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Medical disclaimer: this article is for general information and does not replace personal advice from a GP, fertility clinic or qualified healthcare professional.
CoQ10 is a nutrient involved in mitochondrial energy production and antioxidant protection. Because eggs and sperm rely on healthy mitochondrial function, CoQ10 is often studied in relation to egg quality, sperm motility and IVF preparation. Current research suggests potential fertility benefits, particularly for semen parameters and some assisted reproduction outcomes, although CoQ10 should be seen as supportive nutrition rather than a guaranteed fertility treatment.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin like compound that the body produces naturally. It plays a central role in cellular energy production, helping mitochondria generate ATP, the energy currency that every cell relies on to function. CoQ10 also acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress.
Natural CoQ10 levels tend to decline with age, which is one reason the nutrient is often discussed in fertility and IVF contexts. CoQ10 exists in two main forms: ubiquinone, the oxidised form, and ubiquinol, the reduced and directly usable antioxidant form. You can read more about the difference in our guide to ubiquinol and ubiquinone.
Our CoQ10 supplement uses Kaneka Ubiquinol, a highly bioavailable active form, formulated for women and men preparing for conception.
Shop Kaneka UbiquinolEggs and sperm are among the most energy demanding cells in the body. Mitochondria help power egg maturation, fertilisation and early embryo development, while sperm rely on mitochondrial energy to swim effectively. Oxidative stress, meanwhile, can affect egg quality, sperm motility and the integrity of sperm DNA.
Because CoQ10 supports both mitochondrial function and antioxidant protection, it has become a widely studied nutrient in reproductive health. A review of CoQ10 and human oocytes notes that optimal mitochondrial function and ATP levels matter for oocyte competence, and that CoQ10 may support reproductive performance through its role in ATP synthesis and protection against oxidative damage.[1]
Egg quality is closely tied to mitochondrial function, which is why CoQ10 has attracted attention for women preparing for conception or assisted reproduction. The evidence here is promising rather than conclusive. Some studies point to improved clinical pregnancy rates or ovarian response, while evidence for live birth outcomes remains less certain.
A systematic review and meta-analysis looking at women undergoing assisted reproductive technology found that CoQ10 supplementation may increase clinical pregnancy rate compared with placebo or no treatment, though it did not show a clear effect on live birth rate or miscarriage rate.[2] A separate 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis focused on women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF or ICSI reported that CoQ10 pretreatment was associated with improved clinical pregnancy rate and other IVF related outcomes, including the number of oocytes retrieved and optimal embryos formed.[4]
CoQ10 is often discussed in relation to egg quality because eggs rely heavily on mitochondrial energy. Research suggests it may help support the ovarian environment by contributing to mitochondrial function and antioxidant protection, though the evidence for live birth outcomes specifically is still developing.
CoQ10 is commonly considered before IVF because egg development unfolds over several months rather than days. Many fertility clinics discuss a preconception preparation window of around three months, although individual advice should always come from a fertility specialist.
CoQ10 is especially discussed in relation to ovarian response, age related fertility decline and diminished ovarian reserve. It should be seen as a supportive part of preconception nutrition rather than a substitute for IVF treatment or a clinic's own protocols.
Preparing for IVF? At Zita West, we offer fertility nutrition support and supplement guidance designed around your individual stage. Explore our IVF supplements collection.
Sperm motility depends on efficient energy production, and oxidative stress can affect sperm membranes and DNA integrity. CoQ10 has been studied for its effect on sperm concentration, motility, morphology and antioxidant status, with evidence appearing somewhat stronger for improvements in semen parameters than for pregnancy outcomes, although some research also points to possible benefits for pregnancy rates.
A systematic review found that CoQ10 supplementation, whether taken alone or combined with other antioxidants, had a beneficial effect on semen quality, particularly sperm motility, with possible improvements in antioxidant capacity and sperm chromatin integrity.[3] More recently, a 2026 review reported meaningful improvements in sperm concentration, seminal volume and total sperm motility in men with idiopathic infertility, along with improved odds of clinical pregnancy, particularly when supplementation continued for more than three months.[5]
Explore our male fertility support range.
For men wanting a fuller approach alongside CoQ10, this pack combines targeted nutrients researched for sperm concentration, motility and antioxidant protection.
Shop Male Fertility Plus PackUbiquinone is the oxidised form of CoQ10, while ubiquinol is the reduced form and functions directly as an antioxidant. Both are forms of the same nutrient, but ubiquinol is often chosen in fertility supplements because it does not need to be converted before it can act as an antioxidant.
