Is CoQ10 Safe in Pregnancy Or Only During Conception?

CoQ10 is widely used during the conception phase to support fertility and egg quality. But what about once you are pregnant? Whilst there is some evidence that taking a CoQ10 supplement may be beneficial when it comes to reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia, there is insufficient research on its general safety throughout pregnancy. This guide explains the science behind CoQ10 in pregnancy and the advice from Zita West.

Why women take CoQ10 before trying to conceive

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays two key roles: it helps generate cellular energy and shields cells from oxidative stress. Research shows CoQ10 supports egg health, especially in women over 35, and may enhance fertility success.¹ For a full guide to CoQ10 dosage when trying to conceive, read our dosage guide here.

What the studies say about CoQ10 during pregnancy

A 2009 randomised controlled trial involving women at risk of pre-eclampsia found that 200mg of CoQ10 daily from week 20 until delivery significantly reduced the risk of pre-eclampsia (14.4% vs 25.6% in the placebo group).² While promising, this focused solely on pre-eclampsia in at-risk women, not overall pregnancy safety.

Leading health authorities, including the Mayo Clinic and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, highlight that there is not enough large-scale human data to establish CoQ10 safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, advising against routine use unless supervised by a healthcare provider.^3,4

Should you continue CoQ10 once pregnant?

• Before conception: CoQ10 is well supported for use when trying to conceive, particularly up to 200mg per day to support egg quality.
• Once pregnant: Due to limited evidence, current guidance is to stop CoQ10 when pregnancy is confirmed, unless specifically advised otherwise by your doctor.

What to take instead once you are pregnant

Once pregnancy is confirmed, the focus shifts from fertility support to ensuring your body and your baby have the nutrients needed for healthy development. The three most important areas to cover in the first trimester are folate, vitamin D and omega-3.

Zita West Vital Essence 1

Specifically formulated for the first trimester, covering the key nutrients your body needs from the moment pregnancy is confirmed, including bioavailable folate, magnesium and zinc.

Shop Vital Essence 1

Alongside Vital Essence 1, we recommend continuing with vitamin D and omega-3 throughout pregnancy. Both are well-evidenced for pregnancy safety and support immune function, brain development and placental health respectively.

What if I have already been taking CoQ10?

Many women take CoQ10 up until they see a positive pregnancy test. If that is you, there is no cause for concern. CoQ10 has a large safety margin and there are no known harmful effects at standard pre-conception doses of 200mg per day. Once pregnancy is confirmed, simply stop taking CoQ10 and transition to your trimester 1 supplements.

Zita West Newly Pregnant Trimester 1 Support Pack

Brings together Vital Essence 1, Vitamin D and Vital DHA in one place, covering the full nutritional picture for early pregnancy.

Shop the Trimester 1 Pack Book a free 1:1 consultation

The bottom line

We recommend taking 200mg of Zita West Kaneka Ubiquinol CoQ10 per day while trying to conceive. Once pregnancy is confirmed, we advise stopping CoQ10 and transitioning to our carefully formulated pregnancy supplements, starting with Vital Essence 1 for the first trimester.

FAQs: CoQ10 and pregnancy

Can I take CoQ10 during pregnancy?

There is not enough clinical evidence to confirm safety during pregnancy. The general recommendation is to stop taking CoQ10 once you are pregnant, unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. Vital Essence 1 is our recommended first trimester supplement to transition to once pregnancy is confirmed.

Is CoQ10 harmful during pregnancy?

There are no known harmful effects at common pre-conception doses of 200mg per day. However, long-term safety data during pregnancy is still limited, which is why current guidance is to stop once pregnancy is confirmed.

What about CoQ10 and pre-eclampsia?

A small study found 200mg CoQ10 daily from week 20 reduced pre-eclampsia risk in at-risk women, but further large trials are needed before it can be widely recommended during pregnancy.²

When should I stop taking CoQ10?

Once you receive a positive pregnancy test, stop taking CoQ10 unless your doctor advises otherwise. Switch to prenatal supplements that are widely accepted for pregnancy use, starting with Vital Essence 1 for trimester 1 support.

What supplements should I take in the first trimester instead of CoQ10?

The key nutrients to prioritise in the first trimester are bioavailable folate, vitamin D, omega-3 and magnesium. The Zita West Newly Pregnant Trimester 1 Support Pack covers all of these in one place. If you are unsure which products are right for your situation, book a free 1:1 fertility product consultation with our team.

References

1. Florou P, et al. (2020). Does CoQ10 supplementation improve fertility outcomes in women undergoing ART? A systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed.
2. Teran E, Hernandez I, Nieto B, et al. (2009). Coenzyme Q10 supplementation during pregnancy reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia. PubMed.
3. Coenzyme Q10: Safety and side effects. (2025). Mayo Clinic.
4. Coenzyme Q10. (2019). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or discontinuing any supplement during pregnancy.