Dietary Restrictions: Can You Take Ubiquinol Supplements?

Dietary Restrictions: Can You Take Ubiquinol Supplements?
Written by Sid Shastri M.Sc.
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4 minutes

If you’re a vegan, vegetarian, someone with food allergies, or anyone else with dietary restrictions, chances are you're concerned about what you put into your body. It's also likely you have the same concerns about the vitamins and supplements you take. Whether because of allergies or ethical considerations, individuals with dietary concerns will naturally have questions about what is in a supplement, how it’s created, and what manufacturers use to encapsulate it. Such concerns are also likely to be held by people considering whether to take Ubiquinol supplements.

Whether a given Ubiquinol supplement is appropriate for people who are vegan, vegetarian, or have dietary restrictions depends on the manufacturer of the specific retail brand of supplement containing Kaneka Ubiquinol®.

Free Resource: The Beginner’s Guide To Ubiquinol

What You Should Know About Dietary Concerns and Ubiquinol Products

Kaneka Ubiquinol® is the main ingredient in Ubiquinol supplements from over 200 different [consider adding “retail” or “consumer”] brands. Ubiquinol, which is the active antioxidant form of CoQ10, needs to be emulsified in oil to keep it in the ubiquinol form; otherwise, it converts to the oxidized form of CoQ10 called ubiquinone. Ubiquinol is 2x better absorbed than conventional CoQ10, which may be a factor to consider as you decide which supplement form to take.

Fun fact: All Ubiquinol supplements are manufactured and sold as gel caps or in liquid capsules in order to protect the unstable ubiquinol from air and to prevent oxidation, which causes ubiquinol to turn into conventional CoQ10 (ubiquinone). Kaneka Ubiquinol® can be formulated into supplements  and encapsulated in different ways by different retail  manufacturers. Therefore, it’s important to carefully review product labels or, when necessary, contact the  brand holder or finished supplement manufacturer to assess whether their Ubiquinol supplement suits your dietary needs. Most Ubiquinol supplements are sold online, where it is easy to view the ingredient list and Supplement Facts Panel on the retailer's website.

Related: What Is Ubiquinol and Why Does It Matter?

Are Ubiquinol Supplements Considered Vegetarian or Vegan?

Because Kaneka Ubiquinol® is naturally cultivated from yeast, it is free of any animal products and is considered vegan. However, some encapsulation ingredients may contain animal products such as gelatin, which is derived from the skin, bones and connective tissues of animals, such as pigs, horses and cattle. To determine if a Ubiquinol supplement is vegetarian or vegan, scan the label for any animal-derived ingredients or animal byproducts. Also, look to see if there is a recognized vegan or vegetarian certification symbol on the product and/or packaging.

Ready to shop? You can shop for Kaneka Ubiquinol® products here, and filter your search by your dietary restrictions.

Do Ubiquinol Supplements Contain Soy, Nuts, Gluten or Other Allergens?

Kaneka Ubiquinol® does not contain any soy, nut or gluten allergens. But you  should be aware that some retail brand manufacturers use oil extracted from soybeans or sunflower oil to emulsify the Kaneka Ubiquinol®. If you have sensitivity to soy, nuts, gluten or other allergens, check with your brand manufacturer to confirm they are not using allergens as excipients and that the supplement does not contain any traces of allergens.  Some manufacturers may include beeswax in  supplements containing Kaneka Ubiquinol®. Although people who are allergic to bee stings are not usually allergic to beeswax, it is something to be aware of because beeswax can be an allergen. Always check the ingredient list below the Supplement Facts panel on the label and contact the manufacturer with any questions.

Are Ubiquinol Supplements Kosher?

As a standalone ingredient, Kaneka Ubiquinol® is considered kosher, but Kaneka Ubiquinol® is never a standalone ingredient in a supplement because it requires other ingredients for stability. . Many Ubiquinol supplements are not kosher because they contain gelatin, which is made from animal by-products, including pork and pork skins. However, there are some brands of Ubiquinol that use vegetable cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose and silica instead of gelatin and are certified kosher.

Suitability for Dietary Restrictions Depends on the Brand

Kaneka Ubiquinol® is free of nuts, wheat, and dairy, and is also suitable for vegetarians and even vegans.  When you chose a Ubiquinol supplement, be sure the label says “Kaneka Ubiquinol®.” However, be sure to check with the manufacturer if you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions  to see if any other ingredients, such as those used in the encapsulation process, contain substances that you want to avoid.  When shopping for Ubiquinol supplements, look for the Kaneka Quality Seal, to ensure you’re choosing a high-quality and rigorously tested Ubiquinol product.

To learn more about Kaneka Ubiquinol® and its benefits in promoting heart health, healthy aging, and overall wellness, visit Ubiquinol.org. And, if you have any questions about your health or ingredients you should avoid, talk to your doctor before making a Ubiquinol supplement part of your daily routine.

Get started today. Check out the Ubiquinol Buyer’s Guide to see where to purchase Ubiquinol online and in-store.

*A health-promoting diet focuses on a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats from nuts and plant oils. Limit intake of both saturated fat and added sugars to less than 10% of your daily calories, and sodium to less than 2,300 mg per day. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice, but your calorie and other nutrient needs may vary. For dietary guidance specific to you, consult a healthcare provider.

Written by:

Sid Shastri M.Sc.

Director of Research, Kaneka Nutrients

Sid Shastri, M.Sc., a recognized expert in Ubiquinol, probiotics, and health sciences, currently holds the position of Director of Research at Kaneka Nutrients.

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