Article
Free Webinar | From Egg to Embryo: How to Support Mitochondrial Health for Fertility With Fertility Expert Zita West
Posted on
Delve into the cellular energy systems behind egg and sperm development, and how CoQ10, diet, and lifestyle nurture them.
📅 Date: 1 December 2025
🕖 Time: 7 pm GMT
💻 Format: Live Webinar + Q&A with fertility expert Zita West
Sign up for this webinar has now closed. Tap here to watch the recorded session.
This exclusive, expert‑led session explored the vital role of mitochondrial health in fertility, with a focus on egg & sperm quality, and actionable diet & lifestyle support.
Why you should watch
Egg health and mitochondrial support are rapidly rising in fertility‑science communities. With high search interest around CoQ10 fertility, mitochondrial health fertility and “how to improve egg quality naturally,” this webinar puts you at the forefront of a specialist niche. Guided by fertility expert Zita West, you’ll gain evidence‑based knowledge and practical take‑aways you can act on immediately.

What we’ll cover
- How mitochondria drive egg and sperm development: understanding ATP production, mitochondrial DNA integrity and cellular energy for reproduction
- The science of CoQ10 and fertility: ubiquinone vs ubiquinol, optimum dosage for fertility, and evidence linking CoQ10 to improved egg quality, sperm motility and IVF success
- Why egg quality really matters, from oocyte energy production and mitochondrial decline with age through to embryo viability
- Natural diet, lifestyle and supplement strategies to support mitochondrial function: antioxidants, nutrients, stress reduction, exercise & sleep
- How to practically support “mitochondrial health fertility” in the 90‑day pre‑conception window, and what to ask your fertility practitioner
- Live Q&A with Zita West, bring your burning questions on CoQ10 dosage, improving egg and sperm quality, IVF prep and more
Mitochondrial Health
When we talk about fertility, much of the focus falls on hormones, ovulation timing and IVF protocols. But there’s a growing body of science showing that one of the most critical elements in reproduction is cellular energy, and specifically the role of mitochondria in eggs and sperm.
Your eggs and sperm are high‑energy cells. They rely on optimal mitochondrial function to produce ATP, maintain mitochondrial DNA integrity, resist oxidative damage and support embryo development. As we age, or when we face lifestyle stressors, this system can falter. That’s where supporting mitochondrial health becomes a game‑changer in fertility. Learn more here.

Why egg health matters
Egg quality is fundamental in fertility. Poor egg quality is often linked with age‑related mitochondrial decline, oxidative stress, lower mitochondrial density, reduced ATP production and compromised embryo viability. In short: even if ovulation appears normal, the cellular machinery within the oocyte may be less robust.
Supporting mitochondrial health helps to:
- Enhance mitochondrial DNA integrity and biogenesis
- Boost ATP production for healthy fertilisation and embryo development
- Protect eggs and sperm from oxidative damage and reactive oxygen species
- Promote cellular renewal during the 90‑day pre‑conception window
To do this you can adopt dietary strategies (rich in CoQ10‑supporting foods, antioxidants, omega‑3s, zinc/selenium - learn more about eating for healthy eggs here), lifestyle changes (stress reduction, proper sleep, exercise, avoiding mitochondrial toxins) and consider fertility‑specific nutrients like CoQ10 (ubiquinol form) where appropriate. But this webinar will give you much deeper insight — so you can be confident in your pre‑conception strategy.
Learn more about how you can improve your egg quality here.
Ready to unlock the cellular energy systems behind your fertility potential? Watch the webinar here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does mitochondrial health matter for egg quality?
Mitochondria are the energy powerhouses of the egg cell. Each oocyte contains hundreds of thousands of mitochondria, which fuel crucial processes such as chromosome division, fertilisation, and early embryo development. Poor mitochondrial function can lead to reduced egg quality and lower chances of successful conception.
What causes poor egg quality at a cellular level?
Egg quality often declines due to age-related mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, reduced ATP production, and accumulation of DNA damage. Environmental factors such as diet, toxins, stress, and inflammation can also impair mitochondrial integrity and cellular metabolism in eggs.
Can you improve mitochondrial function in eggs naturally?
Yes. Lifestyle factors such as a nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, and stress management have been shown to support mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant defences. Specific nutrients and fertility supplements may also enhance mitochondrial energy production and reduce oxidative damage.
How does age affect egg mitochondria?
With age, the number and function of mitochondria in oocytes decline. Mitochondrial DNA becomes more prone to damage, and ATP production decreases, which impacts fertilisation potential and embryo quality. Supporting mitochondrial health becomes increasingly important for women over 35.
What is ATP and why is it important for fertility?