Zita West uses Kaneka Ubiquinol, positioned as a highly absorbable form of CoQ10 for women and men preparing for conception, including those focused on egg quality, sperm health and IVF preparation. Read more in our guide to Kaneka Ubiquinol and fertility, or explore the product here.
Because egg and sperm development take place over weeks to months rather than days, CoQ10 is usually considered as part of a longer preconception plan rather than a last minute addition. Sperm production takes roughly three months, and follicle development also unfolds over several months before ovulation.
Many people choose to take fertility supplements for around three months before trying to conceive or before fertility treatment, though the right approach depends on age, fertility history, medication, treatment plans and individual health needs. A healthcare professional can help tailor timing to your circumstances.
CoQ10 may not be suitable for everyone. Speak to your GP, fertility clinic or healthcare professional before starting supplements, especially if you are taking medication, undergoing fertility treatment, pregnant, breastfeeding or managing a medical condition.
Not sure whether CoQ10 is right for you? Book a free product consultation with our experts.
Zita West Kaneka Ubiquinol is designed for women and men trying to conceive. It is formulated to support mitochondrial energy and antioxidant protection relevant to egg quality and sperm health, developed through clinical fertility expertise, made in the UK and third party tested.
Explore Zita West Kaneka Ubiquinol CoQ10, formulated to support reproductive cell health, mitochondrial energy and antioxidant protection for women and men preparing for conception. View the product here.
Kaneka Ubiquinol is designed to support mitochondrial energy and antioxidant protection relevant to egg and sperm quality. It works best alongside a wider supplement routine built around your stage of trying. One complementary addition worth knowing about:
Kaneka Ubiquinol does not contain omega 3. Vital DHA delivers molecularly distilled DHA and EPA, one of the most consistently recommended additions for egg quality and reproductive health. A natural pairing for anyone taking CoQ10.
Shop Vital DHACoQ10 may support fertility by helping cells produce energy and by protecting against oxidative stress. It is most often discussed in relation to egg quality, sperm motility and IVF preparation. It is not a fertility treatment and cannot guarantee pregnancy.
CoQ10 is studied for its role in mitochondrial energy and antioxidant protection, both relevant to egg development. Some research in assisted reproduction points to potential benefits for ovarian response and clinical pregnancy rate, though evidence for live birth outcomes is less certain.
Research suggests CoQ10 may support semen parameters, particularly sperm motility. This may be because sperm need high levels of energy to move effectively, and CoQ10 plays a role in mitochondrial energy production.
Many people consider taking CoQ10 for around three months before trying to conceive or before fertility treatment, because egg and sperm development take time. Personal advice should come from a GP, fertility clinic or qualified healthcare professional.
Ubiquinol is the reduced, active antioxidant form of CoQ10, while ubiquinone is the oxidised form. Ubiquinol is often chosen in fertility supplements because it is a highly bioavailable form, though the best option depends on the product, dose and individual needs.
Yes, CoQ10 is commonly included in male fertility supplement plans because of its role in energy production and antioxidant protection. Research has explored its effects on sperm motility, concentration and oxidative stress.
Some people take CoQ10 as part of IVF preparation, particularly when focusing on egg quality, ovarian response or sperm health. Always check with your fertility clinic before taking supplements during IVF, especially if you are following a specific treatment protocol.
CoQ10 is often taken alongside preconception or prenatal supplements, but combinations should be checked carefully to avoid unnecessary overlap or unsuitable ingredients. Speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure.
CoQ10 is generally considered well tolerated in studies, though it may not be appropriate for everyone. Seek medical advice if you are taking medication, have a medical condition, are undergoing fertility treatment, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
This depends on your personal circumstances and fertility plan. Some people take it only during the preconception phase, while others continue under professional guidance. Ask your GP, fertility clinic or healthcare professional what is appropriate for you.
Medical disclaimer: this article is for general information and does not replace personal advice from a GP, fertility clinic or qualified healthcare professional.
No, a man cannot be "too old" to conceive in the way a woman can, but age does matter. Sperm is produced fresh on a roughly 70–90 day cycle, which means quality is not fixed. Even after a disappointing semen analysis, many men in their 40s and beyond can make meaningful improvements to count, motility, morphology and DNA integrity. Age raises certain risks, but it rarely closes the door.
Everything you need to know about supporting sperm health through nutrition, lifestyle and targeted supplementation in one expert-led, free online session:
Monday 29th June @ 8pm (BST)
DHA is one of the most overlooked nutrients in preconception planning, yet it plays a vital role in both egg and sperm quality. Learn why both partners need omega 3 support and how to include it in your fertility nutrition plan.