Testing Your CoQ10 Levels

In a previous post the important role that CoQ10 plays in your body was detailed. If you’re taking statins, beta-blockers, are a heart-attack survivor, or just getting on in age, then your CoQ10 levels may be inadequate.

Knowing your blood levels of CoQ10 is helpful in determining whether you need to take a CoQ10 supplement as well as if you’re absorbing adequate amounts from your supplement routine. Fortunately there is an affordable and easy way to test your CoQ10 levels.

What is Involved for CoQ10 Testing?

Life Extension offers CoQ10 blood level testing.

Since a blood sample must be obtained under sterile conditions and shipped frozen or on ice to the testing laboratory this will need to be coordinated with your doctor or health clinic.

Life Extension will then fax or e-mail to you the detailed procedure to be followed for obtaining and shipping the sample which is then given to your doctor or clinic personnel.

Life Extension will also locate the nearest facility for taking the sample if necessary.

Their test does not require fasting beforehand.

They direct you to continue all medications but to abstain from taking your supplements before the day of the test.

CoQ10 Testing

The sample is then shipped to an independent lab from Life Extension and tested for CoQ10 levels.

The results are sent to Life Extension who then informs you of the test results.

Life Extension will tell you if your CoQ10 levels are normal or below normal and allows access to an on site medical doctor who will discuss the results with you.

What is the Cost of the Test?

The test from Life Extension is $145 for members and $195 for non-members.

Then there is the cost of the clinic that takes the blood sample.

Whether this is covered by your health insurance probably depends on a number of factors such as if recovering from a heart attack, on statins and if your doctor orders the test and on your health insurance policy.

What if My CoQ10 Values are Low?

If your values are below normal then the best course of remediation is through CoQ10 supplementation.

CoQ10 is virtually non-toxic and has been given in large doses to human subjects with no ill effects.

Recommended CoQ10 Supplements