CoQ10 may help support fertility by improving egg quality in females and enhancing sperm parameters in males.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a molecular compound naturally produced in the body and found in all its cells. CoQ10 has
- Energy production: Mitochondrial cells in the body utilize CoQ10 to generate and maintain adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary source of cellular energy.
- Antioxidant activity: CoQ10 may help protect cells from oxidative damage, which is when unstable molecules, known as free radicals, damage cells in your body.
Research suggests that CoQ10 supplementation may be a natural, complementary method for supporting healthy fertility in people assigned male or female at birth.
For females, fertility refers to the natural ability to conceive a baby. For males, it refers to their sperm’s natural ability to fertilize an egg from an ovary and induce fertility.
Infertility occurs when a couple cannot conceive after having frequent sex without a condom or other barrier method for over
Keep reading to learn more about the potential benefits and risks of CoQ10 for fertility, as well as the dosage and who it may be for.
Disclaimer language
The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.
Around 1 in 8 women between 15 and 49 years old seek infertility services, such as assisted reproductive technology (ART), like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Many biological and environmental factors are involved in female fertility and infertility.
An
If the quality or quantity of oocytes is affected, there’s a lower chance of an ovum becoming fertilized, and therefore, the chance of becoming pregnant is lower.
According to a 2021 review, there’s an association between CoQ10 levels and oocyte health.
CoQ10 levels naturally decrease as you age. This may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction in the oocytes, reducing their quantity and quality, and thereby increasing the risk of infertility.
A 2025 review found that CoQ10‘s antioxidant and mitochondrial activities may help support female fertility in several ways, such as:
- protecting oocytes and other cells from oxidative damage
- reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body
- enhancing ovarian function
- increasing the number of ova (mature eggs)
- regulating hormones, such as cortisol and testosterone
- reducing ovarian and pelvic inflammation
CoQ10 may also be particularly beneficial for supporting female fertility in those with ovarian dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and pelvic inflammatory disease.
However, the researchers concluded that more studies are needed to fully understand the role of CoQ10 in female fertility.
Male factor infertility is when a couple’s inability to conceive is largely due to the male sperm’s low quality, motility, or count. Around
There are several causes of male infertility, but like female fertility, some researchers suggest that oxidative stress may play a role.
According to a 2025 review, oxidative stress may increase the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a person’s semen, which come from leukocytes (white blood cells) or sperm cells.
ROS can affect the formation of a sperm cell during its early phases, so when the sperm cell matures, it may have irregularities in its head, body, or tail that could affect its ability to fertilize an egg.
CoQ10 may play a role in supporting male fertility by increasing sperm count, motility, and quality, as well as testosterone levels.
However, researchers agree that more studies are needed to fully understand the role of CoQ10 supplementation in supporting male fertility.
CoQ10 supplements are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in fertility health, so there are currently no standardized guidelines for dosage.
Research has found the following dosage to support fertility:
- Females: 200 to 600 milligrams (mg) per day
- Males: up to
300 mg per day
It’s important to note that the dosage frequency and duration of studies varied significantly.
Also, since supplements
As such, it’s essential to carefully read a product’s ingredients list and speak with a healthcare professional before taking CoQ10. They can advise you on whether CoQ10 is appropriate for you and, if so, the best dosage.
Natural sources of CoQ10
CoQ10 is found naturally in many foods. The richest food sources of CoQ10 include animal products, such as:
Some plant-based products may also contain CoQ10, but in smaller quantities. Examples include:
For most people, CoQ10 supplements are safe to take and don’t cause any major side effects. In some cases, however, you may experience minor side effects,
In rare cases, people who take CoQ10 supplements may experience:
If you take CoQ10 supplements and experience any of these symptoms, stop taking them and speak with a healthcare professional. They could recommend an alternative supplement to help support fertility, if necessary.
People assigned female at birth may consider speaking to a healthcare professional about CoQ10 supplementation if they:
- are age 35 years and older
- are undergoing ART, such as IVF
- have a health condition, such as diminished ovarian reserve, PCOS, or endometriosis
People assigned male at birth may wish to speak with a doctor about CoQ10 if they have low sperm motility, count, or quality.
CoQ10 is a natural compound found in your body. It plays an important role in producing and regulating cellular energy and oxidative stress.
Research suggests that CoQ10 supplementation may help support female and male fertility by protecting ovarian and sperm cells from oxidative stress.
However, researchers agree that more studies are needed to fully understand its role in fertility.
If you have been trying to conceive with a partner for over 1 year, consider speaking with a doctor about infertility assessments and possible treatments.