Sperm and egg development and maturation are highly complex processes that require a great deal of energy. Many patients ask their fertility specialists about what dietary supplements may improve egg quality and male fertility. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a biomolecule that exists naturally in the human body and is present in every cell. Coenzyme Q10 acts as a potent antioxidant and is involved in mitochondrial function. As reproductive aging occurs, CoQ10 levels diminish, and our ability to convert Coenzyme Q10 into its active form ubiquinol also deteriorates. While a few dietary sources such as organ meats contain CoqQ0, it is difficult to obtain peak blood levels of CoQ10 from diet alone. Because of this, CoQ10 is used widely as a dietary supplement to support fertility and various aspects of health and wellness and is recommended by most fertility specialists. This blog post will focus on whether or not CoQ10 can help support sperm health and egg quality or other aspects of male and female fertility.

The Benefits of CoQ10

CoQ10 is an important biomolecule with many potential benefits for health and wellness. As an antioxidant, coenzyme q10 scavenges harmful free radicals that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA. This damage can lead to inflammation, which has been linked to a variety of chronic diseases. CoQ10 has also been shown to support cardiovascular health by reducing oxidative stress and improving blood vessel function. In addition, CoQ10 has been shown to boost cellular energy generation and protect against age-related cognitive decline.

What is ubiquinol and how does it impact fertility

There are two forms of CoQ10–ubiquinone and activated ubiquinol. Ubiquinol is the reduced form of coenzyme Q10, and it is thought to be the more active form of CoQ10. The ubiquinol form is absorbed better than regular CoQ10 (ubiquinone) and can be stored in the body for longer periods. Ubiquinol is more effective than ubiquinone at scavenging harmful free radicals and preventing oxidative damage. Ubiquinol has also been shown to improve blood vessel function and support cardiovascular health. Additionally, ubiquinol has been shown to improve energy levels and protect against age-related cognitive decline.

How ubiquinol can improve egg health and boost fertility rates

Some studies have also shown that ubiquinol can improve egg quality and boost fertility rates. One study found that women who were supplemented with ubiquinol had a higher rate of successful pregnancies than those who did not supplement. Another study showed that ubiquinol improved the quality of eggs and increased the number of eggs that were fertilized. These findings suggest that ubiquinol may be beneficial for younger and older women who are trying to conceive.

The role of ubiquinol in egg quality and fertility preservation

Some studies have also shown that ubiquinol can improve ovarian response and boost fertility rates, likely by improving oocyte mitochondrial function and age-related decline. One study found that women who took Coenzyme Q10 antioxidant supplements had a higher rate of successful pregnancies than those who did not supplement. Another study showed that Coenzyme Q10 improved oocyte quality and increased the number of eggs that were fertilized. These findings suggest that ubiquinol may be beneficial for women concerned about embryo quality and egg health.

There is also some evidence that ubiquinol may help preserve fertility in women undergoing cancer treatment. Some chemotherapy drugs can damage ovarian tissue and ovarian reserve and reduce fertility. One study showed that ubiquinol supplementation before chemotherapy may help protect ovarian tissue and preserve fertility. While more research is needed in this area, the preliminary evidence suggests that ubiquinol may play an important role in fertility preservation and fertility treatments.

Ubiquinol dosage for improved female fertility

Ubiquinol dosages can vary depending on the individual and the specific goal. For general health purposes, a dosage of 100-200 mg per day in is recommended. For fertility purposes, a dosage of 200-300 mg per day may be more effective. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best dosage for you.

There are a few things that you can do to get the most out of CoQ10 for fertility. First, make sure to take the active form of ubiquinol consistently. Most people see the best results when they take ubiquinol every day with food. Second, try to avoid eating foods that are high in saturated and unhealthy fats. These fats can reduce the absorption of ubiquinol, so it’s best to avoid them if possible. Finally, since ubiquinol is fat-soluble and absorption can vary, make sure to take a highly absorbed emulsified form of ubiquinol which will more readily increase serum levels of CoQ10 and is typically available in soft gel capsules.

What Does the Research Say?

There is some evidence to suggest that CoQ10 may improve semen parameters in men. One study found that men who took a daily CoQ10 supplement for three months had significantly higher levels of sperm motility (the ability of sperm to swim) than men who did not take a supplement. The supplement also seemed to improve sperm morphology or sperm shape. However, more research is needed to confirm the impact of Coenzyme qQ10 on semen parameters and male fertility.

There is also some evidence that CoQ10 supplementation may improve fertility in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). One study found that women who took a daily CoQ10 supplement for two months before IVF had higher pregnancy rates than women who did not take the supplement. However, this study was small and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Here are a few high quality (high absorption) CoQ10 brands I recommend

Conclusion:

More research is needed to determine whether or not CoQ10 supplements can help support sperm and egg quality or other aspects of male or female fertility. However, given the wide range of potential benefits that CoQ10 offers for health and wellness, taking a daily supplement may be beneficial for many people, particularly as the body ages. Please make sure to ask your doctor for professional medical advice before starting any supplement.

My name is Natalie Stentz. I am a board-certified OB-GYN and fertility specialist. I believe that women’s health matters and that optimal health starts at home with small changes applied over a lifetime.