Kaneka Nutrients responds to ubiquinol misinformation and counterfeits

In a May 19, 2025, press release, Kaneka Nutrients announced it had initiated efforts to combat the rise of misleading claims about ubiquinol and counterfeit products. In partnership with third party laboratories, Kaneka Corporation is conducting market surveillance and laboratory testing to ensure authenticity of ubiquinol products, stating that it will pursue legal action appropriate as necessary, in order to protect consumer safety.

Initial results from testing of ubiquinol products by Kaneka and by third party testing from Eurofins were posted, with results from 11 randomly selected products listed along with their stated dosage. According to the results, none of the products met their label claim.

"Kaneka Ubiquinol® embodies decades of scientific research, human clinical trials, and innovation,” stated Kaneka Nutrients Vice President, Terese Mansell, in the press release. “We take our market and consumer responsibilities seriously. By exposing products that misrepresent their contents, we aim to prevent misleading claims that undermine trust, devalue authentic ubiquinol products, and compromise health outcomes."

As the press release explains, Kaneka Ubiquinol, active antioxidant form of CoQ10, is produced through a yeast fermentation method into a form that is bioidentical to what is produced by the body. The ingredient is intended to support cellular health.

Product authenticity can also be verified by consumers by checking packaging for the Kaneka Quality Seal.

In 2024 Kakena had initiated a Healthy Aging campaign highlighting the research of Kaneka Ubiquinol and its role in supporting various life stages.

"Ubiquinol, a naturally occurring antioxidant found throughout the body's cells, tissues and organs, is vital for maintaining cellular integrity and function," Kaneka Nutrients' senior scientific and regulatory advisor, Risa Schulman, PhD had stated in a press release. "This critical capability of ubiquinol ensures effective energy production and supports vital physiological processes crucial for aging well, making it a highly attractive option for health-conscious consumers of all ages, especially those entering their 50s and beyond.”

One of the studies¹ examined the role of CoQ10 status in determining muscle strength, finding that a low CoQ10/cholesterol level and a low percentage of CoQ10 in reduced form potentially indicated an increased risk of loss of skeletal muscle mass and function.

Additionally, a consumer research study in 2024 xamined the ingredient's effects on relieving menopause symptoms including stress, irritability, sensitivity, sleep quality, muscular pain, and well-being.

Reference

1. Fischer, A.; Onur, S.; Niklowitz, P.; Menke, T.; Laudes, M.; Rimbach, G.; Döring, F. Coenzyme Q₁₀ Status as a Determinant of Muscular Strength in Two Independent Cohorts. PLOS One. 2016, 11(12). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167124.