Key Points
- Liposomal CoQ10 had 31% higher peak blood concentration
- Total CoQ10 levels in the blood were higher and stayed elevated longer
- Absorption improved even in a fasted state
- Both forms were well tolerated with no adverse effects
Methods
Eighteen healthy adults (ages 18–45) were randomly divided into three separate groups for a crossover trial. Each participant completed three separate test days, receiving all three treatments in randomized order, with a minimum 3-day washout period between each visit.
- Placebo: participants received an identical placebo capsule
- Standard CoQ10: participants received a single 100 mg dose of CoQ10
- Liposomal CoQ10: participants received a single 100 mg dose of liposomal CoQ10
Blood samples were collected at baseline and multiple time points after treatment over a 24 hour period to measure plasma CoQ10 concentrations.
Liposomal CoQ10 Reached Higher Peak Levels
Liposomal delivery raised peak CoQ10 concentration substantially above the standard formula.
- Liposomal CoQ10: 11,294 ng/mL
- Standard CoQ10: 8,236 ng/mL
- Placebo: 930 ng/mL
"The median Cmax with Liposomal CoQ-10 was 31.3% higher than that of non-liposomal CoQ-10 and 169.6% higher than that of placebo."
This figure shows that the liposomal CoQ10 (black) reached a much higher peak blood concentration (Cmax) than both the standard CoQ10 (gray) and the placebo (white).
Time to Peak Was the Same
Both formulas peaked at 6 hours, with no adverse effects.
"For Tmax, all participants in the liposomal CoQ-10 and non-liposomal Co-Q10 conditions demonstrated a Tmax value of 6 h."
This indicates the liposomal formula increases the amount absorbed, not speed of absorption.
Total CoQ10 Exposure Was Higher
AUC0–24 represents the total amount of CoQ10 your body absorbed over the full 24-hour period, not just the peak level.
"AUC0-24 significantly differed between conditions (Liposomal CoQ-10: 104,051 ng/mL × 24 h, Non-liposomal CoQ-10: 82,934 ng/mL × 24 h, Placebo 19,851 ng/mL × 24 h."
"The median AUC0-24 with Liposomal CoQ-10 was 22.6% higher than that of non-liposomal CoQ-10."
That means the body was exposed to significantly more CoQ10 overall when the liposomal version was used. Research on CoQ10's role in aging, heart health, and fertility demonstrates why enhanced bioavailability matters—higher tissue levels of CoQ10 can translate to improved mitochondrial function and cellular energy production across multiple organ systems.
This figure shows the full 24-hour curve comparing liposomal CoQ10, standard CoQ10, and placebo and it clearly illustrates how much more CoQ10 the body absorbs from the liposomal formula.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that liposomal CoQ10 improves short-term absorption compared with conventional CoQ10, even at a modest 100 mg dose and under fasted conditions.
"The results indicate that liposomal administration significantly enhances the absorption of CoQ-10, as shown by the increased peak plasma concentration and total exposure associated with liposomal CoQ-10."
"The liposomal formulation of CoQ-10 had a 31.3% higher Cmax and a 22.6% higher AUC0-24 over 24 h compared with the standard formulation, indicating a remarkable improvement in absorption efficiency."
More research is needed to determine whether higher absorption translates into real benefits for energy, cardiovascular health, and cellular function.
"In clinical practice, liposomal CoQ-10 may be a more effective therapeutic option for cardiovascular patients and the elderly who require a continuous supply of CoQ-10 to support mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, and improve endothelial cell health."
"From a sports nutrition perspective, the enhanced absorption profile could lead to better ATP production, faster muscle recovery, and improved antioxidant protection, making it an optimal choice for endurance and strength athletes."
Clinical applications of CoQ10 supplementation extend beyond cardiovascular health to include migraine prevention and other conditions where mitochondrial support and energy production are therapeutic targets, underscoring the importance of maximizing bioavailability.
