CoQ10 May Support Sperm Quality

Supplementing with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may alleviate male infertility, according to a recently published study.

CoQ10 is an antioxidant involved in the production of energy. It is found in naturally high amounts in key organs, such as the heart. CoQ10 deficiencies have been linked to a variety of adverse health factors, including gum disease and heart disease.

Writing in The Journal of Urology, Iranian researchers looked at a potential benefit of CoQ10 supplementation for infertile men suffering from idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, a condition of having insufficient spermatozoa levels and reduced sperm movement towards the egg. A total of 212 men supplemented with 300 mg of CoQ10 (supplied as KanekaQ10) or placebo daily for 26 weeks, followed by 30 weeks without supplementation of any kind.

Researchers observed improvements in sperm density, sperm motility, and sperm morphology complared to placebo, yet no significant improvement in rate of pregnancy.

“This study indicates that oral supplementation with CoQ10 significantly improves semen parameters compared with that of placebo,” wrote the study’s author. “Although this observation may not be clinically relevant, we propose that because of its antioxidant effects and safety profile, CoQ10 should be considered a good candidate for treatment in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia. A longer term study with different treatment regimens is needed to draw a final conclusion.”