How Much CoQ10 Should I Take When Trying to Conceive?

CoQ10 is one of the most researched supplements for female fertility, especially when it comes to egg quality. The general recommended dose is 200mg to support general fertility, but recent studies suggest the optimum dose is up to 600mg for individuals undergoing IVF or older individuals.

Let's break down the evidence behind CoQ10 and fertility, the recommended dosage, and when to speak to your practitioner about taking more, particularly if you are preparing for IVF.

For a broader explanation of how CoQ10 relates to egg quality, sperm health and IVF preparation, read our full CoQ10 and fertility guide.

CoQ10 is only one part of supporting female fertility before trying to conceive, alongside ovulation, egg quality, AMH, nutrition, lifestyle and overall reproductive health.

Why the form of CoQ10 matters in fertility support

CoQ10 supplements can contain different forms, most commonly ubiquinone or ubiquinol. Neither form is automatically right or wrong for everyone. Ubiquinone can be appropriate for general health and for people with robust metabolic function, while ubiquinol may be more suitable where oxidative stress is higher, conversion capacity may be reduced, or biological demands are greater, such as during fertility treatment or later reproductive age.

At Zita West, we use Kaneka Ubiquinol because it aligns with a cautious, fertility-focused approach. The question is not simply which form is cheaper or more widely available, but which form is most appropriate for the person, their stage and the physiological demands they are under.

Whichever form you choose, consistency, evidence-informed dosing and suitability for your wider routine matter more than focusing on ingredient form alone.

What is CoQ10 and why does it matter for fertility?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like compound found in every cell of your body. It plays a key role in energy production and protects cells from oxidative stress. These functions are particularly important for your eggs, which are energy-intensive and highly sensitive to ageing.

As we age, our natural levels of CoQ10 decline. This reduction is one reason egg quality also declines, especially after the age of 35. Research shows that CoQ10 may help support egg health by restoring mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative damage within the ovaries.¹

CoQ10 is one of several nutrients discussed in relation to mitochondrial and cellular fertility health, alongside others such as choline and NAC, which support cell structure and antioxidant pathways in different ways. For a wider comparison, see our guide to choline, NAC and CoQ10.

How much CoQ10 is recommended when trying to conceive?

At Zita West, we recommend starting with 200mg per day of CoQ10 when trying to conceive. This is a clinically informed, well-tolerated dose suitable for women supporting egg quality and overall reproductive health.

CoQ10 dosage is only one part of the fertility conversation. CoQ10 is often discussed because of its role in mitochondrial energy production and antioxidant protection, both of which are relevant to egg quality and sperm health. If you are still deciding whether CoQ10 is right for your circumstances, start with our CoQ10 and fertility guide, then use this dosage page for more specific guidance.

Each serving of Zita West Kaneka Ubiquinol CoQ10 delivers 200mg of bioavailable ubiquinol in two capsules, available in both 60 and 120 capsule sizes to suit your fertility plan.

However, in some IVF protocols, fertility specialists may recommend higher doses of up to 600mg per day, particularly for women with poor ovarian reserve or those over 35. A 2018 trial found that 600mg of CoQ10 daily over 60 days improved ovarian response and embryo quality in women undergoing IVF.²

Zita West Kaneka Ubiquinol CoQ10

200mg of bioavailable ubiquinol per serving (2 capsules), available in 60 and 120 capsule sizes. Kaneka Ubiquinol is a researched form of CoQ10 that may be relevant for people reviewing mitochondrial energy, oxidative stress and fertility support, particularly in a preconception or IVF preparation context.

Shop Zita West Kaneka Ubiquinol CoQ10

We advise speaking to your fertility practitioner before taking more than 200mg per day, especially during fertility treatment. Higher-dose protocols should be tailored to your individual medical needs and supervised by a qualified professional.

How much CoQ10 for women over 40 trying to conceive?

For women over 40, we recommend discussing a higher dose with your fertility specialist. The standard starting point is still 200mg daily, but many practitioners working with women over 40 suggest increasing to 400mg or 600mg, particularly in the months leading up to IVF or egg collection. This is because CoQ10 conversion efficiency and natural cellular levels both decline more significantly with age, meaning a higher dose may be needed to achieve the same mitochondrial support. Read our full guide to CoQ10 and fertility after 40 here.

CoQ10 and IVF: what dose should you take?

For women preparing for IVF, 600mg per day is the dose most commonly referenced in research. The 2018 trial cited above used this dose over a 60-day pretreatment period and found meaningful improvements in ovarian response and embryo quality in women with decreased ovarian reserve. The key is starting early enough: at least three months before egg collection gives CoQ10 time to support the eggs that will be retrieved.

If you are currently in an IVF cycle, always confirm the dose and timing with your clinic, as some protocols advise stopping CoQ10 after egg retrieval.

"IVF in particular asks an enormous amount of you. Physically, emotionally, and in ways that aren't always visible... Expecting the body to produce 10 to 12 eggs requires massive amounts of cellular energy. It is a metabolic marathon, and yet so many women go into a cycle completely running on empty." - Zita West

Can men take CoQ10 for fertility?

