How Much Coenzyme Q10 Is in Beef Liver?

Coenzyme Q10 is an essential nutrient that supports your cardiovascular health, antioxidant defenses, and overall vitality. If you’re interested in boosting your health, beef liver should be a regular on your plate.

A single serving of beef liver meat provides a substantial portion of your daily needs. While not as rich in CoQ10 as beef heart, liver contains higher levels than fruits, vegetables, and most other dietary sources.

Two grass-fed cows grazing on lush pastures—One Earth Health

Article jumplinks:

What is coenzyme Q10?

Benefits of CoQ10

How much CoQ10 do you need?

Can coenzyme Q10 have side effects?

How much CoQ10 is in beef liver?

How to add beef liver to your diet

Despite the many health benefits of beef liver, its taste and texture may not appeal to everyone. With One Earth Health’s grass-fed beef heart capsules, you can boost your CoQ10 intake and support your health naturally.

What Is Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble nutrient that is synthesized by the body and can also be obtained through dietary sources. This essential compound is an integral part of the mitochondria, the energy-producing factories within our cells. CoQ10 plays a pivotal role in the process of energy generation and also acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting our cells from oxidative stress.

In the body, CoQ10 is present in two forms: the oxidized form, known as ubiquinone, and the reduced form, called ubiquinol.

Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol Forms of CoQ10

Your body can convert CoQ10 between its two forms as needed. The main difference between these forms is their chemical structure and how they function in energy production and antioxidant protection.

Ubiquinone is the more common and stable form of CoQ10. It's found in most CoQ10 supplements and foods such as meat, fish, and some veggies. When you consume the ubiquinone form, your body converts it into ubiquinol before it can be used effectively.
Ubiquinol is the active form of CoQ10. It's easier for your body to absorb and doesn't need to be converted as ubiquinone does. Ubiquinol is the main form of CoQ10 in your blood and is better at protecting your cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Both forms are important for your health, but ubiquinol is more easily used by your body. Most CoQ10 supplements contain ubiquinone because it's more stable and cheaper to make.

What Are the Richest Sources of CoQ10?

Our bodies produce less coenzyme Q10 as we age, but we can obtain it through food. Beef organs are the richest natural sources of CoQ10, followed by fatty fish, fruits, and vegetables.

Here's a list of the top food sources of CoQ10:

Organ meats:

Beef heart
Beef liver
Beef kidney
Chicken heart
Pork heart

Fatty fish:

Sardines
Mackerel
Trout
Salmon
Herring
Tuna

Vegetables:

Spinach
Broccoli
Cauliflower

Fruits:

Oranges
Strawberries
Avocado

For some people, the amount of CoQ10 obtained from diet alone may not be sufficient to achieve optimal levels. They turn to CoQ10 supplements. If you want the best CoQ10 supplements out there that offer an array of nutrients and benefits, choose our beef liver capsules.

We source our beef liver from grass-fed cattle raised on family farms in New Zealand. They practice regenerative farming, focusing on improving soil health, boosting biodiversity, and minimizing their impact on the environment. The result? Healthier ecosystems and more nutrient-packed food. When you take our organ supplements, you're not only getting all the nutritional goodness your body needs (including the easy-to-absorb form of CoQ10) but also supporting a greener planet.

Beef liver supplement bottle containing 200 capsules packed with grass-fed liver meat, nutrients, vitamins, and CoQ10

What Are the Benefits of CoQ10?

Coenzyme Q10 is an incredible nutrient that does two important jobs in your body. First, it works as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cells from damage. Second, it plays a key role in producing the energy your body needs to function properly. By supporting these two crucial aspects, CoQ10 helps keep your other bodily systems running smoothly and in top shape.

Now, let's take a look at some of the fantastic benefits you can get from CoQ10.

