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For Professional Use Only
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring molecule found in almost every cell of the body, including female egg cells. In recent years, research has increasingly highlighted its vital role in energy production and reproductive health. For healthcare professionals supporting patients on their fertility journey, understanding CoQ10’s function and potential benefits for egg quality can help optimise outcomes particularly for women over 35 or those with a diminished ovarian reserve.
CoQ10 & Mitochondrial Energy Production
CoQ10 is a key component in the mitochondria (the “powerhouses” of our cells) where it supports the process of energy generation. It acts as an electron carrier in the electron transport chain, helping to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s main source of energy.
By enabling efficient ATP production, CoQ10 powers energy-intensive processes across the body, including muscle activity, brain function and the development and maturation of egg cells.
In addition to its role in energy metabolism, CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant. It protects cells from oxidative stress and regenerates other antioxidants such as vitamin E. However, its function within the mitochondria is particularly relevant when it comes to improving egg quality.
Mitochondria & Egg Quality
Healthy mitochondrial function is essential for high-quality eggs. As women age, mitochondrial performance naturally declines - fewer mitochondria are present, and those that remain become less efficient at producing energy.
Research has shown that:
· Eggs from women over 40 show more structural damage to mitochondria.
· Aging eggs accumulate mitochondrial DNA damage.
· Impaired mitochondrial function is also seen in younger women experiencing fertility challenges, such as poor response to ovarian stimulation or premature ovarian failure.
This reduction in energy has significant consequences. The process of egg maturation and chromosome separation is extremely energy-demanding. Without sufficient ATP, chromosomes may not align or divide correctly, increasing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, failed implantation, and early miscarriage.
Mitochondria & Embryo Development
The effects of reduced mitochondrial energy extend beyond the egg itself. Once fertilised, the developing embryo relies on energy from the egg to fuel its early growth.
If the mitochondria within the egg are not functioning optimally, the resulting embryo may struggle to reach the blastocyst stage or implant successfully. Studies suggest that poor mitochondrial activity and reduced ATP production can contribute to early embryo arrest or miscarriage.
The Role of Supplementation
Although the body produces CoQ10 naturally, levels decline with age and oxidative stress. It’s also difficult to obtain meaningful amounts from food, making supplementation the most effective way to support optimal levels. Studies suggest that CoQ10 supplementation can:
· Support mitochondrial energy production in aging eggs
· Improve egg maturation rates
· Enhance fertilisation and embryo quality
· Potentially reduce age-related decline in reproductive outcomes
Given its excellent safety profile, CoQ10 is a valuable nutrient to consider as part of fertility support, particularly for women over 35 or those undergoing assisted reproduction. Proceive® Max Women provides 70 mg of CoQ10 per daily dose, helping to support mitochondrial energy production in developing eggs. For additional support, a standalone CoQ10 supplement can be added if needed.
Emerging Clinical Evidence
The potential benefits of CoQ10 for egg and embryo quality are supported by a growing body of clinical research. In recent years, several controlled studies have explored the impact of CoQ10 supplementation on fertility outcomes. Two trials published in 2018 demonstrated that supplementing with CoQ10 for one to two months before IVF treatment improved egg quality, fertilisation rates, and embryo development.
Women who took CoQ10 produced more mature eggs and a higher proportion of high-quality embryos compared with control groups. Notably, treatment cycles were less likely to be cancelled due to poor egg response (8% versus 23% in controls), and a greater proportion of participants had embryos suitable for freezing (18% versus 4%).
In a separate double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Bentov and Casper observed fewer chromosomal abnormalities in embryos from women supplemented with CoQ10, suggesting improved mitochondrial function and chromosomal stability during egg maturation.
Together, these findings provide clinical support for CoQ10’s role in enhancing egg competence and improving IVF outcomes, particularly in women with age-related or diminished ovarian function.
Conclusion
Mitochondrial energy production is one of the most important factors influencing egg quality and embryo development. CoQ10 plays a central role in this process, and supplementation has been shown to help support reproductive outcomes, particularly where egg quality or ovarian function may be suboptimal.
For healthcare professionals, recommending a high-quality formulation that includes CoQ10 is an evidence-based way to help improve egg health, fertilisation potential, and ultimately, patient success rates.
References
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