Highlights
- Delivers 100 mg of CoQ10 in the ubiquinone form per gelcap, using a proprietary lipid-based delivery system.
- Uses ubiquinone instead of ubiquinol, which some experts believe may be absorbed more efficiently by older adults.
- Premium price despite having a relatively simple, single-ingredient formula.
- Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans because it contains bovine gelatin.
- Contains soy-derived ingredients that may not suit everyone.
Overview
Among various nutritional products, people become aware of Coenzyme Q10 only when the doctor suggests taking some statins, or when the person realizes that he becomes tired earlier in the day. Our system produces this substance naturally, however, it decreases in our body as time goes by, while particular drugs reduce it even more.
Thorne CoQ10, is a single-ingredient softgel built around 100 mg of CoQ10 in its oxidized form, ubiquinone. It skips added vitamins or herbal extras, and instead leans on a proprietary delivery system that Thorne says improves how well the crystalline CoQ10 dissolves and gets absorbed.
In this review, we will go through what is actually on the label, how the absorption claims compare with independent research, what buyers have said about using it, and where it lands next to other CoQ10 options on the market.

– Thorne CoQ10 Health Insiders Images
What Is Thorne CoQ10?
Thorne CoQ10 softgel supplement supplies the body with 100 milligrams of CoQ10 in each softgel cap. As directed by the manufacturer, one softgel cap should be consumed one to two times per day, preferably along with meals that contain fat content, and it absorbs better under such conditions.
The active component used in the product is CoQ10 in the form of ubiquinone, which is included into the formula due to the use of the tri-lipid technology, which is designed to ensure that CoQ10 remains dissolved, not in crystal form, which is more difficult for absorption by the body. Lycopene and turmeric are used as coloring of the softgel, and no titanium dioxide is present in the formula.
One thing worth flagging upfront: the product is not vegan or vegetarian. The capsule shell is made from bovine gelatin, and the formula also contains soy-derived monoglycerides, which is worth knowing if you have a soy allergy or follow a plant-based diet.
Thorne CoQ10 – Quick Facts & Specs

Thorne CoQ10 provides 100 mg of ubiquinone-form CoQ10 per softgel, aimed at supporting cellular energy, heart function, and antioxidant protection, without added cofactor nutrients like vitamin E.
- Form: Gelcap (softgel)
- Type: Dietary Supplement
- Brand: Thorne
- Benefit: Supports cellular energy production, heart health, and antioxidant protection
- Price: $53.00*
- Used For: General CoQ10 support, cardiovascular and mitochondrial health
- Recommended Dosage: 1 to 2 gelcaps daily, ideally with a fat-containing meal
- Number of Servings Per Container: 60 gelcaps (a 30 to 60 day supply, depending on dose)
- Active Ingredients: Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone)
Pros and Cons of Thorne CoQ10
- Simple, single-ingredient formula with no unnecessary fillers
- Free of titanium dioxide and artificial dyes, using turmeric and lycopene for color instead
- Flexible dosing that can be taken with or without food, though a fatty meal is recommended for better absorption
- Gluten-free formula
- Not vegan or vegetarian, since the softgel uses bovine gelatin
- Contains soy-derived monoglycerides, a concern for people with soy allergies
- Noticeably more expensive than many other 100 mg ubiquinone CoQ10 supplements
- No added cofactors like vitamin E, which some formulas include to support antioxidant activity
- Can interact with blood thinners and blood pressure medications, so it is not a supplement to start without checking with a healthcare provider
- Absorption requires taking with a meal containing fat
How Does Thorne CoQ10 Work?
CoQ10 is a nutrient your body naturally makes to help cells produce energy. It helps create ATP, which is the main source of energy your cells use every day. Organs like the heart, muscles, liver, and kidneys need a lot of energy, so they also contain higher amounts of CoQ10.
Besides being involved in the production of energy, CoQ10 is also an antioxidant. This protects the body from harmful effects of free radicals, which tend to accumulate in large quantities with aging and everyday stress. Since natural CoQ10 levels tend to decrease as people get older and may also drop in people taking statin medications, some choose to take a supplement.
