Which CoQ10 is made in the USA? A Guide to American-Made Supplements

Only one company, Kaneka Nutrients, manufactures the raw CoQ10 ingredient in the U.S., making the question of which CoQ10 is made in the USA more complex than just checking the finished product's label. Many U.S. supplement brands utilize this domestic ingredient, while others manufacture their final products stateside using globally sourced raw materials.

Quick Summary

While Kaneka Nutrients is the sole US-based manufacturer of the raw CoQ10 ingredient, many supplement brands produce their finished products domestically in GMP-compliant facilities using both US-sourced and imported components.

Key Points

• Kaneka Nutrients is the only US-based CoQ10 ingredient manufacturer: The raw CoQ10 material, including Ubiquinone (Kaneka Q10®) and Ubiquinol (Kaneka Ubiquinol®), is fermented from yeast in Kaneka's Texas facility.

• "Made in USA" doesn't guarantee US-sourced ingredients: Many brands like Qunol and Doctor's Best assemble and package their final products in the US but use globally sourced raw materials.

• Look for brands using Kaneka ingredients: Brands that specifically mention using Kaneka Q10® or Kaneka Ubiquinol® ensure their active ingredient is produced in the USA.

• Check for certifications like USP and cGMP: Certifications from third parties or adherence to cGMPs provide verification of manufacturing quality and purity, regardless of ingredient origin.

• Consider Ubiquinone vs. Ubiquinol: Ubiquinol is the more bioavailable, active form, which is especially important for older individuals or those on statins. Kaneka produces both forms.

• Compare final product details: Beyond country of origin, compare brands based on absorption technologies (e.g., olive oil, VESIsorb®), dosage, and third-party testing.

The Distinction Between Ingredient and Finished Product

Understanding the difference between a raw ingredient and a finished product is crucial when determining whether a CoQ10 supplement is truly "made in the USA." The raw CoQ10 material is the active compound itself, which is then processed, encapsulated, and bottled by various supplement companies. A company can manufacture its final product in the U.S. even if the raw ingredients are sourced internationally, which is a common practice in the supplement industry.

The Source of American CoQ10: Kaneka Nutrients

For consumers prioritizing a U.S.-sourced ingredient, the primary name to know is Kaneka. Kaneka Nutrients is the only manufacturer of CoQ10 and Ubiquinol ingredients in the United States.

• Proprietary Fermentation: Kaneka Q10® and Kaneka Ubiquinol® are produced using a proprietary, yeast-fermentation method at a manufacturing facility in Pasadena, Texas. This ensures the ingredient is bioidentical to the CoQ10 produced naturally in the human body.
• Quality and Research: The Kaneka ingredients are well-regarded and have been used in numerous clinical trials, including some funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Brands that use Kaneka's ingredients often display a "Kaneka Quality Seal" on their packaging.

Brands that Manufacture in the USA

Many companies produce their final CoQ10 supplements in the USA, although they may use ingredients from various global sources. These manufacturers often operate in facilities compliant with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and may be third-party tested.

Notable Brands with U.S. Manufacturing

• Terranics: This brand explicitly states its CoQ10 is "Proudly Made in the USA in a state-of-the-art, GMP-Certified facility" and that it is third-party tested.
• Theralogix NeoQ10®: This product is independently certified and manufactured in a U.S. GMP-compliant facility.
• Qunol: A well-known brand, Qunol confirms its products are "Manufactured and packaged in a cGMP compliant MD and NY USA facilities," but also notes the use of both US and imported ingredients.
• Doctor's Best: The company states its products are manufactured in the U.S. using cGMP facilities, while sourcing raw materials from around the world.
• Momentous: Offers a version of Ubiquinol CoQ10 that is NSF Certified for Sport® and manufactured in the U.S. using Kaneka Ubiquinol®.
• Kirkland Signature: The CoQ10 sold by Costco under its Kirkland brand is USP verified and often mentions being manufactured or packaged in the U.S., though ingredient sourcing can vary.

Key Considerations for Choosing Your CoQ10

When making your selection, consider factors beyond just the manufacturing origin to ensure you get a high-quality product that meets your needs.

Understanding Ubiquinone vs. Ubiquinol

CoQ10 comes in two forms, and the right choice for you can depend on your age and health:

• Ubiquinone: The oxidized form of CoQ10. This is the more common and generally less expensive form. The body must convert it to ubiquinol to be used effectively.
• Ubiquinol: The active, antioxidant form of CoQ10. It is more readily absorbed by the body, which can be a significant advantage, especially for individuals over 40 or those on statin medication. Kaneka produces both forms of the raw ingredient in the U.S..