Energy production: CoQ10 is essential for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of your cells. It transfers electrons within the mitochondria to generate the energy needed for cellular processes.
Antioxidant protection: as a powerful antioxidant, CoQ10 protects your cells from oxidative damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. It neutralizes them, reducing oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Cardiovascular health support: CoQ10 maintains a healthy heart. It supports the heart muscle's energy production and keeps your blood pressure levels healthy.
Neurological health support: your brain has a high energy demand. CoQ10 supports the energy production needed for proper brain function while providing antioxidant protection to brain cells.
Exercise performance: CoQ10 also increases energy production in the muscles. This improves exercise performance and reduces oxidative stress. Some studies have shown that CoQ10 supplementation decreased fatigue among heart failure patients, multiple sclerosis patients, fibromyalgia patients, and healthy individuals.
Immune system support: CoQ10 supports your immune function. Its antioxidant and energy-boosting properties maintain a healthy immune response and protect against oxidative stress.
Skin health: Hojerova, Ph.D. found that CoQ10 promotes healthy skin by serving as an antioxidant, protecting against oxidative stress and UV damage, supporting energy production in skin cells, and potentially reducing wrinkles and signs of aging. It may also support the production of collagen and elastin, both of which are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Diabetes management: CoQ10 may improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control in diabetics. A 2015 study found that coenzyme Q10 may improve glycemic control, reduce oxidative stress, and support overall health in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Reproductive health: CoQ10 plays a role in supporting both male and female reproductive health. In men, it improves sperm quality and motility, while in women, it supports egg quality and fertility.

How Much CoQ10 Do You Need?

Research shows that a typical CoQ10 dosage is 30 to 90 mg per day, taken in divided doses. To keep your body running smoothly, try to get between 100 and 200 mg each day. If you've got health issues such as heart disease or diabetes, you might need a bit more, somewhere in the range of 300 to 600 mg daily.

When taking your CoQ10 supplements, consume them with a meal containing fat. CoQ10 is fat-soluble and better absorbed this way. The effects of CoQ10 supplementation may not be noticeable immediately—it can take up to eight weeks for the benefits to become apparent.

Everyone's different, so it's always a good idea to chat with your doctor to figure out the perfect amount of CoQ10 for your unique needs.

If you're looking for a rich, natural source of CoQ10 to support your health, our beef multi-organ supplement is a great solution. This powerful supplement contains a blend of grass-fed beef liver, heart, kidney, spleen, and pancreas, providing you with a highly bioavailable form of CoQ10 along with other essential nutrients.

Beef organ supplement by One Earth Health containing 200 capsules packed with high-quality, grass-fed beef liver, kidney, spleen, heart, and pancreas meat

What Are the Side Effects of CoQ10?

CoQ10 is generally well-tolerated, with few reported side effects. Some people may experience side effects, especially when taking high doses. These side effects are usually mild and can include:

Digestive discomfort (upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea)
Headaches
Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
Skin rashes or itching
Fatigue or dizziness

These side effects typically occur when consuming excessive amounts of CoQ10 supplements. To minimize the risk of adverse effects, follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Coenzyme Q10 in Beef Liver

Liver meat is one of the richest dietary sources of coenzyme Q10. According to WebMD, it contains 3.9 milligrams per 100 grams of fresh beef liver. This is significantly higher than most other food sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and even fatty fish.

What makes beef liver a particularly smart choice is that it contains both forms of CoQ10: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. This is important because while ubiquinone is the more common form found in supplements and some foods, ubiquinol is the active, more easily absorbed form that your body can readily use. Having both forms present in beef liver means you're getting a highly bioavailable source of CoQ10 that your body can efficiently utilize for energy production, antioxidant protection, and overall cellular health.

In addition to its impressive CoQ10 content, beef liver is packed with a wide array of other essential nutrients. It's an excellent source of high-quality protein, B vitamins (especially B12), vitamin A, iron, copper, and zinc. Together, these nutrients play crucial roles in many bodily functions, from maintaining healthy blood cells and supporting brain function to promoting strong immune health and ensuring proper metabolism.

Beef liver has many health benefits: boosting immune system, healthy skin support, heart health, etc.

How to Incorporate Beef Liver Into Your Diet

At One Earth Health, we believe that a clean diet is a form of self-care. Beef liver might seem like an odd ally on your wellness journey, but this humble organ can provide powerful nutrition to fuel your body and mind.

