One nutrient that may be very helpful for improving pregnancy odds is CoQ10. Learn about the benefits and whether it's the right treatment option for you.
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Fertility can be a struggle for many women. Among women between the ages of 18 and 49, research shows that nearly 9% of them are dealing with infertility.
When it comes to couples, it's estimated that almost 49 million couples worldwide deal with fertility issues.
Often, unexplained infertility is treatable with a change in diet and lifestyle and ensuring you get the proper nutrients. And some nutrients are more powerful than others.
CoQ10 is a biomolecule that is naturally created in the body.
Some of the benefits of CoQ10 are improved pregnancy outcomes, improved egg quality, and oxidative stress reduction.
It can take 4 to 8 weeks to start seeing the effects of CoQ10. In general, most women see improvement in egg quality within a month.
While research is ongoing, CoQ10 (Ubiquinone or Coenzyme Q10) is a nutrient that naturally occurs in living organisms that has the potential to help couples that need a boost in fertility.
Let's look closely at the benefits of CoQ10 and whether it's suitable for you and your fertility journey.
The human body naturally creates the biomolecule CoQ10. It’s demonstrated potential as a dietary supplement that supports overall health and wellness.
Some clinical studies show that CoQ10 helps to reduce leg swelling and fluid in the lungs, making breathing easier.
Because CoQ10 is an antioxidant, it helps to neutralize free radicals to reduce or prevent tissue damage that leads to heart and inflammatory disease, cancer, and cataract.
Another reason CoQ10 is a vital nutrient is that it's responsible for generating energy in our cells. Higher CoQ10 levels allow for the body's electron transport chain to move faster and more efficiently.
Current research suggests that CoQ10 has the potential to improve egg quality, sperm quality, and the rates of successful pregnancies. The production of CoQ10 peaks at age 20 and, from there, declines as we age.
While CoQ10 is vitamin-like, it is not a vitamin. CoQ10 is a fat-soluble compound that the human body produces naturally. Vitamins, on the other hand, can't be made by the body.
The benefits of CoQ10 for fertility are due to the way it addresses underlying issues that can lead to unexplained infertility. Welzo medical advisor Dr. Blen Tesfu notes that some of the benefits include:
Some fertility clinics recommend supplementing CoQ10 to support sperm and egg health while going through IVF (in vitro fertilization).
In one study, researchers found that 200 mg of CoQ10 taken for about a month before IVF showed improvement in fertility for women.
Another study discovered that women with PCOS who took CoQ10 supplements saw an improvement in the endometrial lining, ovulation rates, and pregnancy rates.
And for IUI and IVF patients, supplementing CoQ10 showed improved ovarian responsiveness.
The number and quality of eggs decline after the age of 30. Once a woman hits 40, the chances of getting pregnant drop to 44%.
According to research, CoQ10 levels decrease as we age, and the deficiency can lead to age-related fertility issues. In that same study, supplementing CoQ10 was shown to help support egg quality as we age.
Even younger women see improved egg quality and pregnancy rates by supplementing CoQ10.
The human body fights off damaging particles known as free radicals. Free radicals do damage to our cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and cause cells to die.
CoQ10 protects cells by neutralizing free radicals and has the potential to reduce and maybe even prevent damage.
Some researchers even believe that one benefit of supplementing CoQ10 is that it can address heart-related issues because it's an antioxidant, can improve cell production, and prevent blood clots.
Those same qualities make CoQ10 a possible solution for some couples that struggle with fertility.
Oxidative stress happens when there are too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants to fight them off.
By reducing oxidative stress, CoQ10 can improve egg and sperm quality, which leads to better fertility outcomes.
According to animal studies, CoQ10 shows promise when addressing the need for metabolism support, especially in those diagnosed with insulin sensitivity.
The study found that CoQ10 boosts fat metabolism and improves mitochondrial function and insulin resistance. Someone with insulin sensitivity is more likely to develop diabetes and obesity, which can both negatively impact fertility.
While CoQ10 is good for fertility, every cell in your body benefits from the antioxidants. CoQ10 plays a huge role in cell function because it helps convert food into energy.
Powerful antioxidants like CoQ10 fight off free radicals that damage cells, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death.
Taking CoQ10 supplements can give a boost to your heart health, reduce headaches and migraines, and improve exercise performance and stamina.
