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.