What is CoQ10 with PQQ good for?

When Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is paired with Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ), the combination targets mitochondrial health from two angles: CoQ10 supports ATP generation within the electron transport chain, while PQQ promotes mitochondrial biogenesis (the creation of new mitochondria). This synergy translates into broader, more durable benefits for energy, heart, brain, immune function, and healthy aging.

*Picture1: Coenzyme Q10

• Boost energy levels: CoQ10 helps mitochondria produce cellular energy (ATP), while PQQ increases the number of mitochondria, enhancing total energy capacity and fatigue resistance.

• Improve heart health: CoQ10 reduces oxidative stress and supports myocardial efficiency; PQQ helps safeguard mitochondrial function in cardiac cells, complementing CoQ10’s cardioprotective role.

• Enhance cognitive function: Both are antioxidants that protect neurons from oxidative damage. PQQ-driven mitochondrial biogenesis and CoQ10’s steady energy support may aid memory, focus, and mental clarity.

• Support immune function: Immune cell activation is energy-intensive. By improving mitochondrial efficiency, CoQ10 + PQQ can help strengthen immune resilience.

• Reduce inflammation: PQQ exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that can help mitigate chronic, low-grade inflammation; combined with CoQ10’s antioxidant action, this provides broader cellular protection.

• Recommended dosage: Common supplemental ranges are 100–200 mg/day for CoQ10 and 10–20 mg/day for PQQ, depending on individual needs and professional guidance.

• Sources: Small amounts are present in foods like beef, chicken, and spinach, but typical diets provide far below clinically used levels; supplementation is a practical route to achieve consistent intake.

Note: Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

The Billion-Yuan CoQ10 Upgrade Battle:Reduced vs. Oxidized

Who Will Break International Barriers and Achieve Import Substitution?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) — a star ingredient in cardiovascular health and anti-aging — has rapidly moved from the realm of scientific research into mainstream consumer use, thanks to its critical role in heart function, cellular energy production, and antioxidant protection. It is now one of the most sought-after dietary supplements.

According to Magic Mirror Data, between December 2022 and November 2023, there were 101,000 discussions about CoQ10 on major social media platforms. Over the same period, e-commerce sales reached RMB 3.13 billion, up 94.8% year-on-year.

Behind this market heat lies a key technical distinction that directly affects product efficacy and consumer choice: CoQ10 exists in two forms — oxidized (ubiquinone) and reduced (ubiquinol). Do consumers understand the difference? How should brands respond to ingredient debates? This is not only about absorption efficiency, but also about high barriers in raw material processing and the evolving structure of the industry.

1. From “Internet Sensation” to “Daily Necessity”:CoQ10’s Path to Mainstream Health

CoQ10 is a substance primarily synthesized by the human body, concentrated in high-energy-demand organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. It plays a central role in cellular energy production, powering the heartbeat, and is also a potent antioxidant that protects cell structures and slows aging.

Although the body can produce CoQ10, production declines after age 25. When levels fall below 75% of normal, health risks begin to emerge; below 40%, the risk of age-related and energy-deficiency diseases rises sharply.

Amid accelerating population aging, CoQ10 has become a hot ingredient in the “silver economy,” especially favored by those concerned with heart health. The 2022 Family Nutrition Fourth Meal Consumption Trend Insight report ranked CoQ10 third among preferred supplements for middle-aged and elderly consumers, after basic vitamins and minerals.

At the same time, cardiovascular issues are trending younger. The White Paper on Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Health in Chinese Youth and Middle-Aged Populations notes that 44.3% of people aged 20–39 are at high risk, with more young consumers viewing CoQ10 as a “preventive investment” for fatigue resistance and heart maintenance.

*Picture2: Ubiquinone Oxidized form and Ubiquinol Reduced form of CoQ10

Beyond heart health, CoQ10’s applications are expanding:

• In skincare, as an antioxidant to protect collagen

• In immunity, as an enhancer

• For high-intensity workers and athletes, to support cellular energy and relieve fatigue

The market continues to grow rapidly: in 2023, the global CoQ10 market reached RMB 6.842 billion, and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 8.5%, surpassing RMB 11.296 billion by 2029.

2. Beyond the “Form Debate”:The Technology Race Driving CoQ10 Upgrades

In cells, CoQ10 exists mainly in two forms — oxidized (ubiquinone) and reduced (ubiquinol) — which interconvert to perform physiological functions.

Research and industry opinion often favor the reduced form, which can be directly absorbed by the human body.