Here are some delicious and creative ways to incorporate beef liver into a balanced, healthy diet:

Enjoy 2–4 ounces of ground liver twice a week as a nutritious side dish. Pan-fry or braise it with onions and your favorite herbs and spices for a flavorful and nutrient-dense meal.
Add finely chopped or pureed liver to your favorite meatball, burger, or meatloaf recipes. This is a great way to sneak in the nutrients without overpowering the dish with a strong liver taste.
Create a savory liver pâté by blending cooked liver with butter, garlic, and your choice of seasonings. Spread it on crackers or toast points for a sophisticated appetizer or snack.
Whip up a batch of liver and onions, a classic dish that pairs the rich flavor of liver with the sweetness of caramelized onions.
Try liver and bacon skewers as a tasty and protein-packed appetizer or main course. Alternate chunks of liver and bacon on skewers, then grill or broil until cooked through.
Incorporate liver into your favorite stir-fry recipes, such as a liver and vegetable stir-fry with ginger and garlic. The bold flavors will complement the liver nicely while providing a balance of nutrients.
For a unique breakfast option, try liver and scrambled eggs. Sauté finely chopped liver with onions and bell peppers, then add beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through.

Remember to handle raw liver properly by rinsing it, sanitizing work areas, cooking it thoroughly, and refrigerating leftovers quickly. Opt for grass-fed, pasture-raised beef liver for higher omega-3 content and better animal welfare.

If you're not a fan of the taste or texture of liver, or if you find it difficult to incorporate organ meats into your regular diet, our nutritional supplements are a convenient and effective alternative. Don't miss out on the powerful health perks of organ meats; try our supplements and never worry about meal planning or preparation.

Order One Earth Health’s Beef Liver Supplement

Many people want the benefits of beef liver meat but don't enjoy its taste or texture. Our grass-fed beef liver supplements offer a convenient alternative. One Earth Health’s liver capsules are made from desiccated (freeze-dried) grass-fed organs. They provide the same concentrated nutritional punch as fresh liver meat—packed with all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutritious goodies—but in an easy-to-take capsule form.

Never settle for mediocre supplements when you can have the best. Always go for high-quality products using natural, organic ingredients without harmful additives.

Invest in your well-being with One Earth Health’s products.

Beef liver supplement advantages over other sources of nutrients and CoQ10

CoQ10 in Beef Liver FAQ

Is CoQ10 processed in the liver?

CoQ10 is primarily synthesized in the liver. The liver plays a critical role in the body's production of this essential compound, which is crucial for cellular energy production, mitochondrial function, and optimal health. CoQ10 is involved in the electron transport chain, a key process in energy generation within the cells.

The liver's role in CoQ10 synthesis is vital, as it helps maintain adequate levels of this coenzyme throughout the body. Liver dysfunction or damage can reduce CoQ10 production, impacting energy levels, heart health, and overall well-being.

What are the richest sources of CoQ10?

The richest dietary sources of CoQ10 include high-quality beef organs (especially heart and liver), fatty fish, and certain vegetables.

Beef liver is a particularly concentrated source of CoQ10, providing a highly bioavailable form of this nutrient. It contains both ubiquinone and ubiquinol forms of CoQ10, which are essential for energy production and antioxidant protection. Other nutrient-dense organ meats, such as beef heart and kidney, are also excellent sources of CoQ10.
Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel provide CoQ10 along with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower contain smaller amounts of CoQ10.
Dietary supplements can also help you achieve an adequate intake of CoQ10, especially if you have higher requirements because of age, health conditions, or the use of certain medications.

Is CoQ10 destroyed by cooking?

Cooking can reduce the CoQ10 content in foods to some extent because this nutrient is sensitive to heat. The nutrient-dense nature of organ meats such as beef heart and liver ensures that a significant amount of CoQ10 remains even after cooking.

Gentle cooking methods, such as low-heat simmering or light sautéing, can preserve more of the CoQ10 content compared to high-heat methods like grilling or frying. While cooking may diminish some of the CoQ10, beef liver and other vital organs still provide a substantial amount of this vital nutrient.

A wide variety of CoQ10-rich foods as part of a balanced diet can ensure optimal intake, regardless of cooking methods. Combining cooked and raw sources of CoQ10, such as lightly cooked beef liver and fresh spinach, can diversify your intake of this essential compound.