Thorne produces CoQ10 in the ubiquinone form in a lipid-based softgel. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of the product varies among individuals. There is strong scientific evidence supporting CoQ10 supplementation for selected categories of individuals such as those with CoQ10 deficiency or people using statins. On the other hand, the effectiveness of the product in improving energy in healthy adults remains inconclusive.
Thorne CoQ10 Ingredients
Here is what is listed on the label and what the current evidence says about each component.
Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) – 100mg – Coenzyme Q10 is the active ingredient. It is an essential component of mitochondrial function and serves as a lipid-soluble antioxidant. It helps protect cell membranes from oxidative stress and supports energy production in cells with high metabolic demands. Research suggests that plasma CoQ10 levels decline with age, and that supplementation can help restore levels in individuals with deficiencies.[1]
Flax Seed – Used as an oil base for the CoQ10 suspension. The oil helps with absorption since CoQ10 is fat-soluble. Flax seed oil also provides some omega-3 fatty acids, though amounts are not specified.
Other Ingredients – Gelatin (bovine), purified water, glycerin (vegetable source), linoleic acid, lycopene, turmeric gel cap, and soy monoglycerides. These ingredients are primarily used for the capsule shell and suspension.
Allergen Note – The product contains monoglycerides derived from soy. The company states these contain no soy protein, and there are no other soy-based ingredients. The gelatin makes it unsuitable for vegans.
Benefits of Thorne CoQ10
Thorne CoQ10 is marketed mainly for energy production and cardiovascular support. Based on the available evidence, these are the benefits users may reasonably expect.
Supports Cellular Energy Production : CoQ10 helps produce ATP, the body’s main energy source, supporting normal cellular function. Benefits are generally greater in people with lower CoQ10 levels.
Provides Antioxidant Support : CoQ10 helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage. It should complement, not replace, a healthy, balanced diet.
May Support Heart Health : CoQ10 may support cardiovascular health, especially for people taking statins or certain heart medications, though it is not a treatment.
May Help Replace Declining CoQ10 Levels : Natural CoQ10 levels decline with age and statin use. Supplementation may help restore these levels, though individual needs can vary considerably.
Overall, the potential benefits of Thorne CoQ10 are supported by research on CoQ10 itself rather than by unique features of this specific product. The formula does not include additional ingredients that might provide broader support beyond basic CoQ10 supplementation.
Side Effects of Thorne CoQ10
Though considered safe and gentle, CoQ10 still causes side effects in some users.
- Digestive Issues: Nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and decreased appetite can be experienced by those who first start taking the supplement or take high doses of it. Taking the softgel during meals might alleviate this effect.
Headaches: Some users complained about headaches from the very beginning of taking CoQ10, but this side effect is quite rare.
Sleep Problems: As CoQ10 facilitates energy production within cells, it can disrupt sleep for some individuals, especially when taken later in the day. Dosing it in the morning or at lunch might be a solution to this problem.
Drug Interactions: CoQ10 might interact with various drugs, such as warfarin (blood thinner) or some blood pressure or diabetes medications. People taking any prescription drug should check with a doctor before taking CoQ10.
Allergies: While not very common, allergies to CoQ10 are still possible. Consult a doctor immediately if you have developed hives, itching, rashes, swelling, or trouble breathing.
Is Thorne CoQ10 Safe?
For the majority of healthy people, Thorne CoQ10 is considered safe to use when used as per the directions.
The firm adheres to production and quality control guidelines that offer some guarantee concerning the safety of the product. Nevertheless, safety varies from person to person.
Those individuals using blood-thinning medications, suffering from chronic ailments, pregnant, lactating, or about to undergo surgery need to consult their physician prior to taking CoQ10 supplements.
Other factors that should be noted include dietary preferences. The fact that the softgel is made using bovine gelatin makes it unsafe for consumption by vegetarians and vegans since it also has soy-based contents.
While serious side effects appear uncommon, CoQ10 should still be used responsibly, especially alongside prescription medications.