A 2013 human clinical study measured steady-state plasma CoQ10 levels in 12 healthy volunteers, comparing ubiquinol and ubiquinone. After four weeks of ubiquinone supplementation, levels rose from 0.9 to 2.5 μg/ml; after four weeks of ubiquinol, they rose from 0.9 to 4.3 μg/ml. The ubiquinol/total CoQ10 ratio increased significantly during ubiquinol supplementation (P<0.005) but remained unchanged with ubiquinone. This indicates higher bioavailability for ubiquinol.

Top-tier SCI journal Pharmaceutics has also reported on next-generation ubiquinol using patented supramolecular cocrystal technology, achieving greater absorption, stability, and activity.

Market dynamics confirm ubiquinol’s potential:

• Demand side: Post-pandemic, demand for heart protection, anti-fatigue, and immune support has surged. Products claiming “no conversion needed, directly absorbed” command 30–50% higher prices yet attract both young and older consumers. Cross-border platforms show higher preference for “high bioavailability” claims, with consumers willing to pay a technology premium and favoring brands with pharmaceutical backgrounds for safety assurance.

• Supply side: Leading companies are moving beyond form-based marketing to build barriers in three areas:

  • Purity & absorption: Using micro/nano-encapsulation, biofermentation, or natural yeast extraction to maximize activity and bioavailability.

  • Formulation synergy: Combining with other nutrients — e.g., Swisse adds B vitamins for anti-fatigue; Kang Enbei pairs with vitamin E for antioxidant stability.

  • Full-chain traceability: From raw strain to finished packaging, enabling ingredient transparency to strengthen trust.

3. Source-to-Product:Addressing CoQ10 Quality Challenges

CoQ10 quality depends heavily on stable upstream raw materials and production processes. China is now a major global producer and exporter, with 2022 output at ~1,367 tons and domestic demand at ~248 tons. Supply and demand are balanced overall, but seasonal fluctuations and international compliance pressures remain.

Key industry pain points:

• High entry barriers: Companies targeting high-activity ubiquinol face steep technical hurdles, large capital needs, and tough market access. Building stable, reliable production and quality systems requires significant investment.

• Supply chain volatility: Prices of chemical precursors are sensitive to global supply-demand and geopolitics. Agricultural extracts like solanesol — a key precursor — are vulnerable to planting area changes and extreme weather, impacting raw material security and cost control.

• Cost pass-through pressure: In competitive markets, rising raw material costs are hard to pass on, squeezing margins and increasing operational risk.

Strategic response: Vertical integration is emerging as the key solution — extending from midstream raw material production upstream to secure supply. Companies with full-chain capabilities and systematic certifications are better positioned to win trust.

Case in point: Xinkailian Biotechnology (Hainan) Co., Ltd. has built a complete chain covering R&D, raw materials, production, and certification. It is currently the only domestic company producing both ubiquinone and ubiquinol at scale, breaking long-standing international monopolies. Advantages include:

• Proprietary ubiquinol patent (ZL2023 1 1751931.0) and ubiquinone strain patent (ZL2024 1 0759816.6)

• GMP certification and global readiness

• Natural fermentation sourcing, gentle reaction conditions, and ultra-low-temperature processing to preserve ubiquinol bioactivity, enhance absorption and stability, and ensure purity and downstream product quality

4. Conclusion

Competition in the CoQ10 market is intensifying. Consumers demand efficacy, regulators demand authenticity, and international markets demand compliance. The key to breaking through lies in building a truly autonomous, resilient supply chain — from strain to raw material to finished product.

This requires more companies like Xinkailian, with core technology, complete certification, and global vision, to fill critical gaps. It also calls for tighter collaboration across the value chain — with brands deeply partnering with reliable, technically strong raw material suppliers to co-invest in R&D, optimize processes, and ensure transparent traceability.

References:

[1] Tian Ming, Wang Yuwei, Li Ruifeng, et al. Analysis and Implications of Including Coenzyme Q10 and Other Raw Materials in the Health Food Filing Directory. State Administration for Market Regulation Development Research Center; School of Management, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.

[2] 2024 China CoQ10 Industry Upstream and Downstream Structure and Development Prospects. China Research Network.

[3] Langsjoen P.H., Langsjoen A.M. (2013). Comparison study of plasma coenzyme Q10 levels in healthy subjects supplemented with ubiquinol versus ubiquinone. Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development, 3(1): 13–17.

[4] Zhang Q., Xia M., Zheng C., et al. (2023). The Cocrystal of Ubiquinol: Improved Stability and Bioavailability. Pharmaceutics, 15(10).

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