Why is CoQ10 so expensive?

CoQ10 supplements can be expensive because of the complex manufacturing process and the high-quality raw materials required. Producing CoQ10 in its pure, bioavailable form involves a multi-step fermentation and extraction process, which can be costly and time-consuming. Ensuring the stability and potency of CoQ10 supplements requires specialized packaging and storage conditions, further contributing to the higher price point.

When CoQ10 is obtained from whole food sources such as beef heart and liver, this cost-effective alternative also provides a wide range of other essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids necessary for optimal health. Beef liver is a nutrient-dense source of CoQ10, offering excellent value for its nutritional content. Incorporating organ meats into your regular diet can help you obtain adequate levels of CoQ10 and other vital nutrients without the need for expensive supplements.

Is CoQ10 hard on kidneys?

No evidence suggests that CoQ10 is hard on the kidneys when consumed in recommended amounts. Adequate intake of CoQ10 may support kidney health by reducing oxidative stress, supporting mitochondrial function, and promoting overall cellular health. CoQ10's antioxidant properties protect the kidneys from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. It also plays a crucial role in energy production within the kidney cells, supporting their normal metabolic function.

Some studies have even suggested that CoQ10 supplementation may benefit those with certain kidney disorders, such as chronic kidney disease, by improving mitochondrial function and reducing inflammation.

If you have pre-existing kidney issues or you’re taking medications, consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions. When obtained through dietary intake, CoQ10 is generally well-tolerated and can be a safe way to support kidney health as part of a balanced diet.

What increases CoQ10 absorption?

Consuming CoQ10 with a meal that contains healthy fats enhances its absorption. As a fat-soluble compound, the presence of dietary fats stimulates the production of bile acids, which help emulsify and solubilize CoQ10. This makes it more readily absorbed by the intestinal cells.

Here’s what can enhance the absorption of coenzyme Q10:

Beef liver and heart are a naturally rich source of CoQ10 and provide the necessary fats for optimal absorption. They also contain a wide variety of essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iron, and iron, which support overall health and may further enhance the utilization of CoQ10 in the body.
Certain supplements may also be formulated with added ingredients, such as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) or phospholipids, to improve the digestibility and bioavailability of CoQ10.
A combination of CoQ10 supplements and a meal that includes healthy fats, such as avocado, nuts, or olive oil, can promote absorption.

Always follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate form and timing of CoQ10 supplementation based on your needs and health status.

What inhibits CoQ10?

Several factors can inhibit CoQ10 production or absorption in the body.

One of the primary factors is aging. The body's natural production of CoQ10 declines with age, making it essential to obtain this nutrient through dietary sources or supplements.
Certain genetic defects, such as mutations in the COQ genes, can also impact the body's ability to synthesize CoQ10 effectively.
Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in B vitamins and vitamin C, may hinder the production of CoQ10. These nutrients are essential cofactors in its biosynthesis.
Some medications, such as statins used to lower cholesterol, inhibit the body's natural production of CoQ10 by blocking the mevalonate pathway. This inhibition can lower levels of CoQ10 in the body, impacting cellular energy production and antioxidant protection.

Resources

Mehrabani, S., Askari, G., Miraghajani, M., Tavakoly, R., & Arab, A. (2019). Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on fatigue: A systematic review of interventional studies. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 43, 181–187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.01.022

Hojerova, J. (2012). Skin Health Benefits of Coenzyme Q10. In Humana Press eBooks (pp. 197–213). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-167-7_20

Shen, Q., & Pierce, J. D. (2015). Supplementation of Coenzyme Q10 among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Healthcare, 3(2), 296-309. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare3020296

Saini, R. (2011). Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient. Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, 3(3), 466-467. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-7406.84471

Griffin, R. M. (2023, August 1). Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-coenzymeq10-coq10

Xu, Y., Liu, J., Han, E., Wang, Y., & Gao, J. (2019). Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in patients with chronic kidney disease: Protocol for a systematic review. BMJ Open, 9(5). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029053

How Much Coenzyme Q10 Is in Beef Liver?