Coenzyme Q10: possible effects on mood and fatigue?

What is coenzyme Q10 and what is it used for?

Coenzyme Q10 (or CoQ10) is a molecule naturally produced by the body.

Found in most cells, it plays a key role in the mitochondria, often described as the cell’s ‘powerhouses’.

In particular, it is involved in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the molecule that provides the energy needed for cells to function, especially in energy-demanding tissues such as the heart, brain and muscles.

Furthermore, CoQ10 also possesses antioxidant activity (1).

It helps to neutralise some of the oxidative stress, an imbalance associated with an excess of free radicals that can disrupt cellular function and be implicated in certain inflammatory processes.

These mechanisms are currently being studied for their potential role in fatigue and mood disorders.

With age or in certain situations, CoQ10 levels may decrease. In this context, supplementation may be considered to provide this molecule.

Discover the Coenzyme Q10 dietary supplement, which helps to provide CoQ10 as part of a comprehensive nutritional strategy.

Some recent scientific data suggest that taking CoQ10-based dietary supplements may be associated with a reduction in certain symptoms of depression in various populations studied.

However, the results remain inconclusive at this stage with regard to fatigue.

A study published in November 2025 (2) specifically examined these links and the biological mechanisms that may explain them.

A scientific review analyses the links between CoQ10, mood and fatigue

To better understand whether coenzyme Q10 might influence mood or fatigue, researchers conducted a systematic review with a meta-analysis compiling five randomised clinical trials, involving a total of 474 participants.

This review focused on individuals with either a primary depressive disorder (major depression, bipolar disorder) or depressive symptoms associated with other medical conditions (multiple sclerosis, breast cancer or polycystic ovary syndrome).

The authors compared the effects of CoQ10 supplementation with those of a placebo or a control group, examining several criteria such as changes in mood and fatigue.

Why focus on this particular molecule? Because CoQ10 plays a role in mechanisms frequently discussed in relation to these disorders.

For example, mitochondrial dysfunction can affect cellular energy, whilst excessive oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation are sometimes associated with reduced vitality and mood changes.

Thanks to its role in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and its antioxidant activity, CoQ10 is therefore the subject of scientific interest in this context.

After analysing the available data, the authors generally observed a moderate improvement in depressive symptoms, suggesting a potential link between CoQ10 and mood, though this does not allow for a definitive conclusion.

The level of evidence appears, however, to be more limited for fatigue: the results are more heterogeneous and do not, at this stage, allow for a clear conclusion regarding a systematic effect.

The data thus suggest a possible effect of CoQ10 on certain mood parameters, with no established effect on fatigue.

The different forms of coenzyme Q10 as a dietary supplement

When it comes to supplementation, several forms of coenzyme Q10 are available.

The most common is ubiquinone, which is the oxidised form of CoQ10. It can be converted in the body into ubiquinol, its reduced form, which is involved in cellular functions (3).

Formulated with ubiquinone, Coenzyme Q10 is part of a nutritional strategy aimed at providing CoQ10.

Some formulations also combine CoQ10 with other antioxidant compounds, such as tocotrienols, members of the vitamin E family. These are being studied for their interactions with oxidative stress and their role in the cellular environment (4).

Discover Coenzyme Q10 + Tocotrienols, a combination of CoQ10 and vitamin E for a complementary approach.

It is also possible to take ubiquinol directly, the reduced form of coenzyme Q10, which is often presented as having greater bioavailability in certain contexts.

Discover Ubiquinol™, a non-oxidised form of coenzyme Q10.

Finally, idebenone is a synthetic analogue of CoQ10, whose shorter chemical structure may influence its distribution at the cellular level. It is being studied for its properties in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and its antioxidant activity.

The dietary supplement Idebenone is a derivative of coenzyme Q10 studied for its interactions with cellular energy metabolism.

Other factors that can exacerbate fatigue and low mood

Fatigue and low mood do not depend solely on cellular energy.

Sleep, exposure to chronic stress, low-grade inflammation and certain nutritional imbalances can also influence emotional balance and vitality.

Among the natural active ingredients studied for their mood-supporting properties, saffron is attracting growing interest for its potential interactions with mood and sleep (5).

The SaffronMag Relax Complex dietary supplement combines saffron, magnesium, L-theanine and vitamin B6 in a holistic approach to well-being.

Omega-3s are also being studied for their role in neuronal membranes and in the regulation of certain inflammatory processes, two factors discussed in relation to mental wellbeing (6).

Combining EPA and DHA, Super Omega 3 is also enriched with vitamin E.

St John’s Wort, meanwhile, is a plant traditionally used to support emotional balance. Due to potential drug interactions, medical advice is recommended before use (7).

Discover St John’s Wort Extract, a St John’s Wort dietary supplement.

5-HTP, a precursor to serotonin, is also being studied for its potential links to mood and sleep (8).

Extracted from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia, the 5-HTP dietary supplement is standardised to 98% 5-HTP.

Magnesium, meanwhile, contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and helps reduce fatigue.

The OptiMag supplement combines 8 forms of magnesium.

B vitamins play a role in energy metabolism and the maintenance of normal psychological functions.

Discover the Coenzymated B Formula and Daily 3 dietary supplements, which combine several types of B vitamins that work synergistically.

Finally, rhodiola is an adaptogenic plant studied for its effects on stress, mental fatigue and vitality (9).

The Rhodiola Rosea supplement is a rhodiola extract standardised to 5% rosavin and 1.8% salidroside, its active compounds.