Millions of couples affected by infertility could find help in an unsuspecting supplement, a new study has shown
The British Fertility Society notes up to 15% of couples will experience issues with fertility, affecting both men and women not just in a physical health sense but also mentally and emotionally. Sometimes fertility struggles may even turn into financial woes as treatments can be costly and time consuming often without any guarantees depending on the reason for the infertility.
However, ground breaking research is now highlighting a surprising supplement that could offer a saving grace. A new research review by Dr Emma Derbyshire published in the medical journal Gynaecology and Women’s Health Research revealed the unsuspecting benefits of CoQ10 on fertility for both men and women, particularly those undergoing IVF treatment.
The public health nutritionist expert found a form of the supplement Co-Enzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, could improve female egg quality, fertilisation, markers of sperm quality as well as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms and hormone levels which can impact fertility. The peer review research specifically honed in on ubiquinol, a reduced form of CoQ10, supplementation.
It found women undergoing IVF treatment that took 30mg capsules for eight weeks before treatment had a “significantly higher number of eggs retrieved” compared to women taking no supplements. One of the studies following 169 women with poor ovarian reserves revealed 200mg of CoQ10 three times a day for 60 days before IVF increased the number of eggs retrieved and had a higher fertilisation rate too.
But the benefits aren’t just for women as another study in the review saw 200mg of ubiquinol taken by men every day for three months increased sperm count and mobility. CoQ10 is known to be a vital component in egg and sperm cells as it occurs naturally in the mitochondria of all cells.
Female egg cells host as many as 100,000 mitochondria while other human cells hold between 1,000 and 2,500 in comparison. It’s also a big driving factor in the speed and energy of sperm. Natural CoQ10 levels in the body can be supported through a well-balanced diet including plenty of oily fish, organ meats like liver, poultry, whole grains and green vegetables which provide CoQ10.
There are two forms of CoQ10, ubiquinone which converts to the second form, ubiquinol, to be used by the body. CoQ10 supplements are available from stores like Boots for around £16 for 30 capsules or 50p a capsule. Although the research specifically pinpointed Ubiquinol supplements by the brand Kaneka, which funded the study.
Dr Derbyshire shared: “This is ground breaking news for couples who may have been battling with infertility issues and this latest research review shines a light in particular on Kaneka Ubiquinol and its potential to help support female and male fertility. The research is eye-opening to say the least and so many studies shine a positive light on ubiquinol and its potential to improve fertility. This is an exciting time and I hope it offers hope to people around the globe who have been struggling to conceive.”
