Ubidecarenone, also known as CoQ10, is a 1,4-benzoquinone. From its name (Q10), Q refers to the constituent quinone group, and 10 is related to the number of prenyl subunits at its tail. 1 It is a powerful antioxidant and an essential fat-soluble cofactor in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. 2 Ubidecarenone is a coenzyme for mitochondrial enzyme complexes involved in oxidative phosphorylation in ATP production. It is essential for cells with high metabolic demands. 7 Ubidecarenone is sold as a dietary supplement and is not FDA-approved as a drug - it is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA does not approve such dietary supplements prior to sale, nor does it regulate the manufacturing process. 8

As stated on the product label, dietary supplements containing ubidecarenone are used to help individuals with cardiovascular disease, including congestive heart failure and systolic hypertension. In this product, ubidecarenone is used to increase cardiac output as well as to prevent several other diseases such as Parkinson's disease, fibromyalgia, migraine, periodontal disease and diabetes, according to preclinical studies. 9 It is important to emphasize that these products are not FDA-approved and are recommended for discretionary use.

Ubidecarenone is an essential cofactor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Its function is to accept electrons from complexes I and II, an activity that is critical for ATP production. It acts as a mobile redox agent, shuttling electrons and protons in the electron transport chain. 5 Ubidecarenone also exhibits antioxidant activity in mitochondria and cell membranes, prevents lipid membrane peroxidation and inhibits oxidation of LDL cholesterol.