Thorne CoQ10 Customer Reviews
Customer opinions on Thorne CoQ10 are generally neutral regarding quality, but not every buyer feels the product offers good value.
Pricey Compared to Other Brands
It seems to work fine, but I looked up other 100 mg CoQ10 options after I ran out and found several for half the price. Not sure what I’m paying extra for here. — Trevor S.
Didn’t Notice Much Difference
I finished one bottle without any noticeable change in my energy levels. It may work better for others, but I wasn’t convinced enough to purchase another bottle. — Linda K.
Easy on My Stomach
Some CoQ10 supplements upset my stomach, but this one didn’t. I just wish it came in a higher strength since my doctor recommended a larger daily dose. — Harold B.
Good Product, Price Could Be Better
The supplement seems well made, but there are similar CoQ10 products available for less money. I’m not sure the higher price is justified. — Karen T.
How to Use Thorne CoQ10?
Take one gelcap once or twice daily, ideally with a meal that contains some fat to support absorption, since CoQ10 is fat-soluble. If you are on blood thinners, blood pressure medication, or chemotherapy, talk to your healthcare provider before adding this to your routine.
How Much Does Thorne CoQ10 Cost?
A 60-count bottle typically runs between $54 and $58, depending on the retailer, which works out to roughly $0.90 to $1.93 per day depending on whether you take one or two gelcaps daily. That places it toward the higher end of the CoQ10 category, where many 100 mg ubiquinone products sell for noticeably less.
Where to Buy Thorne CoQ10?
Thorne CoQ10 is available through Thorne’s official website, as well as through third-party retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target, and through several practitioner-focused supplement retailers.
Final Verdict
Thorne CoQ10 is a straightforward, single-ingredient softgel that does what it says on the label: it delivers 100 mg of CoQ10 per dose in a formula free of synthetic dyes and titanium dioxide. For people who specifically want a clean ubiquinone product from a brand with a strong reputation in clinical circles, it is a reasonable option.
Where it is harder to justify is the price relative to the rest of the CoQ10 market. Comparable 100 mg ubiquinone supplements from other brands are often available for a fraction of the cost, and Thorne’s headline absorption claim, that this form beats ubiquinol by nearly three times, is not something independent research consistently backs up. If anything, most published bioavailability studies point the other direction.
For shoppers who are simply looking for a reliable, no-frills CoQ10 supplement and are not tied to a specific brand name, it is worth comparing this against lower-cost ubiquinone options, or against ubiquinol formulas, before deciding this is the best fit for your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Thorne CoQ10 safe?
A: For most healthy adults, yes, at the recommended dose. People on blood thinners, blood pressure medication, or chemotherapy, as well as those who are pregnant or nursing, should check with a healthcare provider first.
Q: How long does one bottle of Thorne CoQ10 last?
A: A 60-gelcap bottle lasts 60 days at one gelcap daily, or 30 days at two gelcaps daily.
Q: How do you use Thorne CoQ10?
A: Take one gelcap once or twice daily, ideally with a meal containing some fat to support absorption.
Q: Does Thorne CoQ10 have any side effects?
A: Some users report mild nausea, stomach upset, reduced appetite, headache, or trouble sleeping, particularly if taken later in the day or on an empty stomach.
Q: Is Thorne CoQ10 really absorbed better than ubiquinol, as the brand claims?
A: The company cites its own data for this claim, but independent published research generally finds the opposite, with ubiquinol reaching higher blood levels than ubiquinone in most comparison studies.[2]
Q: Is Thorne CoQ10 vegan or vegetarian?
A: No. The softgel is made with bovine gelatin, and the formula contains soy-derived monoglycerides.
Q: Can I take Thorne CoQ10 with other medications?
A: CoQ10 can interact with blood thinners, blood pressure medications, and certain chemotherapy drugs. Check with your healthcare provider before combining it with prescription medication.
2 Sources
Health Insiders relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
[1] Coenzyme Q10: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531491/
[2] Comparison study of plasma coenzyme Q10 levels in healthy subjects supplemented with ubiquinol versus ubiquinone: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27128225/







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