Powerful Antioxidant that could Improve Pregnancy Rates

If you are trying to conceive or getting ready for fertility treatment, you have probably heard about CoQ10. Many people call it an egg quality supplement, but it can be hard to know what is real and what is hype.

A recent research review looked at dozens of vitamins and nutrients to see which ones actually had human studies showing fertility benefits. CoQ10 stood out as the nutrient with the most usable evidence in the studies that were included.

Let’s walk through what the research suggests in a clear and practical way.

What is CoQ10 in simple terms?

CoQ10 is a natural compound your body uses to help your cells make energy. It also acts as an antioxidant, which means it helps protect cells from certain types of stress. Egg cells are especially energy hungry, so researchers have been interested in whether CoQ10 might support egg function and development.

What the latest research has found:

The researchers screened a very large amount of published work, then included only the studies that met strict criteria. In the end, only a small number of studies fit the final review. That means the findings are promising, but larger trials are still needed to support findings.

Even with that limitation, there were two groups of patients that seemed to benefit the most from the use of CoQ10 to support fertility treatment outcomes.

CoQ10 and Pregnancy Outcomes

The strongest evidence for use of CoQ10 showed improved pregnancy rates in certain groups, we discuss them below in more detail.

When researchers combined results from three clinical studies, people taking CoQ10 had higher clinical pregnancy rates overall. But the benefits were not the same for everyone.

If you have been told you are a "poor responder" to fertility medication:

In one study that included people who tend to produce fewer eggs during IVF, those taking CoQ10 had higher pregnancy rates. The same study also found that more eggs were retrieved on average.

What this may mean for you if your ovaries do not recruit many follicles, your plan most likely focuses on making the most of every cycle by prioritizing quality. CoQ10 may be one of several tools worth discussing with your fertility team in the months leading into treatment.

If you have PCOS:

One study in people with PCOS who did not respond well to a common ovulation induction medication (clomiphene) showed a big improvement in pregnancy rates. However, this study was considered lower quality, so we do need higher quality evidence to confirm these findings.

What this may mean for you CoQ10 could be helpful for some people with PCOS, but it is best used as part of a broader plan that also supports ovulation, insulin balance, inflammation, sleep, stress, and any clinic medications.

How to think about CoQ10 without getting overwhelmed?

CoQ10 may be worth discussing if you:

• Have a history of low egg numbers or poor response

• Have PCOS and want a supportive plan that also addresses ovulation and metabolic health

Just as important, CoQ10 is rarely the only lever that matters. The best outcomes usually come from a thoughtful plan that also includes nutrition, sleep, stress support, inflammation strategies, and personalized timing with your treatment calendar.

How long does it take?

In the studies included, CoQ10 was often taken for about two to three months. In real life, the timing depends on when you are trying to conceive or when your IVF cycle is planned. This is one reason I prefer to build protocols around your actual timeline.

What dose of CoQ10 is best?

Across the included studies, doses ranged widely and in some research can be as high as 600 mg daily, which is why there is no single perfect dose for everyone. In clinic, the goal is to tailor dosing based on your goals, your tolerance, your medications, and whether you are preparing for an IVF retrieval or trying naturally.

The goal for fertility care is personalized treatment where recommendations are tailored to your unique medical case and history, this is one of our main objectives when supporting patients instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach.

---

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your Naturopathic Doctor before starting any new supplement, especially during fertility treatments like IVF.