CoQ10 & Fertility: Why Many People Trying to Conceive Use It Before Pregnancy

Searching for the best fertility supplements in New Zealand can feel overwhelming. From egg quality support and IVF preparation to male fertility and sperm health, many people trying to conceive look for nutrients that may help support reproductive wellbeing.

One ingredient commonly discussed in fertility research is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is included in many preconception and fertility supplements because of its role in mitochondrial energy production and antioxidant support.

CoQ10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in the body and plays an important role in helping cells produce energy — particularly within the mitochondria, often referred to as the “powerhouses” of cells. This matters because both egg cells and sperm cells require substantial amounts of energy to develop, mature and function optimally.

As conversations around fertility support continue to evolve, CoQ10 has become one of the most researched nutrients in the preconception space. But what does the evidence actually say?

What Is CoQ10?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like compound naturally produced in the body. It helps convert nutrients into usable cellular energy while also acting as an antioxidant to help protect cells from oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Increased oxidative stress has been explored in relation to reproductive ageing, egg quality and sperm function.

Because reproductive cells require significant energy, researchers have investigated whether supporting mitochondrial function through nutrients such as CoQ10 could play a role in fertility support.

How CoQ10 May Support Female Fertility

Egg cells are among the most energy-demanding cells in the body. As women age, mitochondrial efficiency naturally declines, which may influence egg quality and reproductive potential.

Researchers have explored CoQ10 because of its potential role in supporting mitochondrial function and protecting cells against oxidative stress.

One widely referenced study found CoQ10 restored mitochondrial function and improved fertility outcomes in an animal model of reproductive ageing. The findings suggested CoQ10 may have relevance in age-related fertility support, although human studies remain important. Reproductive Medicine

CoQ10, Egg Quality & IVF Research

CoQ10 has also been studied in women undergoing IVF or ICSI treatment, particularly those with diminished ovarian reserve or lower ovarian response.

Research involving young women with poor ovarian reserve found CoQ10 pretreatment before IVF/ICSI was associated with improved ovarian response and embryo-related outcomes.

A more recent 2024 review suggested CoQ10 pretreatment may offer potential benefits for women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF, while emphasising the need for larger, higher-quality trials before conclusions can be strengthened.

This does not mean CoQ10 guarantees pregnancy or IVF success. Fertility outcomes remain influenced by many factors including age, hormone health, underlying conditions, sperm quality, lifestyle and overall reproductive wellbeing.

Glowbody Supps Female Fertility Supplement packaging surrounded by brown capsules on a white background. Female multi vitamin

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How CoQ10 May Support Male Fertility

Fertility isn’t solely a women’s health conversation.

Male factors are estimated to contribute to around half of infertility cases globally. Sperm quality — including concentration, motility (movement), morphology (shape) and DNA integrity — plays a major role in conception.

Sperm are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. Because CoQ10 functions both as an antioxidant and supports energy production, it has been investigated for male reproductive health.

A meta-analysis examining CoQ10 supplementation reported improvements in sperm concentration and motility, although researchers noted evidence was insufficient at the time to confirm effects on pregnancy or live birth rates.

Subsequent reviews have similarly found potential improvements in semen parameters, particularly motility, while calling for stronger clinical evidence.

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How Long Before Trying to Conceive Should You Support Fertility?

One of the biggest misconceptions in fertility is expecting immediate changes.

Egg maturation and sperm development both occur over several months. Because of this, many fertility practitioners discuss supporting reproductive health for approximately three months before conception attempts, IVF cycles or fertility treatment.

Preconception care is rarely about a quick fix.

Instead, it often focuses on supporting:

- Nutrient intake
- Hormone health
- Sleep quality
- Stress management
- Blood sugar balance
- Exercise and movement
- Sperm health
- Cycle awareness
- Clinical support including acupuncture and healthcare guidance

Consistency often matters more than intensity.

Choosing Fertility Supplements in New Zealand

When looking for fertility supplements in NZ, it can help to focus on formulations designed specifically for preconception support rather than choosing multiple standalone products.

Ingredients commonly explored in fertility supplements include:

- CoQ10
- Folate (including methylated forms)
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Magnesium
- Antioxidants

The right approach will differ depending on whether support is focused on egg quality, hormone balance, IVF preparation, male fertility or general preconception wellbeing.

Where GLOWBODY SUPPS Fits Into Preconception Support

At GLOWBODY SUPPS NZ, our goal is to make fertility support feel more intentional, evidence-informed and less overwhelming.

Our Female Fertility formula includes CoQ10 as part of a targeted blend developed for women during the trying-to-conceive phase, alongside nutrients commonly used in preconception support.

For couples, fertility support ideally involves both partners. That’s why we created both Female Fertility and Male Fertility, designed to support reproductive wellbeing from both sides of the conversation.

Rather than taking numerous separate supplements, our formulas aim to simplify consistency — because fertility support often becomes a long-term journey rather than a short-term fix.

As a women’s health and fertility-focused brand born alongside years of clinical experience supporting fertility through acupuncture, we understand that conception support extends beyond supplements alone.

The Bottom Line

CoQ10 is one of the most researched nutrients in fertility support, particularly for its role in mitochondrial energy production and antioxidant defence.

Emerging evidence suggests CoQ10 may support aspects of egg quality, ovarian response and sperm parameters, though no supplement can guarantee pregnancy outcomes.

Fertility support is broader than one nutrient.

Nutrition, sleep, stress reduction, movement, hormone health, clinical care, acupuncture support and consistent preconception planning all contribute to creating a healthier reproductive environment.

At GLOWBODY SUPPS, we believe fertility support should feel informed, intentional and empowering — not overwhelming.

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Frequently Asked Questions About CoQ10 & Fertility

Does CoQ10 improve egg quality?

Research suggests CoQ10 may help support mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress, both areas explored in relation to egg quality. More human studies are still needed.

How long should you take CoQ10 before trying to conceive?

Because egg and sperm development occur over months, fertility practitioners commonly discuss a three-month preconception window before actively trying to conceive.

Does CoQ10 help male fertility?

Studies suggest CoQ10 may support sperm motility and concentration, though evidence on pregnancy outcomes remains limited.

Is CoQ10 useful before IVF?

Some research has explored CoQ10 pretreatment in women undergoing IVF, particularly those with diminished ovarian reserve.

What fertility supplements are commonly used in New Zealand?

Common ingredients include CoQ10, folate, zinc, selenium, vitamin D, omega-3s and antioxidants depending on fertility goals.

References

Ben-Meir A, et al. Coenzyme Q10 restores oocyte mitochondrial function and fertility during reproductive ageing. Aging Cell. 2015.
Xu Y, et al.
Pretreatment with coenzyme Q10 improves ovarian response and embryo quality in low-prognosis young women with decreased ovarian reserve. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. 2018.
Lin G, et al.
Clinical evidence of coenzyme Q10 pretreatment for women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF/ICSI. 2024.
Lafuente R, et al.
Coenzyme Q10 and male infertility: a meta-analysis. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. 2013.
Salvio G, et al.
Coenzyme Q10 and male infertility: a systematic review. Antioxidants. 2021.