What Does CoQ10 Do?

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a compound your body makes naturally. It has two main jobs: helping cells produce energy, and acting as an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage. CoQ10 comes up often in fertility conversations because egg cells and sperm cells both rely heavily on energy production and are sensitive to oxidative stress.

CoQ10 is not a fertility treatment and it cannot guarantee a particular outcome, but it is one of the nutrients some people choose to consider as part of wider preconception or fertility nutrition support, alongside a balanced diet and guidance from a healthcare professional where relevant.

What Is CoQ10?

CoQ10 stands for coenzyme Q10. It is found in cells throughout the body, with particularly high concentrations in tissues that have high energy needs.

Inside cells, CoQ10 lives mainly in the mitochondria, often described as the “powerhouses” of the cell. Here, it plays a role in producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that powers most of what a cell does.

CoQ10 also has antioxidant activity, meaning it can help neutralise some of the reactive molecules that build up during normal cell activity. In plain terms: CoQ10 helps supply energy and helps manage some of the by-products of that process.

To put it another way: CoQ10 is not being discussed in fertility because it is a treatment. It is discussed because the biological processes it supports, cellular energy and antioxidant protection, happen to be the same processes that matter to egg and sperm cell health.

That link is why CoQ10 is so often mentioned alongside topics like IVF preparation, egg quality and sperm health, and why it may be considered as one part of a broader fertility nutrition plan, ideally discussed with a healthcare professional if you are undergoing fertility treatment or have specific concerns. If you’re wondering how much is typically considered and when, our CoQ10 dosage guide covers this in more detail.

CoQ10 and Female Fertility

CoQ10 may be relevant in female fertility because egg cells are highly energy-dependent. Maturing an egg cell and supporting the early stages of embryo development both require substantial cellular energy, and mitochondria are central to producing that energy. Oxidative stress, an imbalance that can affect cell function over time, is also considered relevant to reproductive cells, including eggs.

Research has explored whether CoQ10 supplementation may support mitochondrial function and certain fertility markers, particularly in women with diminished ovarian reserve or those preparing for assisted reproduction.

A meta-analysis looking at CoQ10 use in women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF/ICSI has examined associations between CoQ10 supplementation and outcomes in this group¹, and separate research published in Frontiers in Endocrinology has explored the relationship between CoQ10 and oocyte (egg cell) ageing, with a particular focus on mitochondrial performance².

It’s worth being clear that this evidence, while promising, should not be read as a guarantee. CoQ10 is not shown to improve pregnancy chances for everyone, and individual results vary considerably depending on age, underlying fertility factors and overall health. Egg quality is influenced by many factors, of which CoQ10 status is only one.

If age-related fertility changes are part of what brought you here, our guide to CoQ10 after 40 looks at this in more detail.

CoQ10 and IVF Preparation

CoQ10 is often considered in the run-up to IVF, largely because egg development is not instantaneous, the process that leads to a mature egg being retrieved takes place over a period of weeks, which is part of why some fertility nutrition approaches favour starting changes ahead of a treatment cycle rather than right before it.

A randomised controlled trial has looked at pretreatment with CoQ10 before IVF in women with decreased ovarian reserve, examining ovarian response and embryo quality markers³. Findings like these have contributed to why CoQ10 is discussed in the context of mitochondrial function and embryo quality research, though this remains one area of ongoing study rather than a settled conclusion, and it should not be read as a guarantee of any particular IVF outcome.

If you are planning the timing of supplementation around a treatment cycle, our guide to timing your CoQ10 supplementation covers this in more depth, and is worth discussing alongside your clinic’s own guidance.

CoQ10 and Male Fertility

Fertility nutrition conversations understandably focus a lot on egg quality, but CoQ10 is also relevant to male fertility, which makes this a topic for couples rather than only for the female partner.

