Fertility is a deeply personal and important aspect of many people's lives, and the journey to conception can be both exhilarating and challenging. At FertilitySmart, our primary goal is to help you achieve the family you’ve always dreamed of. One of the ways we do that is by helping you understand how you can improve your fertility and increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Coenzyme Q10, usually abbreviated to CoQ10, is one of the most popular supplements used by both men and women. You might have heard of it before, as it’s commonly used as a natural approach to treat various health conditions.
But does CoQ10 help with fertility? In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know. Let’s start by delving into the science behind CoQ10 and how it works.
What is CoQ10?
CoQ101 is a naturally occurring compound found in the cells of our bodies. It plays a crucial role in the production of energy within our cells, specifically in the mitochondria. The mitochondria are often referred to as the “powerhouses” of the cell because this is where the energy that drives all of our bodily functions is produced.
Without CoQ10, your body is unable to produce energy.2 It’s essential to note that the body's production of CoQ10 naturally decreases with age,3 which is why supplementation is often considered a good idea.
In addition to its role in energy production, CoQ10 also functions as an antioxidant,4 helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. A free radical is best defined as any molecular species that contains an unpaired electron in its atomic orbital and can exist independently.
Free radicals attack essential molecules in the body,5 such as lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins, and can cause oxidative stress — an imbalance between free radicals and naturally occurring antioxidants in your body. CoQ10 as a powerful antioxidant can help prevent this type of cell damage,6 which is another reason for its popularity.
That explains what the compound is and what it does. But what does CoQ10 do for fertility specifically?
What Does CoQ10 Do for Fertility?
CoQ10 benefits fertility in various ways. As we’ve already highlighted, the body’s ability to produce CoQ10 decreases with age, as do fertility levels7 in general. That’s because sperm and egg cells require large amounts of energy to develop and are prone to oxidative stress. The free-radical-fighting properties of CoQ10 contribute to increased health which may significantly improve the chances of conception.8 Here’s how:
Increased Cell Function
CoQ10 is an essential component of the electron transport chain,9 which is a series of chemical reactions within the mitochondria responsible for generating energy. This chain involves the transfer of electrons between protein complexes, ultimately leading to the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's primary energy source. Taking CoQ10 for fertility can therefore be advantageous, as ATP is critically important throughout every stage of conception.10
Antioxidant Properties
Because CoQ10 protects cells from oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, CoQ10 fertility supplements can help minimize decreased cell function11 that may have a negative impact on the reproductive system. With fewer free radicals and oxidative stress affecting your body, the quality and health of eggs, sperm, and reproductive tissues can be improved,12 which increases the chance of successful conception.
Hormone Balancing
Hormones play a pivotal role in regulating the reproductive system, and CoQ10 supports a well-functioning endocrine system13 (the system responsible for producing and regulating hormones that control various aspects of reproduction). Balanced hormones are essential for the timely release of eggs (ovulation) in women and the production of healthy sperm in men. Therefore, the CoQ10 benefits for fertility can apply to hormone imbalances14 in both men and women.
Reproductive Tissue Health
Reproductive tissues, including the uterus and fallopian tubes in women and the testes in men, are essential for conception. By reducing oxidative stress and promoting healthy tissue function, CoQ10 may help to create a more favorable environment for conception and pregnancy.15
Boost Reproductive Capacity
Age is a significant factor in fertility, with both men and women experiencing declines in reproductive capacity after the age of 30.16 The natural decline in CoQ10 levels as we age can impact the overall health and energy production of reproductive cells and tissues. So, for couples facing age-related conception challenges, CoQ10 fertility supplements could improve their reproductive prospects.17
CoQ10 for Fertility: Men vs Women
As you can see, CoQ10 fertility benefits can extend to both men and women. Let’s explore the distinct roles and effects of CoQ10 for fertility in males and females in more depth.
CoQ10 for Male Fertility
Specifically, what does CoQ10 do for fertility in men? The primary role of male CoQ10 supplements is to optimize various aspects of sperm health. Here’s how:
Sperm Count
Sperm count is a fundamental factor in male fertility. A higher sperm count translates to a greater number of sperm available for fertilization, which is a crucial element in the journey to conception. Research suggests that CoQ10 supplements can increase sperm count,18 thus increasing the likelihood of successful fertilization and the development of a healthy embryo.
Sperm Motility
CoQ10 plays a vital role in powering sperm motility19 (the ability of sperm to move). By facilitating energy production in sperm cells, CoQ10 can help to ensure they have the necessary vitality to reach their intended destination and fertilize the egg.
Sperm Quality
The quality of sperm is equally important as the quantity. CoQ10's antioxidant properties protect sperm cells from oxidative damage,20 preserving their quality and viability. So, supplements can play an essential role in maintaining healthy and functional sperm.
CoQ10 for Female Fertility
What does CoQ10 do for fertility in women? The primary benefit of women’s CoQ10 fertility supplements lies in enhancing the efficiency of the ovulation process and ensuring egg quality. However, there are some additional advantages related to successful conception and providing a healthy environment for a fetus to thrive:
Enhanced Ovulation
CoQ10 has shown potential for improving ovulation in women21 — particularly those with irregular menstrual cycles or age-related fertility concerns. By supporting regular and successful ovulation, women’s CoQ10 fertility supplements can increase the chances of conception.
