coq10 and fertility

(CoQ10) Coenzyme Q10 For Fertility Benefits

CoQ10, or Coenzyme Q10, has been getting much media attention lately, however, not for its traditional uses of decreasing inflammation and promoting joint health. Recently, the supplement's fertility benefits have come to light, and both men and women are seeking coenzyme q10 for fertility. 

How can CoQ10 support your fertility journey? Is it safe? How do you take CoQ10? We'll answer these questions and more in this helpful guide!

CoQ10 and Fertility Quick Facts

  • Coenzyme Q10 reduces sperm DNA fragmentation 

  • Coenzyme Q10 can help improve sperm quality

  • CoQ10 can help with cellular energy production, supporting sperm motility 

  • CoQ10 has been found to lead to a 53% increase in sperm count 

  • CoQ10 may help slow down and reverse the decline of oocyte quantity and quality in women 

  • Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cell health

How Does CoQ10 Work?

CoQ10 is the colloquial name for ubiquinone or coenzyme 10, a powerful antioxidant. The compound is found naturally in your body but tends to decrease as you age. Along with protecting cells from free radicals, it also helps to support metabolism and cellular energy through the electron transport chain. 

CoQ10's ability to protect and facilitate cell energy makes it an excellent fertility aid. The substance has been found to protect sperm and egg cells during their developmental processes. At that time, oxidative stress and harmful free radicals can decrease their quality. Additionally, its enhancement of cell energy levels is believed to lead to higher-quality sperm and eggs. Why? Because more cell energy equals higher cell function, which can result in better quality eggs and sperm that go on to be protected by CoQ10's free radical fighting properties.

CoQ10 for Female Fertility and Egg Quality

When it comes to women's fertility supplements, CoQ10 is often mentioned as a must. As an ingredient in fertility supplements, it helps to improve egg quality. A woman begins life with nearly six million oocytes (premature eggs) that decrease to 300,000 to 400,000 around puberty. After puberty, 1,000 eggs die each month, and the number of mature eggs decreases. The ever-decreasing number of oocytes and quality of mature eggs is why your fertility wanes as you age. 

CoQ10 drops as you get older, too, leaving your eggs more susceptible to free radical damage. One study found that supplementing with CoQ10 helped combat decreasing egg quality. For some women in the study, CoQ10 slowed the process and helped reverse the decline of oocyte quantity and quality. 

Therefore, CoQ10 may be helpful for women experiencing decreased fertility due to age. CoQ10 for infertility due to age may also be beneficial. However, young women can also supplement with coenzyme Q10 to retain their oocyte quantity and support mature egg health.

sperm quality and CoQ10

Co-Q10 Supplementation for Male Fertility and Sperm Quality

Sperm can benefit from coenzyme Q10 in a few different ways. First, it helps to protect them from free radical damage. In order for a sperm to fertilize an egg, it needs to be able to swim to reach the egg and then actually fertilize it. For this to happen, the sperm must be the proper shape and size to swim and meet a woman's egg. 

The shape and size are known as morphology, while its swimming ability is called motility. In one study, CoQ10 was found to increase the number of rapidly mobile sperm and reduce the number of slow-swimming sperm and non-motile sperm. Another study found a modest improvement in morphology after taking CoQ10. CoQ10's antioxidant properties also improve sperm quantity, with one study illustrating that the supplement reduced sperm DNA fragmentation levels. 

Finally, CoQ10's cellular energy benefits may boost not only sperm quality but quantity too. Researchers reported an increase in sperm count of greater than 50% after men took CoQ10 for six months. A larger number of higher-quality sperm can improve the chances that a healthy sperm will meet the egg and result in pregnancy. 

Dosage of CoQ10 for Fertility

You can get CoQ10 through your diet, as it is found in oily fish, organ meats, and whole grains. However, most individuals only get 3 mg to 6 mg a day through their food choices. Comparatively, the daily supplementation recommendation for adults 19 years of age and older is 30 to 200 mg. This means that for some, CoQ10 is a helpful supplement to add to your routine. Furthermore, fertility experts may recommend as much as 100 mg to 600 mg per day. However, it is always important to consult with your doctor first to figure out the correct dosage for you.

The Best CoQ10 Brand for Fertility

As we've established, CoQ10 for fertility is a great supplement. CoQ10 benefits fertility for males and females in a variety of ways. If you are looking to take coenzyme Q10 for fertility, you could take a stand-alone CoQ10 supplement. 

However, fertility supplements that include CoQ10 alongside other powerful ingredients may be a better way to go. Products like Fertility Support for Him and Fertility Support for Her by Freshly mom incorporate CoQ10 into a potent blend of fertility-boosting compounds. Traditional plant-based ingredients like Vitex and Ashwagandha come alongside modern science-backed compounds such as CoQ10 to create a well-rounded supplement that supports many facets of fertility.

Fertility Supplement with CoQ10 for Women

Freshly mom Fertility Support for Her uses Ayurvedic herbs and vitamins to promote hormonal balance, nourish the reproductive system, and maintain nutrient stores for conception, pregnancy, and beyond. CoQ10, Vitex, Tribulus Terrestris, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Folate, and more come together to promote regular cycles, boost libido, reduce stress, increase nutrient stores, and promote egg health.

CoQ10 Supplement for Men

Freshly mom Fertility Support for Him relies on nature's most powerful ingredients to help to nourish and support the male reproductive system. By combining CoQ10 with Mucuna, Maca, Ashwagandha, and Shatavari, we have created a supplement that supports libido, assists with healthy sperm production, increases sperm count, balances hormones, and lowers stress.

Conclusion

CoQ10 is a great fertility aid for men and women. Most notably, its ability to support cellular energy and protect against free radical damage allows it to produce higher-quality eggs and sperm while preventing a decrease in both oocyte number and sperm concentration. To benefit the most from CoQ10, consider choosing a product that includes it alongside other fertility-boosting ingredients rather than a stand-alone supplement.

Related Products

Fertility Support for Her with CoQ10 (3 Pack)


Fertility support developed by experts. This supplement contains a blend of Ayurvedic herbs and vitamins, including CoQ10, Shatavari, and Ashwagandha. 

Fertility Support for Him with CoQ10 (3 Pack)


Fertility support developed by experts. This supplement contains a blend of Ayurvedic herbs and vitamins, including CoQ10, Maca Root, Shatavari, and Ashwagandha. 

Author Bio

Shruti is the founder of Freshly mom. She is a professional plant-based chef from Natural Gourmet Institute, NY and a certified IIN health coach. She has been working with Ayurveda, food & nutrition for over 10 years and is also a fresh mom herself.

This article is not a medical advice and is not meant for every situation. Every woman's body is different and may respond differently to treatments or supplements. 

Shruti Mishra