Sperm cells need energy to move, and motility (how well sperm swim) is one of the standard measures used when assessing sperm health. Oxidative stress is also considered relevant to sperm quality more broadly. Research into CoQ10 and male infertility has looked at semen parameters including sperm concentration, motility and morphology in men with certain fertility diagnoses⁴.

As with female fertility research, this should be read cautiously: CoQ10 is not shown to treat male infertility, and sperm health is affected by many factors beyond any single nutrient, including lifestyle, underlying medical conditions and age.

For a closer look at this topic, see our guide to CoQ10 and male fertility.

When Should You Start Considering CoQ10?

Because egg and sperm development both happen gradually, over a period of weeks rather than days, many fertility supplement approaches build in a preparation window before actively trying to conceive or beginning treatment. A three-month window is a common reference point in fertility nutrition planning generally, which is part of why it also features in Zita West’s broader preconception supplement approach.

If you are undergoing IVF, have a specific fertility diagnosis, or are taking other medications or supplements, it’s worth discussing CoQ10 with a healthcare professional before starting, so that timing and any other considerations specific to you can be taken into account.

If you are thinking about CoQ10 as part of a wider preconception routine, read our guide to CoQ10 and fertility planning.

For more detail on how much CoQ10 is typically considered and how it fits into a daily routine, see our CoQ10 dosage guide.

Ubiquinol vs Ubiquinone: When Does Form Start to Matter?

CoQ10 supplements are commonly available in two forms: ubiquinone and ubiquinol.

Ubiquinone is the oxidised form of CoQ10. Ubiquinol is the reduced form. The body is able to convert between the two forms, and conversion capacity is thought to vary between individuals and to be influenced by factors such as age, oxidative stress and overall biological demand.

Ubiquinone can still be entirely appropriate for general health and robust metabolic function. Some people consider ubiquinol where absorption, age, oxidative stress or higher biological demand are relevant, such as in some fertility preparation contexts, because it skips the conversion step the body would otherwise need to carry out.

This doesn’t mean ubiquinol is automatically the better choice for everyone; it’s a different option, and which form suits a particular person is worth thinking about as part of an individual supplement plan, ideally with input from a healthcare professional if you have specific health considerations.

Our guide to ubiquinol vs ubiquinone goes into this comparison in more detail.

Where Kaneka Ubiquinol Fits

Once you understand the difference between ubiquinone and ubiquinol, it’s easier to see where a specific ubiquinol product like Kaneka Ubiquinol might fit into a fertility nutrition plan, rather than starting from the product itself.

Kaneka Ubiquinol is a branded form of ubiquinol, the reduced form of CoQ10. Zita West uses Kaneka Ubiquinol in its fertility-focused CoQ10 supplement, which is intended for people preparing for conception. It may be especially relevant for someone who is already considering CoQ10 in relation to egg quality, sperm health, IVF preparation, an age-related fertility context, or oxidative stress, but as with any supplement, it should be chosen as part of an individual plan, alongside a varied diet and, where appropriate, professional guidance.

If you’d like to see the research specifically behind this branded form, our Kaneka Ubiquinol research guide covers it in more detail.

Zita West Kaneka Ubiquinol

A fertility-focused CoQ10 supplement providing Kaneka Ubiquinol, the reduced form of CoQ10, in capsule form. Available in a range of pack sizes to fit into a wider preconception nutrition plan.

Learn more about Zita West Kaneka Ubiquinol

Summary

CoQ10 supports cellular energy production and has antioxidant activity. These two functions are relevant to fertility because egg cells and sperm cells are both energy-intensive and sensitive to oxidative stress. CoQ10 has been studied in female fertility, male fertility and IVF contexts, with research exploring its relationship to mitochondrial function, egg quality markers, sperm parameters and embryo quality, though none of this amounts to a guarantee of improved fertility or pregnancy outcomes for any individual.