And some studies suggest that CoQ10 may prevent some cancers and help slow progression in instances of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
When we asked Dr. Tesfu how much CoQ10 to take for fertility, she advised talking to your doctor first. She notes that specific dosages can vary based on individual factors, such as age, fertility health, and overall concerns.
Most people who eat meat intake about 3 to 6mg of CoQ10 daily in their diet. Fertility specialists recommend their patients take between 100mg and 600mg of CoQ10 daily when trying to increase fertility.
On how long CoQ10 takes to work, Dr. Tesfu stated, “Some people may experience improved energy levels relatively quickly, within a few weeks of starting CoQ10 supplementation.
In relation to fertility benefits, she stated, “For fertility-related benefits, it may take several months to see improvements, as CoQ10 may need time to support the health of developing eggs and sperm. Consistency in taking the supplement as recommended is crucial to potentially see benefits over time.”
Research has found that in men it takes up to six months to increase sperm quality due to sperm maturation rate.
No current research suggests CoQ10 is dangerous to take throughout your pregnancy. But, once pregnant, most women stop taking CoQ10 supplements.
Some research shows that the level of CoQ10 in the blood affects the concentration, motility, and morphology of sperm because it's believed to improve antioxidant capacity.
One study suggests that supplementing CoQ10 improved sperm count by 53% and sperm mobility by 26%.
Some patients that take 100mg of Co-Q10 have reported experiencing mild insomnia.
Researchers have reported that in some cases, those taking 300mg of Co-Q10 daily saw an elevation in liver enzymes.
Other side effects may include:
Co-Q10 can interact with certain medications, which is why it's important to discuss it with your doctor before taking any supplement. Here are a few to be aware of:
For some, the side effects of CoQ10 aren't worth it. Other supplements like Fertility Support for Her offer some of the same benefits and may cause less side effects.
Ubiquinone is the oxidized form of CoQ10, and ubiquinol is the reduced form of CoQ10.
Turning ubiquinone into ubiquinol is a complex process that involves five different enzymes. As we age, it's harder for our bodies to convert inactive ubiquinone form to active ubiquinol.
Because of the body's process of converting, the ubiquinol form may be better for fertility; but both forms have been shown to be helpful.
The dietary flavonoid Quercetin and CoQ10 are not the same thing.
Quercetin is a flavonoid found in certain foods such as fruit, vegetables, legumes, and even wine.
And while some food contains it, CoQ10 is a natural biochemical that begins to decrease as we age and may require supplementation.
Some research shows that Quercetin can act as a CoQ10-mimetic, with some of the same benefits due to its antioxidant qualities.
But, CoQ10 is better than Quercetin when trying to boost fertility because it boosts energy production and reduces oxidative damage.
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid contained in certain foods and animals and is a powerful antioxidant that plays a factor in our overall health.
According to a study on Astaxanthin, the antioxidants work to relieve BPA-induced oxidative stress and improve fertility in women.
In men, Astaxanthin shows a positive effect on sperm motility and the number of abnormally shaped sperm.
While studying powerful antioxidants, researchers found that Astaxanthin is 800 times stronger than CoQ10. But there are no current studies that directly compare the effectiveness of Astaxanthin and CoQ10 for fertility support.
Unexplained fertility affects couples from all backgrounds and lifestyles. While research continues into what CoQ10 does for fertility, there is plenty to suggest that it can improve fertility in both men and women.
The science-backed benefits of CoQ10 for fertility include improved egg quality, protection from cellular damage, decreased oxidative stress, support for a healthy metabolism, and better overall health.
The necessary dosage of the antioxidant CoQ10 can vary between 100mg and 600mg. In some cases, CoQ10 causes side effects that include nausea, headache, and fatigue.
Other antioxidants and supplements are available that address some of the same issues as CoQ10, such as Quercetin and Astaxanthin.
Ask your specialist or doctor if CoQ10 can help with fertility in your case and whether it's right for you and your partner.
Dr. Blen Tesfu is a practicing physician who is also pursuing a master's in epidemiology and Public Health. She has extensive experience working in primary as well as Tertiary care settings, particularly with women's health and reproductive medicine, communicable diseases, and non-communicable illnesses. Throughout her role as General Practitioner, she has gained diverse knowledge and experience on complex medical topics and dedication to patient education and promotional activities for public well-being initiatives. She is passionate about staying up-to-date on the latest research findings through research publications, journal articles, and guidelines that help inform the best evidence-based practices when treating patients across different communities worldwide.
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