In reproductive clinics, many women preparing for pregnancy often ask curiously while holding a prescription: "Why am I being prescribed Coenzyme Q10? Isn't that a heart health supplement?" In fact, this small molecule—often referred to as the "powerhouse of the cell"—is quietly playing an increasingly important role in reproductive health.
Coenzyme Q10: The "Spark of Life" Within Cells
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble antioxidant naturally present in the human body, widely distributed in energy-demanding organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. It primarily resides in the inner membrane of mitochondria, and its antioxidant capacity is about 50 times that of vitamin E.
Its most fundamental function is to participate in mitochondrial energy conversion—acting like a "mini generator" to fuel cellular activity. As we age, our body's ability to synthesize CoQ10 gradually declines. After age 30, the decline accelerates, and by age 40, CoQ10 levels may drop to just 60% of what they were at age 20.
CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, protect cells from oxidative damage, and promote cell growth and repair. It also inhibits cell apoptosis, stabilizes cell membranes, reduces oxidative stress, and boosts immune function. In addition, it enhances and regenerates other antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C.
CoQ10 Benefits for Fertility
CoQ10 and Female Infertility
Oxidative stress is closely linked to a range of female reproductive disorders, including diminished ovarian reserve, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian insufficiency, and endometriosis.
During assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF, energy is required for ovulation induction, oocyte development, fertilization, and embryo development. When oxidative stress increases and mitochondrial function is impaired by reactive oxygen species (ROS), ATP production drops—negatively affecting oocyte growth and maturation.
In women preparing for pregnancy, the ovaries and oocytes are among the body’s most energy-demanding tissues. After the age of 35, ovarian function and both the quantity and quality of eggs begin to decline significantly. Some women may still have a sufficient number of follicles, but the quality of their eggs is compromised.
The increase in free radicals associated with aging contributes to the decline in egg quality. Older women tend to have fewer functionally intact mitochondria in their eggs, which leads to reduced oocyte competence. Supplementing CoQ10 in older women may help improve egg quality and enhance pregnancy outcomes.
CoQ10 and Male Infertility
For men trying to conceive, oxidative stress in cells can increase ROS levels in sperm, reduce mitochondrial membrane potential, and lead to lipid peroxidation of the sperm membrane, increased DNA fragility, and a reduction in mitochondrial number. These factors negatively impact sperm count, concentration, motility, and morphology.
Current studies indicate that supplementing with CoQ10, either alone or in combination with other antioxidants, can positively influence semen quality. In particular, it has been shown to enhance sperm motility, improve antioxidant capacity in seminal fluid, and protect chromatin integrity. Improvements in semen parameters are typically observed after 3–6 months of supplementation, but these benefits tend to diminish after stopping CoQ10.
Clinical studies have shown that oral supplementation of CoQ10 at a dose of 200 mg/day for three months significantly improves sperm count, progressive motility, and DNA fragmentation in men with infertility.
CoQ10 How Many mg Should I Take: Dosage and Safety
The body's CoQ10 levels come from both internal synthesis and external supplementation.
CoQ10 is synthesized primarily in the liver, heart, kidneys, and adrenal glands, with levels peaking around age 20. After age 25, the body's production gradually declines, and CoQ10 content decreases in various tissues and organs as we age.
CoQ10 is naturally found in foods like organ meats (heart, liver, kidneys), sardines, mackerel, beef, pork, soybeans, peanuts, sesame seeds, pistachios, broccoli, oranges, and strawberries. However, the amount the body can absorb from dietary sources is very limited. Therefore, for individuals preparing for pregnancy, external supplementation is often necessary.
Forms of CoQ10: Ubiquinone vs. Ubiquinol
Although CoQ10 can support fertility, choosing the right form can be confusing for most people.
CoQ10 exists in two forms—these are also the two common types found in supplements.
One is the oxidized form, known as Ubiquinone (also referred to as conventional CoQ10). Ubiquinone itself has no antioxidant properties until it is converted by the body into the fat-soluble compound Ubiquinol, which is the active, antioxidant form.
However, during this conversion process, some active components may be lost, resulting in lower CoQ10 levels in the bloodstream.
The other form is Ubiquinol, which is readily absorbed by the body after oral intake. Studies have shown that Ubiquinol has 8 times higher bioavailability than Ubiquinone and remains in the bloodstream longer, meaning it can exert greater physiological effects—although it also comes at a higher cost.
The simplest way to choose a CoQ10 supplement is to check the label or ingredient list:
If it lists Ubiquinone, it's the standard form of CoQ10.
If it lists Ubiquinol, it's the more advanced, reduced form with superior absorption.
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