. No magnesium stearate, no titanium dioxide, no colouring. The formula is entirely plant-based, gluten-free, lactose-free and GMO-free: suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Novoma has its supplements made in France and packs this CoQ10 in a bottle of 100% recycled, recyclable R-PET. Novoma (formerly Nutrivita) is a French brand from Toulouse that we have stocked for a long time.

For adults only. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women as a precaution. If you are on medication, in particular an anticoagulant, ask your doctor before taking coenzyme Q10. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

If you are visiting Paris, the shop is at 10 rue Théophile Roussel in the 12th arrondissement, Tuesday to Saturday.