From the Guidelines
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation is not recommended for improving fertility due to the lack of high-quality evidence supporting its effectiveness. The current evidence on the use of antioxidants, including CoQ10, for male infertility is of poor quality, and there are no high-quality data to support the use of a single antioxidant or a specific combination of antioxidants 1. The most recent guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of infertility in men suggests that the benefits of supplements, including antioxidants like CoQ10, are of questionable clinical utility in treating male infertility, and existing data are inadequate to provide a recommendation for specific agents to use for this purpose 1. Some studies suggest that CoQ10 may improve sperm parameters, including count, motility, and morphology, but these findings are not consistent, and the evidence is not strong enough to support a recommendation for its use 1. In terms of dosage, some studies have used CoQ10 supplementation at doses of 100-600 mg daily for women and 200-300 mg daily for men, but the optimal dosage and duration of treatment are not well established 1. Overall, while CoQ10 may have some potential benefits for fertility, the current evidence does not support its use as a treatment for infertility, and other lifestyle modifications and medical interventions should be prioritized. Key points to consider when discussing CoQ10 supplementation with patients include:
- The lack of high-quality evidence supporting its effectiveness for improving fertility
- The potential for interactions with other medications, such as blood thinners
- The importance of a comprehensive approach to fertility enhancement, including lifestyle modifications and medical interventions.
From the Research
Coenzyme Q10 and Fertility
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been found to improve sperm motility and antioxidant status in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia 2.
- Studies have shown that CoQ10 concentrations in seminal plasma directly correlate with semen parameters, especially sperm count and sperm motility 3.
- CoQ10 supplementation has been reported to have a beneficial effect on semen parameters, although the optimal dosage and combination with other antioxidant molecules is unknown 4.
Mechanisms of CoQ10 in Improving Fertility
- CoQ10 has antioxidant properties that may help reduce oxidative stress (OS) in infertile men, which is a key player in the development of idiopathic male infertility 2, 3, 5.
- CoQ10 may improve sperm parameters by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increasing total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels 2, 5, 6.
- CoQ10 supplementation has been found to reduce sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia 5, 6.
Clinical Evidence
- A prospective controlled study found that CoQ10 therapy (300 mg/day for 3 months) improved sperm motility and seminal antioxidant markers in patients with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia 2.
- Another study found that CoQ10 supplementation (200 mg/day for 3 months) improved sperm parameters, reduced OS markers, and decreased SDF in infertile patients with idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia 6.
- A systematic review found that all studies reported a beneficial effect of CoQ10 supplementation on semen parameters, although randomized controlled trials were a minority 4.