CoQ10 And Fertility

Fertility has become a big business and the market is now full of products marketed as fertility supplements. In many cases, such supplements have not been researched and approved by the appropriate governing bodies. 

While many supplements are based on myths, one supplement based on research is coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Several researchers have performed studies examining the use of coenzyme Q10 for fertility, making it an option for individuals looking to enhance their fertility. Let’s take a look at this supplement and what it has to offer. 

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?

Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, or CoQ10 is a biomolecule that naturally exists in the mitochondria of cells of your body. CoQ10 is made in the body by combining an amino acid called tyrosine and vitamin B6. It is mostly found in high concentrations in organs with high rates of metabolism such as the kidneys, liver, and heart.

CoQ10 plays a major role in moving energy between your cells by generating ATP (adenosine triphosphate). One of the main benefits of CoQ10 is its ability to protect cells from oxidative stress, which occurs when your cells have a build-up of free radicals that can damage your cells. 

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. 

CoQ10 in Food

CoQ10 can be found in food and this can be a great way to increase the enzyme levels in your body. Foods you can take include:

• Nuts
• Soybeans
• Vegetable oils
• Pork, chicken, and other meats
• Fish (especially salmon and sardines)
• Dairy products
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Some cereals.

CoQ10 for Egg Quality

As females age, their egg quality and quantity declines. Some research studies suggest that this decline could be due to a decrease in mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress. From these studies, experts deduce that COQ10 supplementation can boost fertility by increasing mitochondrial activity. 

Not only that, but egg maturation, fertilization, and embryo development require a lot of energy, with female eggs (oocytes) having the highest amount of cells with mitochondria. These processes can lead to oxidative stress in the whole body. But with all that energy expended over time, comes a lot of oxidative stress. However, since natural CoQ10 also declines, supplements can reduce and reverse this oxidative stress process. 

CoQ10 and IVF

Studies on the effects of CoQ10 on women undergoing IVF showed that IVF recipients who had higher CoQ10 levels also had better embryos and in turn increased pregnancy rates. Not only that but women with high levels of CoQ10 treatment retrieved more eggs and increased fertilization rates. 

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

If you would like to know how CoQ10 supplementation can help with IVF, Dallas IVF offers various reproductive health services including offering information on CoQ10 or other fertility treatment programs. 

CoQ10 and PCOS

When it comes to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), studies have shown that the enzyme can help women suffering from the disease. Studies have shown that CoQ10 can positively improve hormone levels and glucose levels in PCOS patients.

CoQ10 for Sperm Quality

Men’s reproductive health can also be affected by oxidative stress. Research has shown that CoQ10 supplements can positively impact the quality and quantity of sperm in men. However, these studies are fewer, and more research needs to be done. 

One of these studies is a 2004 study in the journal Fertility & Sterility. The research  studied 22 infertile men who took 200 mg daily CoQ10 supplement daily, looking at their sperm counts. After 6 months of taking CoQ10 supplements, the infertile men showed increased levels of the coenzyme CoQ10 in the seminal fluid and increased sperm motility in men. 

Dosage for Fertility

CoQ10  can be found in most people and in different foods, particularly in people who eat meat. Unfortunately, for any fertility benefits to be seen, you will need larger quantities. In most cases, one would need to take between 100 and 600 mg of CoQ10 daily.

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.  

Does CoQ10 have side effects?

CoQ10 is generally considered safe to use. It’s sold in the United States as a dietary supplement. However, the safety of the supplement isn’t extensively tested and you will need to be careful when buying the supplement over the counter. 

Users can react differently to the supplement and some people might experience mild side effects when adding the enzyme into their lifestyle. Side effects can include:

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

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

Bottom Line

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.