This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is one of the most widely studied nutrients in the supplement category. It is involved in mitochondrial energy production, functions as a fat-soluble antioxidant, and declines with age. Statin medications, which are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the world, act on the same biosynthetic pathway that produces CoQ10.
CoQ10 is also awkward to formulate. The molecule is large, crystalline in its natural state, and fat-soluble — properties that make dissolution in the digestive tract slow, and that shape how every manufacturer in the category has to work.
Pharmanex NanoCoQ10 is Nu Skin's answer to that. This guide explains what coenzyme Q10 is, why its physical form is a problem to begin with, and exactly what Nu Skin does and does not say about their version.
Why CoQ10 matters, and why it declines
The mitochondrial energy role
CoQ10 is a component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain — the biochemical process that generates ATP, the cell's primary energy currency. CoQ10 shuttles electrons between Complex I/II and Complex III of that chain, a step in ATP production.
The antioxidant role
CoQ10 is a fat-soluble antioxidant. In its reduced form (ubiquinol) it is found in cell membranes, mitochondrial membranes and LDL cholesterol particles, and it participates in the regeneration of other antioxidants, particularly vitamin E.
The age-related decline
CoQ10 biosynthesis declines with age, in tissues including the heart and skeletal muscle as well as in plasma.
Statins and CoQ10
Statin medications (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin and others) block HMG-CoA reductase — the same enzyme that is the rate-limiting step in both cholesterol and CoQ10 biosynthesis. CoQ10 supplementation is a common topic of discussion among statin users; consult your physician about whether it is appropriate for you.
Why CoQ10 is difficult to absorb
Molecular size
CoQ10 is a large molecule (molecular weight 863 Da) — larger than most vitamins and minerals. Large molecules cross intestinal cell membranes less readily and depend on lipid carrier systems for absorption.
Crystalline structure
In its natural state, CoQ10 forms crystals. Crystalline CoQ10 must dissolve before it can be absorbed, and its poor water solubility means dissolution in the aqueous environment of the digestive tract is slow.
Fat-solubility
CoQ10 relies on lipid carriers for intestinal absorption. Standard CoQ10 supplements in dry powder form contain no lipid vehicle, which is why they are commonly taken with a meal containing fat.
What Nu Skin says about NanoCoQ10
Here is the manufacturer's claim, in full and word for word:
"NanoCoQ10 utilizes cutting-edge nanotechnology to deliver highly bioavailable coenzyme Q10 for potent cardiovascular and cognitive benefits."
That single sentence is the whole of what Nu Skin publishes for this product in the United States. They do not print a particle size, a carrier system, an absorption multiple, a percentage or a number of weeks — so neither do we. An earlier version of this page described the formulation in more detail than Nu Skin does, and quoted an absorption multiple that was not theirs. Both have been removed.
If you see a seller attach "5x absorption" or similar to this product, ask them where the figure came from. It did not come from Nu Skin.
Who might consider NanoCoQ10
- People who have already decided they want CoQ10 and care more about how it is formulated than about cost per capsule.
- Statin users: statins act on the same biosynthetic pathway used to produce both cholesterol and CoQ10. Consult your physician about whether CoQ10 supplementation is appropriate for your situation.
- People already buying Pharmanex who would rather keep one supply chain they can trace.
If you have not yet decided whether you want CoQ10 at all, that is the first question, and it belongs with a healthcare professional rather than a search engine.
NanoCoQ10 vs standard CoQ10: what can honestly be compared
| Factor | Standard CoQ10 | Pharmanex NanoCoQ10 |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Typically crystalline CoQ10 in a capsule or tablet | Nu Skin describes it as using nanotechnology to deliver "highly bioavailable" coenzyme Q10 |
| Quality standard | GMP, the minimum regulatory requirement | Pharmanex 6S Quality Process |
| Traceable manufacturer claim | Varies enormously by brand | One printed sentence, quoted above |
We have not filled that table with particle sizes or absorption figures, because a row you cannot check against the manufacturer is worse than no row at all.
How to take NanoCoQ10
- Dosage: as directed on the label.
- Timing: taking it with food is sensible if you are prone to any GI sensitivity.
- Alongside other Pharmanex products: some people take it with ageLOC R2 or ageLOC Youth. Read the supplement facts panels on what you already take and ask a pharmacist about overlap.
- Statin users: consult your physician about appropriate CoQ10 supplementation relative to your statin dosing.
Frequently asked questions
Why is CoQ10 so hard to absorb?
CoQ10 is a large, fat-soluble molecule that forms crystals in its natural state. Crystalline CoQ10 dissolves poorly in the aqueous digestive environment, and without lipid carriers it is not readily absorbed through the intestinal wall.
What does Nu Skin actually say about NanoCoQ10?
One sentence: "NanoCoQ10 utilizes cutting-edge nanotechnology to deliver highly bioavailable coenzyme Q10 for potent cardiovascular and cognitive benefits." They publish no absorption multiple, percentage or timeframe for it.
Should statin users take CoQ10?
Statins act on the same biosynthetic pathway used to produce both cholesterol and CoQ10. Consult your physician about whether CoQ10 supplementation is appropriate for your situation.
Can I take NanoCoQ10 with LifePak Nano?
Plenty of people take a comprehensive daily formula and a single-ingredient supplement together. Read the supplement facts panel on LifePak Nano and on anything else you take, and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure about overlap.
Where can I buy NanoCoQ10?
NuBodyRx.com offers NanoCoQ10 with guaranteed authenticity, fast US shipping, and no membership required.