Egg Quality
Age-related fertility decline is often associated with a decrease in egg quality. CoQ10's ability to optimize cell function can help maintain the health of eggs,22 which is crucial for successful fertilization and embryo development.
Fertilisation and Early Embryonic Development
CoQ10 provides the energy necessary for the fusion of the egg and sperm, initiating the formation of a healthy zygote. As cell division and early embryo growth progress, CoQ10 supports the energy demands23 of these processes, helping to establish a strong foundation for a successful pregnancy.
Implantation and Pregnancy
Adequate ATP production (which is supported by CoQ10) is essential for the successful implantation of the embryo into the uterine lining. As pregnancy progresses, CoQ10 continues to contribute to energy production,24 ensuring that the growing embryo receives the necessary nutrients for healthy development.
Maintenance of the Uterine Environment
A healthy uterine environment supported by CoQ10's antioxidant effects can foster the conditions necessary for a pregnancy to progress and thrive. By reinforcing the proper functioning of the uterine lining,25 adequate levels of CoQ10 ensure the uterus remains receptive to the embryo's attachment.
CoQ10 Fertility FAQs
At FertilitySmart, we understand that searching for reliable fertility supplements can be a stressful experience, and you’re bound to have questions about every option on your shortlist. To help cover all the bases, we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of answers to our most frequently asked questions about using CoQ10 for fertility.
Q: Are CoQ10 supplements safe?
A: CoQ10 is a naturally occurring compound in the body and can also be found in various foods. Therefore, it is considered a nutritional supplement and is generally considered safe for most people when taken within the recommended dosage guidelines.
Q: Why are nutritional supplements preferable to prescription drugs?
A: The ultimate goal of taking any nutritional supplement is to optimize overall fertility health and wellness rather than treat a specific condition. It’s a more natural approach compared to using prescription medications — which may alter biological pathways in an unnatural manner, resulting in undesirable side effects.
Q: Which foods contain the most CoQ10?
A: Organ meats like liver and kidneys, fatty fish like sardines, salmon, trout, and mackerel, and vegetables high in iron, such as spinach and broccoli, are all excellent sources of CoQ10. It’s also a naturally occurring compound in oranges, strawberries, oils, nuts, and seeds.
Q: Can anyone take CoQ10 for fertility?
A: Yes, and as we’ve shown, CoQ10 benefits fertility in both men and women. However, as with any supplement regimen, individuals with underlying health conditions and those taking medications should consult a healthcare professional before getting started to ensure against contraindications.
Q: Which medications are affected by CoQ10 supplements?
A: CoQ10 can interact with blood-thinning medications26 like warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven, etc.) and affect the medication's effectiveness. CoQ10 may also have a modest effect on blood sugar levels. So, if you have diabetes or are taking medications to control blood sugar, you should discuss CoQ10 with your healthcare provider to ensure that it won't interfere with your diabetes management.
Q: Who is CoQ10 best suited to?
A: Any couple struggling with fertility may wish to consider boosting their CoQ10 levels. However, it may be particularly beneficial for individuals with hormone imbalances, men with sperm health concerns, women with preexisting reproductive issues like endometriosis, and couples with age-related fertility worries.
Q: What is the recommended daily dosage of CoQ10?
A: When it comes to how much CoQ10 for fertility you should take, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Recommendations will vary depending on individual factors such as age, gender, and specific health concerns. However, the highest recommended daily dose is approximately 1,200 milligrams.27
Q: Does it matter what time of day I take CoQ10 supplements?
A: CoQ10 is fat-soluble and should therefore be taken with a meal. The specific time of day doesn’t matter, although consistency is recommended. The best practice is to get into the habit of taking supplements with the same meal every day. Whether that’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner doesn’t make a difference, provided that the meal contains fats or oils.
Q: How long does it take to notice CoQ10 fertility benefits?
A: Because it’s a natural supplement, CoQ10 results in gradual improvement and shouldn’t be considered a ‘quick fix.’ It takes time for the body to benefit, and results vary from person to person, so patience is key. However, to give you a ballpark idea, most experts suggest waiting three to six months to see significant improvements in fertility parameters.
Q: Are there any side effects of taking CoQ10 supplements?
A: As CoQ10 is a naturally occurring compound, side effects are rare. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects which might include gastrointestinal upset, loss of appetite, headaches, dizziness, or insomnia.
Q: Are there any additional health benefits of taking CoQ10?
A: Besides fertility enhancement, CoQ10 has been used effectively to help with various other conditions. A few prominent examples include heart conditions, migraines, statin-induced myopathy, and Parkinson’s disease.
Don’t see your question listed here? Check out our FAQs! You can also contact our team anytime with questions.
Boost Your Fertility with CoQ10
There are myriad options out there, and learning how to cut through the noise to find the fertility supplement that’s right for you is a crucial step in starting or expanding your dream family. Choosing a high-quality supplement from a reputable brand like FertilitySmart is a no-brainer, offering an all-natural solution to help you on your fertility journey.
FertilitySmart is proud to offer natural daily CoQ10 fertility supplements for women, as well as male fertility supplements. Our products feature an herbal and nutritional blend that harmoniously combines key natural ingredients to boost your chances.
The non-prescription formulas bring together science-backed ingredients and essential vitamins to encourage hormonal balance and reproductive wellness, supporting your fertility efforts and optimizing your chances of successful conception. Join thousands of customers and place your order today!
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