CoQ10 And Fertility

The journey to parenthood is a personal one. It can be easy for some but difficult for others. Thankfully, fertility research is evolving every day and new methods that enhance fertility are being discovered daily, including supplements.

In recent years, supplementation as an option in fertility treatments has grown in popularity. One such supplement is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10. In this article, we will look at how this supplement promotes fertility and whether how it works is based on any truth. 

Key Takeaways

• Many supplements have been touted for fertility but most aren’t based on any truth
• CoQ10 is not just a popular fertility supplement but is also used in treating Alzheimer’s
• CoQ10 improves egg quality in women and both sperm quantity and motility in men.
  
  

What is CoQ10?

Our bodies naturally make Coenzyme Q10, ubiquinone, popularly known as CoQ10. This is an enzyme that naturally occurs in the body in the mitochondria of the cells, especially where there are high rates of metabolism like the heart and kidneys. However, this amount is insufficient and declines as you age. Not only that, but your body also reduces its ability to absorb the enzyme, particularly in high doses. 

Thankfully, CoQ10 can be found in foods such as:

• Fatty fish like tuna salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel
• Organ meats like beef heart and liver 
• Nuts and seeds like pistachios and sesame seeds 
• Eggs
• Whole grains
• Soybeans
• Peanuts
• Spinach
  
  

CoQ10 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 Parkinson's. 

CoQ10 vs. Ubiquinol 

CoQ10 exists as ubiquinone (in its oxidized form) or as ubiquinol (in its reduced and active form) in the body and in foods. Age is a determining factor in how we convert inactive ubiquinone to active ubiquinol. This is because it requires the use of some enzymes that work best when we are young. Both ubiquinol and ubiquinone have been shown to support fertility but ubiquinol is a bit better. For this reason, look for supplements that contain the active ubiquinol. 

Does CoQ10 Improve Egg Quality?

An estimated 40–45% of infertility cases are attributed to female challenges, which can be multifactorial. Aging, diminished ovarian reserve, and diminished egg quality are the top reasons for infertility in women. Some research studies indicate that age-related decline in egg quality could be due to oxidative stress, the effect of which on female infertility remains unclear. Some studies reveal that CoQ10 can have promising results in treating infertility in women. This study also reveals that CoQ10 did increase the clinical pregnancy rate in women who were undergoing treatments for infertility by as much as 14 percent. 

Many fertility experts use this study as the basis of the benefits of CoQ10 on fertility, showing that using supplemental coenzyme Q10 for fertility could increase mitochondrial activity and subsequently better ovary performance.  

Additionally, assisted reproductive technology treatments (ARTs) like ovarian stimulation (hormonal injections and drugs used to increase the number of viable eggs)  can also benefit from CoQ10 supplementation. To further illustrate this, a 2018 study found CoQ10 improved response to these types of hormonal stimulation among women who sought IVF treatments due to the low quality and quantity of egg reserves.

How Does CoQ10 Improve Sperm Quality?

The two main determinants of men’s fertility are the quality and quantity of sperm. In recent years, more research is been done on the impact of CoQ10 on men’s reproductive health, particularly these two. Though these studies aren’t comprehensive, the few studies that have been done show that CoQ10 has a positive impact on both the quality and quantity of sperm in men. 

A different 2004 study in the journal Fertility & Sterility studied the effects of CoQ10 in men. 22 infertile men were given 200 mg daily CoQ10 supplement daily and their sperm count was studied. After 6 months of taking the CoQ10 supplements, the infertile men showed increased levels of the coenzyme CoQ10 in the seminal fluid and increased sperm motility in men. 

Similarly, a  2009 study, published in The Journal of Endocrinological Investigation studied 82 men with infertility. 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 both sperm count and sperm motility after treatment.

Choosing the Right CoQ10 Supplement

As already mentioned,  CoQ10 is already present in most foods, especially in meat. However, to enjoy the benefits and to feel the impact, you would need to eat large quantities of such foods. In fact, most people will need to consume between 100 and 600 mg of CoQ10 daily to see any significant change.

When choosing a CoQ10 supplement for fertility, look for products with ubiquinol, which is the most absorbable form. Ensure the product is of high quality and is extensively tested by the relevant authorities. 

Even though the effects of CoQ10 on infertility are promising, always consult with your healthcare professional or fertility specialist before starting any new supplement. Ask about any possible side effects or potential interactions with other medications before deciding dosage and frequency.

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

Side Effects of CoQ10

The FDA in the United States doesn’t regulate food supplements and testing isn’t done as vigorously as it’s done with medications. Additionally, there are not many studies on the supplement and there are many who are taking advantage of this fact and are selling CoQ10 supplements that aren’t tested extensively. 

Though CoQ10 is generally considered safe to use one might experience mild side effects when taking it. Some side effects include:

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

You will need to be careful buying the supplement over the counter, and if you experience these symptoms after beginning or adjusting your dose of CoQ10, consult with a healthcare professional.

Bottom Line

Fertility can be influenced by numerous factors, and for couples who are looking to grow their families, CoQ10 supplementation is quite promising, offering to improve both egg and sperm quality. Not only that but studies on CoQ10 are evolving as more see its potential. 

Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that fertility is complex. Though CoQ10 works for some, it’s not a magic solution but should be part of a holistic fertility approach that includes a healthy lifestyle and guidance from your healthcare provider.