Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) is a fat-soluble molecule present in every cell of the human body, with a dual fundamental role: energy production (ATP), as CoQ10 is an essential link in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, transporting electrons between enzyme complexes I, II and III and enabling the production of 95% of cellular ATP — without CoQ10, cells simply cannot produce energy; and antioxidant protection, as in its reduced form (ubiquinol), CoQ10 protects cell membranes and LDL lipoproteins from free-radical oxidation. The organs richest in CoQ10 are those that consume the most energy: the heart (beating around 100,000 times a day), liver, kidneys and brain, which is why a CoQ10 shortfall first shows up as general tiredness, reduced endurance and slower recovery. Natural CoQ10 production declines from age 30: -30% by 40, -50% in the heart by 60. Supplementation helps offset this natural decline.

The 100mg-per-capsule dosage is meaningful, in line with the amounts used in clinical studies (100 to 300mg/day depending on the indication) — the dose most often recommended as a preventive measure for people aged 40 and over. Distriform’ CoQ10 is presented as ubiquinone, the oxidised, stable form of CoQ10. In the body, it is converted into ubiquinol (the reduced, active form) by reductase enzymes — a conversion that is efficient in most people. For those over 50 or on statins, whose conversion capacity may be reduced, ubiquinol (already in reduced form) may be preferable. Ubiquinone has an advantage: it is more storage-stable than ubiquinol and less costly, making it excellent value for ongoing background supplementation.

Statins (atorvastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin…) are the most widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering medicines in the world. They inhibit the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme in the mevalonate pathway — the same metabolic pathway involved in CoQ10 synthesis. As a result, statins reduce CoQ10 levels by 30 to 50%, a depletion that may contribute to some of the most common statin side effects: muscle pain (myalgia), reported by 5 to 10% of patients on statins, since CoQ10 is essential to muscle energy; tiredness, as lower CoQ10 reduces ATP production in all tissues; and muscle weakness, linked to mitochondrial energy deficit. CoQ10 supplementation (100 to 200mg/day) is often considered to help offset this depletion — always inform your doctor of any such supplementation.

Dosage: 1 capsule a day (100mg) with a meal containing some fat — CoQ10 is fat-soluble and its absorption is up to 3 times better with dietary lipids (olive oil, avocado, nuts, oily fish). 60 capsules cover a 2-month course; a 3-month course is recommended. CoQ10 pairs well with omega-3, magnesium bisglycinate (a cofactor for ATP production), and other actives in the mitochondrial energy chain.

Consult a doctor if on anticoagulant or antihypertensive treatment. Not recommended for pregnant women without medical advice. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Food supplement. Not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of children.

CoQ10 100mg or 200mg: which dosage?

100mg/day is suitable for prevention (ages 40-60, not on statins). 200mg/day is recommended for people on statins, endurance athletes, or those over 60.

CoQ10 or ubiquinol: which to choose?

CoQ10 (ubiquinone) is the stable, economical form suited to use up to age 50. Ubiquinol is the already-reduced form, better absorbed, recommended after 50 or when on statins.

Herba Barona is an independent specialist supplement shop in the heart of Paris — established in 2006. What you order is genuinely on our shelves: we ship from our own stock, with no dropshipping and no long waits.

Visit us at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12 — or use Click & Collect and pick up your order in-store. We also deliver across France and Europe. Friendly, expert advice in English from our team.

Where is the shop?

Herba Barona is at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris — a two-minute walk from Ledru-Rollin (line 8), close to Bastille. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm.

Can I order online or collect in store?

Yes. We ship across France and Europe under the same conditions as our French store, or choose Click & Collect to pick up your order for free at our Paris shop.