CoQ10 And Fertility

Fertility research has come a long way. As this research evolves, more attention has been paid to the role supplements can play in supporting reproductive health. While many supplements are based on myths, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is based on various research and is now an option for those looking to enhance their fertility. Here we will look at Coenzyme Q10 and its effects on fertility.

Key Takeaways

• CoQ10 is an antioxidant that has been shown to help alleviate symptoms of conditions ranging from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s to many forms of cancer.
• The supplement has been shown to improve egg quality in women and both sperm quantity and motility in men.
• More research is currently underway to determine what role CoQ10 might play in future fertility treatments for both men and women.

What Is CoQ10 and How Does It Work?

Coenzyme Q10, ubiquinone, or CoQ10 in short, is a fat-soluble vitamin supplement that also occurs naturally in the body, particularly in the mitochondria. Our bodies make CoQ10 using a combination of tyrosine (an amino acid) and vitamin B6. It is mostly found in high concentrations in organs with high rates of metabolism such as the kidneys, liver, and heart.

Unfortunately, the amount our bodies can produce is limited (about 500-1500mg throughout the body), and as people get to their mid-20s, the CoQ10 levels begin to decline, and with it, the body’s ability to absorb it. This is where the supplements come in. 

Though CoQ10 can also be found in sesame oil, beans, soybeans, organ meats, and nuts, supplements are a great way to add this enzyme to our bodies. CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that’s needed for basic cell function, providing energy for mitochondria. It is also known to help with high blood pressure and some heart and neurologic conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons. 

CoQ10 for Egg Quality

Egg quality and quantity declines with age in females. Some research studies indicate that age-related decline in egg quality could be due to a decrease in mitochondrial activity. As a result, they think using supplemental coenzyme Q10 for fertility could increase mitochondrial activity and subsequently better ovary performance.  

Oxidative stress has various side effects on the body, one of them being infertility in women. Certain studies have shown that CoQ10 has promising results in treating infertility in women.  In this study, CoQ10 increased the clinical pregnancy rate in women who were undergoing treatments for infertility by as much as 14 percent. 

Assisted reproductive technology treatments like ovarian stimulation (hormonal injections and drugs used to increase the number of viable eggs)  also stand to benefit form CoQ10 supplementation. In fact, A 2018 study found CoQ10 improved response to these types of hormonal stimulation among women who sought IVF treatments due to low quality and quantity of egg reserves.

CoQ10 for Sperm Quality

Research on the impact of CoQ10 on men’s reproductive health is not extensive. However, the few studies available show that CoQ10 has a positive impact on both the quality and quantity of sperm in men. These are the two main determinants of men’s fertility, and some research has found significant improvements following CoQ10 treatments even among men who were previously infertile.

A 2004 study in the journal Fertility & Sterility studied 22 infertile men who took 200 mg daily CoQ10 supplement daily. The study sought to look at their sperm counts and after 6 months of taking the CoQ10 supplements, the infertile men showed increased levels of the coenzyme CoQ10 in the seminal fluid. The research also found increased sperm motality in men. 

A similar  2009 study, published in The Journal of Endocrinological Investigation studied men with infertility, one with 22 men and the other with 60 men. The study examined the CoQ10 concentration and distribution in patients with varicoceles and azoospermia, both before and after fertility treatments. Researchers found that CoQ10 increased in both sperm count and sperm motility after treatment.

Dosage for Fertility

Though CoQ10 is already present in most people’s diets, especially those who eat meat, larger quantities are needed for the benefits to be more effective, particularly in fertility. Most patients are required to take between 100 and 600 mg of CoQ10 daily.

While the benefits of CoQ10 in infertility are promising, it is important to consult with your healthcare professional about any possible side effects or potential interactions with other medications before deciding dosage and frequency.

If you want to learn more about this, Ivy Fertility offers various reproductive health services including offering information on CoQ10 or other fertility treatment programs. 

CoQ10 vs. Ubiquinol for Fertility

CoQ10 is known to exist as ubiquinone (in its oxidized form), or as ubiquinol (in its reduced and active form). Converting inactive ubiquinone to active ubiquinol involves different enzymes and works best when we are young. However, this process becomes more difficult as we age.   

Though ubiquinol may be better, both ubiquinol and ubiquinone have been shown to support fertility. Therefore, when choosing fertility supplements, make sure you look for supplements that contain the most absorbable and bioavailable forms of each nutrient. Just as important, ensure the supplements combine multiple key nutrients.  

Side Effects of CoQ10

CoQ10 is generally considered safe to use. It’s sold in the United States as a dietary supplement. It’s important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way that it controls medications. This means that their safety isn’t tested extensively and you will need to be careful buying the supplement over the counter. 

One might experience mild side effects when increasing its amount as part of their diet. Common side effects include:

• Upper abdominal pain
• Mild insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headaches and dizziness
• Insomnia and fatigue
• Rashes and itching
• Irritability
• Elevated liver enzymes

If you experience these symptoms after beginning or adjusting your dose of CoQ10, consult with a healthcare professional.

Bottom Line

Studies on CoQ10 are quite promising. Nevertheless, more in-depth studies are required, and when it comes to fertility treatments, an effective treatment plan may involve the use of different options to be successful. If included as a part of a wholesome approach, CoQ10 has a higher chance of improving fertility.