The Importance of Certifications and Testing

Regardless of where the final product is assembled, certifications ensure quality and potency.

• cGMP Certified: Indicates the product was made in a facility that follows strict quality control standards set by the FDA.
• USP Verified: The United States Pharmacopeia is a non-profit organization that independently tests supplements for purity, potency, and quality.
• Third-Party Testing: Some companies voluntarily send their products to independent labs for testing, providing an extra layer of verification for consumers.

Comparison of US-Made CoQ10 Brands

Brand	US Manufacturing Claim	Uses Kaneka Ingredient?	Certifications	Key Features
Terranics	Yes, made in GMP-certified US facility.	Unspecified, but uses USP Verified ingredients.	GMP Certified, 3rd Party Tested.	Enhanced absorption with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Theralogix NeoQ10®	Yes, manufactured in US GMP-compliant facility.	Unspecified.	Independently Certified.	Patented VESIsorb® technology for superior absorption.
Qunol	Yes, manufactured/packaged in US facilities.	Yes, some products use Kaneka Ubiquinol.	cGMP Compliant.	High absorption formulas, offers both ubiquinone and ubiquinol.
Doctor's Best	Yes, manufactured in the USA.	Yes, some products use Kaneka.	cGMP Compliant, Gluten-Free.	Often includes BioPerine for enhanced absorption.
Momentous	Yes, manufactured in the U.S..	Yes, uses Kaneka Ubiquinol®.	NSF Certified for Sport®.	Highly bioavailable Ubiquinol form.

Making an Informed Decision

When choosing a CoQ10 supplement, the most crucial aspect is not just where it was packaged but the quality of the ingredients and the manufacturing process. A product using US-made Kaneka CoQ10 and manufactured in a cGMP-compliant facility offers a high degree of confidence in its quality and sourcing.

For most people, a product that is third-party tested or USP verified provides the best assurance of what's inside the capsule. Checking for a Kaneka quality seal on supplements containing ubiquinol can also guarantee the use of the only US-made raw ingredient. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

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For further reading on supplement quality and bioavailability, you can explore peer-reviewed articles on the topic. View Bioavailability of Coenzyme Q10: An Overview of the Process

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brands of CoQ10 use Kaneka's US-made ingredient?

While many brands use Kaneka's ingredients, checking for the "Kaneka Quality Seal" on a product's packaging is the best way to confirm. Momentous, for example, is a brand that explicitly states it uses Kaneka Ubiquinol.

Does "Manufactured in the USA" for CoQ10 mean all ingredients are American?

No. The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) "Made in the USA" standard requires that a product be "all or virtually all" made in the U.S. For supplements, this often applies to manufacturing and assembly, but the raw materials can be sourced globally, as is the case for brands like Qunol and Doctor's Best.

Why is Kaneka the only manufacturer of raw CoQ10 ingredient in the U.S.?

Kaneka utilizes a proprietary yeast-fermentation method that is a highly specialized process for producing CoQ10. They established their manufacturing plant in Texas and are the sole provider of this specific US-made active ingredient.

What is the difference between Kaneka Q10® and Kaneka Ubiquinol®?

Kaneka Q10® is the ubiquinone (oxidized) form of CoQ10, while Kaneka Ubiquinol® is the active, reduced form. Kaneka Ubiquinol is more bioavailable, which means it is more easily absorbed by the body.

Is it important to choose a CoQ10 supplement with US-made ingredients?

The decision to choose a product with US-made ingredients is a personal preference based on consumer priorities. However, ensuring high standards like USP verification, GMP compliance, and third-party testing is generally considered more important for guaranteeing product purity and potency.

Are Kirkland Signature CoQ10 supplements made in the USA?

Kirkland Signature CoQ10 is USP verified, which guarantees quality and purity. While Costco is a US-based company, the label states the product is 'manufactured and/or distributed' by Costco, not necessarily that the ingredients are US-sourced.

Where can I find brands that use Kaneka's raw ingredients?

Brands that use Kaneka's premium ingredients typically promote this fact on their product labels and websites, often including the Kaneka Quality Seal. You can also visit Kaneka's official website for more information on the brands they supply.