CoQ10: what it is and what the research says
26 October, 2026Short answer: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound your body makes and uses in every cell. A 2025 review of seven small trials found that CoQ10 may reduce muscle pain in people taking statins, but the trials were short and varied. If you take statins or blood thinners, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting it.
What CoQ10 is
CoQ10 is a fat soluble compound found in every cell of the body, mostly in the mitochondria, the parts of the cell that produce energy. Heart and liver cells contain more of it than other tissues. It is also known as ubiquinone. The body makes it, and levels can fall with age and with some medicines.
What is in a capsule
Each NZ Pure Health CoQ10 Plus soft gel capsule contains 150mg of coenzyme Q10, 200mg of evening primrose oil, 200mg of natural fish oil, 200mg of flaxseed oil and 50IU of vitamin E, plus the capsule materials. CoQ10 is fat soluble, so it is combined with oils in this capsule, and our label says to take it preferably with a main meal.
What the research says
The best studied question is whether CoQ10 helps people who get muscle aches while taking statins, a common type of cholesterol medicine. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis in the Journal of Nutritional Science (Kovacic and colleagues) pooled seven randomised trials with 389 adults. Doses ranged from 100mg to 600mg a day for 30 to 90 days. On average, people taking CoQ10 reported lower muscle pain on a 0 to 10 scale, about one point lower than placebo.
The authors noted several limits. The trials were small (35 to 76 people each) and short, results varied widely between trials, and in some the effect disappeared when a single trial was removed. Some trials also gave other supplements such as selenium or omega 3 along with CoQ10. The authors called for larger trials before firm recommendations can be made.
If you have muscle pain on a statin, tell your doctor. Do not stop your statin or change the dose without medical advice.
Our capsule contains 150mg, which is within the range used in these trials. We cannot say that our product gives the same results as the products tested.
Who should talk to a healthcare professional first
- Anyone taking statins or blood thinning medicines such as warfarin.
- Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Anyone on other prescription medicine or managing a health condition.
How to take it
Take one capsule daily, preferably with a main meal, as a dietary supplement or as professionally advised.
Common questions
Why take CoQ10 with a meal?
Our label says to take it preferably with a main meal. CoQ10 is fat soluble, and this capsule combines it with oils.
Does CoQ10 Plus contain fish?
Yes. It contains natural fish oil.
How long until I notice anything?
The trials ran for 30 to 90 days. Individual results vary, and some people notice nothing.
Sources
- Kovacic S, Habicht SD, Eckert GP. Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on myopathy in statin-treated patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Nutritional Science, 2025. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12554813
Written by Liz Lawton. Last updated 26 October 2026. This article is general information and is not medical advice.