Yes. CoQ10 is increasingly recognised as a valuable supplement for male fertility too. Sperm cells require significant energy to function and are highly vulnerable to oxidative stress, both areas where CoQ10 plays a direct role. Studies have found that CoQ10 supplementation may improve sperm motility and morphology, particularly in men with oxidative stress-related fertility issues. We recommend Zita West Vitamen for male fertility support, which includes CoQ10 alongside a broader fertility-focused nutrient profile.

Why choose ubiquinol over ubiquinone?

There are two commonly discussed forms of CoQ10: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Ubiquinone can be appropriate for general health and for people with robust metabolic function. Ubiquinol is the active antioxidant form of CoQ10 and may be more suitable where oxidative stress is higher, conversion capacity may be reduced, or biological demands are greater.

At Zita West, we use Kaneka Ubiquinol because it aligns with a cautious, fertility-focused approach, particularly for people trying to conceive, preparing for IVF or reviewing support after age 35. This does not mean ubiquinone is ineffective. The more useful question is which form, dose and routine best fit the person's stage and wider fertility plan.

Read more about the differences between ubiquinone and ubiquinol here: the differences between ubiquinone and ubiquinol. For a closer look at common misconceptions in this area, see our guide to common myths about ubiquinol and ubiquinone.

Should you take CoQ10 daily?

Yes. CoQ10 builds up in your system over time, so consistent daily use is key. It is also fat-soluble, so it is best taken with a meal that contains fat to aid absorption.

When should you start taking CoQ10 for fertility?

Ideally, begin supplementing with CoQ10 at least three months before trying to conceive or starting IVF. This aligns with the 90-day cycle of egg development, giving your body time to support mitochondrial and cellular health before it matters most.

CoQ10 is a well-studied supplement that can support reproductive health, particularly egg quality and energy production. We recommend 200mg of Zita West Kaneka Ubiquinol CoQ10 daily as part of your fertility plan. If you are considering IVF or have been advised to take more, always speak with your fertility practitioner first.

Our CoQ10 supplement for fertility is available in 60 and 120 capsule sizes to suit both everyday and higher-dose plans. For personalised guidance, you can also book a free 1:1 consultation with our in-house nutrition team.

Related CoQ10 fertility guides

Use these Zita West guides to explore the wider CoQ10 fertility topic, including egg quality, sperm health, timing, ubiquinol vs ubiquinone, Kaneka Ubiquinol and pregnancy safety.

• CoQ10 and fertility guide
• When to start CoQ10 before conception or IVF
• Ubiquinol vs ubiquinone for fertility
• Common myths about ubiquinol and ubiquinone
• Kaneka Ubiquinol and fertility research
• CoQ10 and male fertility
• Is CoQ10 safe in pregnancy or only during conception?
• Zita West Kaneka Ubiquinol CoQ10

FAQs: CoQ10 and fertility

How much CoQ10 should I take for fertility?

We recommend 200mg per day as a starting point. Higher doses of up to 600mg are sometimes used in IVF protocols but should always be taken under medical supervision.

How much CoQ10 should I take for fertility over 40?

For women over 40, many fertility specialists recommend between 400mg and 600mg per day, particularly in preparation for IVF. Always discuss the right dose for your individual situation with your practitioner. Read our full guide to CoQ10 after 40 here.

When should I start taking CoQ10 before trying to conceive?

We suggest starting at least three months before trying to conceive or beginning IVF, to support the full 90-day egg development cycle. Our 120 capsule size is ideal if you are planning ahead.

Is ubiquinol better than ubiquinone for fertility?

Not universally. Ubiquinone can be appropriate for general health and for people with robust metabolic function. Ubiquinol may be more suitable in fertility contexts where oxidative stress is higher, conversion capacity may be reduced, or biological demands are greater, such as later reproductive age or IVF preparation. The right choice depends on the person, dose, consistency, stage and wider routine. Read more about why we use ubiquinol here.

Can CoQ10 improve egg quality?

Studies suggest CoQ10 may help improve mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress in eggs, especially in older women.¹ It is one of the most widely recommended supplements in fertility clinics for this reason.

Is it safe to take CoQ10 during pregnancy?

We generally recommend stopping after a positive pregnancy test or after egg retrieval in an IVF cycle unless specifically advised otherwise by your clinic. Read our full guide on CoQ10 safety in pregnancy here. 

Should I take CoQ10 with food?

Yes. CoQ10 is fat-soluble and is best absorbed when taken with a meal containing fat, such as avocado, eggs, nuts or olive oil.

Which CoQ10 does Zita West recommend?

We recommend Zita West Kaneka Ubiquinol, which uses the Kaneka form of ubiquinol, one of the most bioavailable and extensively researched CoQ10 ingredients available. It is manufactured in Japan and used in clinical fertility research worldwide.

References

1. Ben-Meir, A., Burstein, E., Borrego-Alvarez, A., et al. (2015). Coenzyme Q10 restores oocyte mitochondrial function and fertility during reproductive aging. PubMed.
2. Xu Y, Nisenblat V, Lu C, Li R, Qiao J, Zhen X, Wang S (2018). Pretreatment with coenzyme Q10 improves ovarian response and embryo quality in low-prognosis young women with decreased ovarian reserve: a randomized controlled trial. PubMed.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. Always consult your fertility specialist or healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.