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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 forms of CoQ10: ubiquinone (the standard form) and ubiquinol (the active form). As we age, our ability to convert ubiquinone into ubiquinol declines, particularly after age 35. That is why we use Kaneka Ubiquinol, the bioavailable form and one of the most researched in the world, in our CoQ10 formula. It is up to 70% more absorbable than some CoQ10 supplements and is ideal for women trying to conceive, especially those over 35 or undergoing IVF. Read more about the differences between ubiquinone and ubiquinol here.

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.

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?

Yes. Ubiquinol is the active, more absorbable form of CoQ10, and is especially helpful for women over 35 or those with compromised absorption. 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?

CoQ10 is generally considered safe in early pregnancy, but most practitioners 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. Always consult your GP or midwife before continuing any supplement once pregnant.

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.