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy molecule in cells. In fertility, it powers key reproductive processes such as egg maturation, spindle formation, fertilisation, and embryo cleavage. Eggs with higher ATP levels typically show better developmental potential.
What lifestyle factors damage egg mitochondria?
Exposure to environmental toxins (like plastics and pesticides), poor diet, chronic stress, smoking, excessive alcohol, and lack of sleep can increase oxidative stress and impair mitochondrial function, which may reduce egg quality and fertility outcomes.
How long does it take to improve egg quality through lifestyle changes?
Egg development occurs over a 90- to 120-day cycle, so it's ideal to begin supporting mitochondrial health at least three months before trying to conceive or undergoing fertility treatment. Consistency in diet, supplementation, and lifestyle can significantly impact outcomes during this window.
Are mitochondrial nutrients only useful for older women?
While mitochondrial decline is more common with age, younger women may also experience mitochondrial dysfunction due to stress, environmental exposure, or underlying health conditions. Supporting cellular energy systems can benefit fertility at any age. Learn more about age and fertility here.
How does CoQ10 support fertility?
CoQ10 is a key component in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, meaning it plays a central role in ATP production — the energy currency of cells, including eggs and sperm. By supporting mitochondrial energy and reducing oxidative damage, CoQ10 helps support both egg and sperm quality.
How long should I take CoQ10 before IVF?
The optimal timeframe varies, but many fertility specialists recommend a minimum of 90 days (three full egg-cycles) of targeted mitochondrial support before embryo transfer or IVF. We’ll cover the latest thinking and practical recommendations during the session. Learn more about CoQ10 dosage for IVF here
Is ubiquinol better than CoQ10 for fertility?
Ubiquinol is the reduced, active form of CoQ10 that may be more bioavailable — particularly for women over 35 or those with mitochondrial decline. We’ll explore the difference between ubiquinone vs ubiquinol, and when each form is appropriate.
Does CoQ10 help sperm count or motility?
Yes — while much fertility focus is on eggs, sperm also rely heavily on mitochondria (especially within the mitochondrial sheath around the sperm tail). Evidence shows CoQ10 can support sperm motility, mitochondrial energy production and reduce oxidative stress in male reproductive cells.
When should you start taking CoQ10 for egg quality?
Ideally as early as possible once you decide to optimise fertility, especially if you’re over 35 or facing mitochondrial decline. But even if you’re already in a fertility pathway, there’s value in starting now — we’ll explain how timing interacts with egg mitochondrial turnover and embryo viability.
Can diet improve mitochondrial health in eggs?
Absolutely. Nutrients like omega-3s, zinc, selenium, vitamin E, and antioxidant-rich foods support mitochondrial membranes, energy production and oxidative defence systems. We’ll cover key dietary strategies in the webinar — giving you practical, high-impact actions.
What are the best foods for mitochondrial support?
Foods rich in CoQ10 (such as oily fish, organ meats), along with nutrient-dense antioxidants (berries, nuts, colourful vegetables), good quality fats (olive oil, omega-3s), zinc/selenium (shellfish, seeds) and mitochondrial-supportive nutrients (such as vitamin E) form a solid base. We’ll discuss how to build your pre-conception diet for mitochondrial health.
How does age affect mitochondrial function in fertility?
As women age, mitochondrial density in oocytes declines, mitochondrial DNA damage accumulates and oxidative stress increases — all impairing egg quality and embryo potential. Understanding these mechanisms helps you take strategic action. We’ll illuminate the age-mitochondria-egg-quality connection in the session.
Is CoQ10 safe to take when trying to conceive?
Generally CoQ10 is well tolerated and widely used in fertility practice, but like any nutrient or supplement, it should be discussed with your fertility practitioner — especially if you’re on medications, have a medical condition or are already undergoing treatment. We’ll highlight key safety points in the webinar.
Does CoQ10 improve embryo quality or implantation?
Emerging research links improved mitochondrial function (via nutrients like CoQ10) to better embryo quality and implantation potential. While no single nutrient is a guarantee, supporting mitochondrial energy and reducing oxidative stress offers compelling benefits. We’ll explore this cutting-edge area during the webinar.
How long does it take for CoQ10 to work for fertility?
Because oocyte mitochondrial renewal and sperm mitochondrial optimisation take time, many experts recommend at least 90 days of consistent support. Timing, individual health status and lifestyle all influence response. We’ll discuss realistic timelines and what to expect in the webinar.
Further reading
-
Men's Fertility Vitamins vs Diet Alone: When Do You Need a Supplement?
If you eat well, do you really need a fertility supplement? It's a fair question. The short answer is: for... -
How Men Can Protect Fertility: A Nutrition and Supplement Checklist
Whether you are planning to start a family soon or simply want to look after your long-term reproductive health, there...