CoQ10, also referred to as Coenzyme, is a biomolecule that is naturally present in every cell of the human body. It is a powerful antioxidant and helps to generate energy. As you age, the level of CoQ10 deteriorates in the body. To support health and wellness, coenzymes supplements are consumed.
The supplements are also known to help increase fertility in males and females.
What is CoQ10?
Coenzyme is a vitamin-like substance (but not vitamin) in all cells in our body. All tissues in our body make CoQ10 on their own and are not needed from the outside, unlike vitamins (which we supply through our diet).
It is an antioxidant that can help protect against cell damage or death produced by free radicals.
A healthy body produces healthy production of coenzymes in our body. It is our body’s way of fighting external threats. It also helps to reverse cell damage in the process of producing energy.
CoQ10 is our body’s natural way of protecting itself from outside attacks. It reverses cell damage and helps in the production of energy. A healthy person has healthy production of this coenzyme in their body. The high amount of CoQ10 is found high in cells that need high energy, like the heart, kidney, and liver.
Coenzymes supplements, if taken, can help to fight against any illness. It is also available in high quantities in natural food items, organ meat, fatty fish, and whole grains.
Type of CoQ10
There are two types of coenzymes:
- Ubiquinone
Ubiquinone is an oxidized version of Coenzymes found in almost all body cells. coQ10 supplements are usually available in the name of Ubiquinone.
The supplement is available over the counter, and people use it for fatigue, heart diseases, or to increase their overall energy level.
- Ubiquinol
Ubiquinol is more of an electron-rich form of supplement. It is a reduced version of coenzymes but has many advantages. It is more bioavailable and beneficial for older people who have lost the ability to produce enough CoQ10 in their bodies.
What are the Factors That Lower CoQ10 Levels in the Body?
Several reasons may result in lowering coenzymes in the body. Some include aging, genetic mutation, a disorder of mitochondria that generate energy, and certain medications.
Benefits of CoQ10
There are several benefits that are proven by scientific research and studies.
- It promotes healthy eggs
- It helps to increase the sperm count
- Helps to improve embryo quality
- Increase rate of successful pregnancies
- Prevents any chromosomal defects
Can CoQ10 Help You Get Pregnant?
Fertility declines as we age in both males and females. In women specifically, the decline is much faster, meaning the egg quality and the number of eggs decline. CoQ10 helps to support egg and embryo quality, thus improving pregnancy rates in women.
According to research, Coenzyme Q10 can help in improving fertility and functioning of our cells in 2 ways:
One, CoQ10 plays an important role in the electron transport chain process that helps to generate energy in our cells. When the level of CoQ10 is high, the process works effectively and quickly to produce energy. And when more energy is generated, it positively impacts egg and sperm development.
Secondly, Coenzyme is a strong antioxidant that helps to protect our cells from free radicals. Hence it helps the reproductive system from damage.
How Does CoQ10 Help with Male Fertility?
CoQ10 has antioxidants that protect the sperm from oxidative damage and allow them to flourish. Many environmental lifestyle factors like smoking cigarettes and stress exposure to the sun impact the body and release free radicals. CoQ10 helps to protect the body from these effects.
It helps to increase sperm count and improves the motility of the sperm.
How Does CoQ10 Help with Female Fertility?
The quality and count of eggs diminishes rapidly in women. To mature eggs, they need a high amount of energy to implant and grow further. CoQ10 helps to boost the energy levels required by the eggs to develop.
Regular intake of coenzymes Q10 supplements improves fertility in females.
How Much CoQ10 Should I Take for Fertility?
Usually, you get 3mg-6mg of CoQ10 from a diet like meat and fatty fish.
For improving fertility, most fertility experts suggest 100mg – 600mg of daily intake of coenzymes. And the supplement is recommended for 90 days, as it takes at least 90 days for sperm and egg to develop.
You should always consult your fertility specialist before starting any supplement, especially if you are on any specific medication or have health issues.
What are the Side Effects of CoQ10?
CoQ10 is safe to consume and does not have many side effects. However, you may face minor effects like headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and skin rashes.
Also, if you are on any specific medication like blood pressure, heart, or any other, consult your doctor before consuming it, as it may interact with other medicines.
Bottomline: CoQ10 for Fertility in Males and Females
CoQ10 is a biomolecule present in your body. It is an antioxidant that helps to generate energy. As you age, the level of coenzymes deteriorates. Taking supplements regularly can help to restore your blood and tissue levels.
Research suggests that coenzymes supplements are quite effective if you face fertility or conceiving issues. It helps to increase sperm count and egg quality in women. CoQ10 supplement is the solution for medical and fertility problems.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References and Fact Checking
- Salvio G, Cutini M, Ciarloni A, Giovannini L, Perrone M, Balercia G. Coenzyme Q10 and Male Infertility: A Systematic Review. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 May 30;10(6):874. doi: 10.3390/antiox10060874. PMID: 34070761; PMCID: PMC8226917.
- Mantle D, Dybring A. Bioavailability of Coenzyme Q10: An Overview of the Absorption Process and Subsequent Metabolism. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 May 5;9(5):386. doi: 10.3390/antiox9050386. PMID: 32380795; PMCID: PMC7278738.
- Ben-Meir A, Burstein E, Borrego-Alvarez A, Chong J, Wong E, Yavorska T, Naranian T, Chi M, Wang Y, Bentov Y, Alexis J, Meriano J, Sung HK, Gasser DL, Moley KH, Hekimi S, Casper RF, Jurisicova A. Coenzyme Q10 restores oocyte mitochondrial function and fertility during reproductive aging. Aging Cell. 2015 Oct;14(5):887-95. doi: 10.1111/acel.12368. Epub 2015 Jun 26. PMID: 26111777; PMCID: PMC4568976.
- Thakur AS, Littarru GP, Funahashi I, Painkara US, Dange NS, Chauhan P. Effect of Ubiquinol Therapy on Sperm Parameters and Serum Testosterone Levels in Oligoasthenozoospermic Infertile Men. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Sep;9(9):BC01-3. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2015/13617.6424. Epub 2015 Sep 1. PMID: 26500895; PMCID: PMC4606224.
- Barcelos IP, Haas RH. CoQ10 and Aging. Biology (Basel). 2019 May 11;8(2):28. doi: 10.3390/biology8020028. PMID: 31083534; PMCID: PMC6627360.
- Ubiquinone (Explained + Products). (n.d.). INCIDecoder. https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/ubiquinone
