Bioavailability of Coenzyme Q₁₀: An Overview of the Absorption Process and Subsequent Metabolism

A lack of understanding of the processes determining the absorption and subsequent metabolism of coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) has resulted in some manufacturers' making incorrect claims regarding the bioavailability of their CoQ₁₀ supplements, with potential consequences for the use of such products in clinical trials. The purpose of the present review article is, therefore, to describe the various stages of exogenous CoQ₁₀ metabolism, from its first ingestion, stomach transit, absorption from the small intestine into the lymphatic system, transport in blood, and access into cells. In particular, the importance of CoQ₁₀ crystal dispersion in the initial formulation is emphasised, the absence of which reduces bioavailability by 75%. In addition, evidence comparing the relative bioavailability and efficacy of ubiquinone and ubiquinol forms of CoQ₁₀ has been reviewed.