Why Does the Price of CoQ10 Vary So Much?

Even though the price of our favorite CoQ10, Metagenics CoQ10ST-100 60 and 120 softgels, has been drastically reduced by $15 and $30 a bottle, respectively, it is still not cheap. So why do other brands sell for less? Like us, not all CoQ10's are created equal.

CoQ10 is one of the most important, broad-based supplemental nutrients for the prevention of myriad health conditions. For this reason, there are numerous factors to consider when considering a CoQ10 supplement. Unfortunately, much of the valuable information is unavailable to the consumer when he/she makes their purchasing decision. One thing we can tell you for sure: with CoQ10 especially, you get what you pay for. The levels of quality vary tremendously.

Crystals are formed when CoQ10 is produced commercially and require harmful solvents to dissolve them under intense heat. Unfortunately, CoQ10 will recrystallize upon cooling, creating even larger crystals, which can affect solubility. Manufacturers of the highest quality CoQ10 avert mass crystallization, but it comes at a very high price, some of which is passed onto the consumer. In addition, manufacturers of the highest quality CoQ10 will not use synthetic solvents, but organic solvents such as D-limonene.

CoQ10 oxidizes almost instantaneously when exposed to air. Hence, we always recommend supplemental CoQ10 products that are delivered in softgel form to assure a smooth, oxidized-free delivery to the gut's absorption sites.

CoQ10 is highly lipophilic and practically insoluble in water, which affects bioavailability. Because it is strongly dependent on fat for absorption, high quality CoQ10 manufacturers have discovered ways to create successful preparations of lipid vehicles, such as vegetable oil and vitamin E to improve absorption. Supplement CoQ10 should always be accompanied by a fat and antioxidant to ensure that it is fully to absorbed.

What we have always been most concerned about is making sure a supplement is safe, meets label claim, and is formulated to deliver optimal absorption. The CoQ10 products we recommend are usually more expensive than many on the market, but for the reasons discussed, we know you are getting what you pay for. We cannot say the same for many other CoQ10 products out there.