Yes, but which? The best CoQ10 for fertility, heart health & key life stages
With decades of research behind it, Kaneka Ubiquinol® is the go-to form of CoQ10 used by practitioners, found in over 200 trusted supplement brands and relied on by people (like me!) juggling fertility goals, an ‘in the thick of it’ lifestyle and perimenopause.
It’s the bioactive, highly absorbable form of CoQ10 that your body can use straight away.
Terminology gets a touch confusing, when we’re talking CoQ10. Especially during a ‘quick’ shelf scan, which can easily turn into overwhelm, faced with all the permutations, options and benefits you didn’t know existed.
I sat down with Jenn Fernandez from Kaneka Nutrients to unpack everything you need to know about ubiquinol: what it is, how it differs from conventional CoQ10, the science-backed benefits and why it’s the gold standard, best CoQ10 for fertility, heart health and healthy aging.
What exactly is Kaneka Ubiquinol?
“Ubiquinol is a naturally occurring antioxidant that your body produces,” explains Jenn. “It’s critical for cellular energy production because it keeps mitochondria – the powerhouses of your cells – healthy. But as early as your 20s, your natural production of ubiquinol starts to decline. Certain medications can also interfere with its production.”
Yikes, in our 20s.
This is where supplementation comes in. Unlike conventional CoQ10 (often referred to as ubiquinone) which your body must first convert into the active antioxidant form, ubiquinol is ready for immediate use.
“It’s bioidentical to what your body naturally makes,” Jenn adds. “Manufactured exclusively in the USA and Japan under strict quality controls, Kaneka Ubiquinol® has been studied in over 85 human clinical trials and backed by more than 18 years of consumer experience. It’s considered the gold standard in CoQ10 supplementation.”
So why does that matter? Simply put, if your goal is fertility, energy, or longevity, opting for the most bioavailable form of CoQ10 ensures your body can actually use it, without relying on conversion that may be inefficient, especially as we age.
How is CoQ10 manufactured?
Right now in 2026, the majority of CoQ10 supplements on the market are made in China. Contrastingly, Kaneka Ubiquinol® and Kaneka Q10® are produced in the USA and Japan using a proprietary yeast fermentation process. This creates CoQ10 that is chemically identical to the form naturally produced by your body. It also avoids the impurities that can be found in synthetic versions.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Natural yeast fermentation: Non-GMO yeast strains produce CoQ10 through controlled microbiological fermentation.
- Purification & crystallization: The fermented yeast is purified and crystalized.
- Sieving & quality control: The product passes through a 250 µm sieve to remove any potential contaminants. Each step is closely monitored, with rigorous testing to ensure purity.
Jenn emphasizes, “this meticulous process guarantees a high-quality product that’s both safe and highly effective, supporting the body’s needs from the cellular level up.”
How significantly does CoQ10 decline with age?
It’s not just a small dip. CoQ10 levels peak around age 25 and steadily decrease after that. Considering that our heart, liver, kidneys and other major organs rely on ubiquinol for energy, this decline is significant.
Jenn points out that the natural ratio of ubiquinol to CoQ10 in the body is about 97:3. “What this means is that most of the CoQ10 in your body needs to be in the active ubiquinol form to be functional. Supplementing with Kaneka Ubiquinol® ensures your body has a readily available antioxidant without the need for conversion.”
Ubiquinol and fertility: what’s the link?
Now to the part many of us care most about: fertility.
“Ubiquinol plays a crucial role in both egg and sperm health,” Jenn explains. “It supports mitochondrial energy production in reproductive cells while reducing oxidative stress, which can negatively affect egg and sperm quality.”
For women:
- Supports oocyte (egg) energy needs
- Protects against chromosomal abnormalities
- Improves egg quality, particularly important as fertility declines with age
For men:
- Boosts sperm quality
- Enhances motility (up to 26%)
- Increases sperm count (up to 53%)
As a mom of two approaching 40 – who’d love to try for one more – I appreciate the extensive, continuous research that Kaneka apply. And not just that – it’s the laser focus on their product. This team are solely about ubiquinol, making every purchase one that’s steeped in years of dedicated, specialist research.
Kaneka Ubiquinol® isn’t just a general wellness supplement, tagged onto your multi. It actively targets the cellular mechanisms that matter most for conception.
Beyond fertility (yes, there’s a lot more)
Ubiquinol isn’t just for reproductive health. Its antioxidant and mitochondrial-supporting properties mean it has far-reaching benefits, especially for the heart and our energy levels.
Heart health:
- Maintains healthy CoQ10 and ubiquinol blood levels (which tend to decline with age)
- Supports vascular health and nitric oxide production
- Protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation
- Helps replenish CoQ10 levels affected by statins
Energy & aging:
- Supports mitochondrial health for efficient energy production
- Neutralizes free radicals, reducing oxidative stress
- Promotes healthy cellular function and slows premature aging
Jenn sums it up: “Because ubiquinol is lipid-soluble and concentrated in mitochondria, it helps protect cells exactly where oxidative stress occurs. As levels decline with age, supplementation becomes increasingly important.”
Shopping smart – what should we look for?
With so many CoQ10 options out there, how do you know you’re getting the real deal? Jenn emphasizes the Kaneka Quality Seal:
“If a supplement displays our trademark, you can be confident it contains authentic Kaneka Ubiquinol®, backed by over 85 clinical studies and more than 18 years of consumer experience. Our facilities use state-of-the-art equipment and rigorous quality control is applied at every step, from fermentation to final testing.”
Here are Jenn’s key points to look for:
- Ubiquinol (not just CoQ10 or ubiquinone – check the packaging!)
- Kaneka Quality Seal
- Bioidentical CoQ10 form
- Manufactured under stringent quality standards in Japan or the USA
Clinical evidence shows that Kaneka Ubiquinol® is twice as well absorbed as conventional CoQ10, increasing baseline ubiquinol blood levels by up to 8x after 30 days at 200mg daily and does not require conversion to act as an antioxidant.
Getting it in daily – here’s how
Consistency and a holistic approach are key. Here are a few top pointers for getting your dosage working hard for you:
- Timing: Take with a meal containing fat for optimal absorption
- Dosage: Clinical studies often use 100-200mg daily for adults, so consult your healthcare professional for personal guidance
- Consistency: Daily supplementation ensures stable blood levels, especially important for reproductive health and aging
- Partner support: Fertility is a couple’s journey. Men may see marked improvements in sperm motility and count, while women benefit from enhanced egg quality
Dive deeper into the differences between ubiquinol and ubiquinone with this detailed resource. Or, for preconception-focused insights and the latest on Kaneka Ubiquinol® research, these guides are invaluable.
For more insights on choosing the right CoQ10 and deep-dive research on ubiquinol vs ubiquinone, visit Kaneka’s preconception resource or Ubiquinol.org.
