Co-enzyme Q 10, aka CoQ10, is somewhat new to the general public but research on this powerful antioxidant has been steady over the last 60 years. Although originally thought of as a heart tonic, recent studies are showing huge promise in the field of fertility. More specifically, CoQ10 may improve egg quality (and sperm quality) and increase your chance of conception.
CoQ10 is formulated with the help of an amino acid called tyrosine and vitamin B6 but can also be found in some foods such as meats (especially organ meats), sesame oil, soybeans, nuts and beans. However, after we hit our mid 20’s, our level of CoQ10 starts its inevitable decline (as does our ability to absorb it). For those going through fertility treatments, CoQ10 is highly recommended and it is something that all of my clients are encouraged to take.
Fertility clinics are even using and encouraging their patients to take CoQ10 in an effort to improve egg quality. A recent Canadian newscast illustrates why people are considering this powerful supplement to improve their fertility. See the article here!
Ubiquinone vs. Ubiquinol
Until recently, CoQ10 was only available in one form; that of ubiquinone (check your labels). Once ingested, the body breaks ubiquinone down into its more active component called ubiquinol. However, nutritional scientists have finally devised a method to create a bio-available form of ubiquinol. The benefits? Ubiquinol is more easily absorbed (twice as absorbable) than ubiquinone and given that we are unable to convert the ubiquinone to ubiquinol as effectively when we get older, ubiquinol is seen as the top choice.
For a detailed look at the differences between ubiquinol and ubiquinone, read this article.
Natural Fertility Treatments
Many of my clients come to me already involved in fertility treatments such as IVF or IUI and my best outcomes involve those who adhere to a common-sense supplement regime, regular acupuncture treatments and herbal medicine (including a high quality CoQ10 which I provide at the clinic). No matter what your fertility concern may be, I encourage you to email me for a free email consultation and I will let you know how I may be able to help. Email me today and let’s get started!
Hi Dr. Drew!
I SO wish I lived in Toronto, I would start TCM treatments for AMA fertility NOW. I live in Denver, CO, USA.
My question: I am 41, and will be 42 in July, and I would like to try to get pregnant naturally. I will be starting acupuncture treatment, and TCM, next month. I just bought “Now” Ubiquinol (with Kaneka QH) at 200 mg. Should I begin taking 1 pill 3x daily to get to the 600 mg? I SO want the outcome to be positive, I will gladly take a pill 3x a day. Just seeking your advice. I have really learned a lot from your website. Thank goodness for the internet! This information is not readily available in the States…
Thank you in advance for all your help!!
Renee
Renee,
So nice to hear back from you.
There are loads of great acupuncturists in your area so you will be in good hands when you start your acupuncture next month but thanks for the kind words.
With respects to the CoQ10, I definitely suggest taking at least 400mg of the ubiquinol and up to 600mg is totally fine. Be sure you are also on a good prenatal with at least 1mg of folic acid and eat an antioxidant rich diet.
Good luck with everything Renee…keep me posted!
Drew
Hello, What is your take on liquid CoQ10? I have so many pills to swallow each day that’s it a bit overwhelming. I just purchase NOW Liquid CoQ10. Any thoughts?
Renee,
Sorry for the late reply. I would be interested in the source of the CoQ10 that you are taking. Kaneka is the manufacturer which most supplement companies seem to use and is also the type most often used in the research with CoQ10. If it does not say Kaneka on the bottle somewhere, I might consider a different source. I completely understand your concerns with taking so many pills…substitutions are always welcome!
I hope this was helpful.
Drew
Hi found your article from a link on a fertility forum. I have issues with yeast – my body REALLY likes to hold onto it in the form of inflammation. On a yeast free diet I do very well, will this affect that? is it more important to have the CoQ10?
Thank you.
Heather,
I must say that I encourage the vast majority of my fertility clients to take CoQ10. Unless your CoQ10 source contains yeast (some sources should be yeast free…read your labels), taking the CoQ10 is a very good idea. If you are worried about ovarian reserve at all, it is a must.
I hope this was helpful!
Drew
Hello Daniel,
Not sure if this email was for me but I have an answer for you anyway!
Ubiquinol is generally regarded as having twice the absorption rate as the regular ubiqinone. Given that some fertility clinics are now suggesting to their clients that they take up to 1200mg of CoQ10, taking 300mg of the ubiquinol twice daily would be the most one would need. I always reduce the amount if a positive test is confirmed so be sure to revisit your supplement regime if she becomes pregnant again.
I hope this has been helpful.
Drew
Hi. I am interested in your coq10. How do you know the difference between the two and how high grade?I buy mine from GNC. I TAKE 900 mg a day for female fertility. Any advice?
Marie,
Many different companies make CoQ10 and there are a few different types. I recommend to my clients that they take the same CoQ10 which is being used in the current research. A company called Kaneka makes the CoQ10 in the majority of the studies and many supplement companies use it in their CoQ10 so look for their name on the bottle when you buy it. 900mg is a good amount.
Hope that helps Marie.
Drew