Form can matter for some people: CoQ10 supplements come as ubiquinone or ubiquinol, and conversion capacity, age and oxidative stress are among the factors that may influence which is worth considering. Kaneka Ubiquinol is one branded ubiquinol option that Zita West uses in its fertility-focused CoQ10 supplement, and it may be worth discussing alongside a wider fertility nutrition plan and, where relevant, a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CoQ10 good for in fertility?

CoQ10 is discussed in fertility because it supports cellular energy production and has antioxidant activity. Egg cells, sperm cells and reproductive tissues all have high energy demands and can be affected by oxidative stress, which is why CoQ10 is a recurring topic in fertility nutrition conversations.

Does CoQ10 help fertility?

Research has explored CoQ10 in both male and female fertility contexts. It is often discussed because of its role in cellular energy production and antioxidant protection, both of which are relevant to egg and sperm cells. It is not a fertility treatment and outcomes vary between individuals.

How does CoQ10 support egg quality?

Egg cells require substantial energy to mature, and mitochondria are central to producing that energy. CoQ10 has been studied in relation to mitochondrial function and certain egg quality markers, particularly in women with diminished ovarian reserve, though research in this area is still developing.

What does CoQ10 do for sperm health?

Sperm cells need energy to move, and oxidative stress is considered relevant to sperm quality. Research into CoQ10 and male infertility has looked at semen parameters including sperm concentration, motility and morphology, though CoQ10 should not be seen as a treatment for male infertility.

Is CoQ10 useful when trying to conceive?

Some people trying to conceive choose to consider CoQ10 as part of a wider fertility nutrition plan, given its role in supporting cellular energy and antioxidant protection. It is not a guarantee of pregnancy and works best alongside a balanced diet and, where relevant, professional guidance.

What is CoQ10 used for before IVF?

CoQ10 is often considered ahead of IVF because egg development takes place over several weeks. Some research has looked at pretreatment with CoQ10 before IVF in relation to ovarian response and embryo quality markers, though this remains an area of ongoing study rather than a guaranteed outcome.

How long before trying to conceive should CoQ10 be considered?

Because egg and sperm development happen gradually, a preparation window of around three months is a common reference point in fertility nutrition planning. If you are undergoing IVF or have specific fertility concerns, it’s worth discussing timing with a healthcare professional.

Is ubiquinol the same as CoQ10?

Ubiquinol is a form of CoQ10 — specifically, the reduced form. Ubiquinone, the oxidised form, is the other main form used in supplements. The body can convert between the two, though conversion capacity may vary between individuals.

Is ubiquinol better than ubiquinone for fertility?

Not automatically. Ubiquinone can be appropriate for general health and robust metabolic function, while ubiquinol may be considered where absorption, age, oxidative stress or higher biological demand are relevant, such as in some fertility preparation contexts. Which form suits a person best depends on individual circumstances.

What is Kaneka Ubiquinol?

Kaneka Ubiquinol is a branded form of ubiquinol, the reduced form of CoQ10. Zita West uses Kaneka Ubiquinol in its fertility-focused CoQ10 supplement for people preparing for conception, and it may be worth considering as part of an individual fertility nutrition plan.

References

1. Meta-analysis on CoQ10 and IVF/ICSI outcomes in women with diminished ovarian reserve. View study.
2. Frontiers in Endocrinology. Systematic Understanding of Anti-Aging Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Oocyte Through a Network Pharmacology Approach. View study.
3. BMC (Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology). Pretreatment with coenzyme Q10 improves ovarian response and embryo quality in low-prognosis young women with decreased ovarian reserve: a randomized controlled trial. View article.
4. Alahmar, A.T. (2019). The role of CoQ10 in male infertility: The impact of two doses of coenzyme Q10 on semen parameters and antioxidant status in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. View study.

This article is for general information and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition, and should not replace guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Fertility is influenced by many individual factors, and supplement suitability, including CoQ10 and its various forms, can vary from person to person. Please speak to your doctor, fertility specialist or another qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are undergoing fertility treatment, are pregnant, are taking medication, or have an existing health condition.