One of the supplements you might receive in your fertility kit is CoQ10. But, what is CoQ10? And why is it suddenly becoming a popular fertility supplement? We want to give you the inside look to CoQ10.
What is CoQ10?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an enzyme that naturally occurs in our cells and works to give them energy. Additionally, it is a powerful antioxidant protecting the body against harm. For years, CoQ10 has been known to help fight heart failure and as a supplement for people with cancer. Now, women are taking it for fertility, but why?
Why take CoQ10 for fertility?
Women are taking CoQ10 because it has shown to improve egg quality. The idea of using CoQ10 for fertility came about after a Canadian study of mice. Since then, not many human studies have been conducted. However, one study did showed slightly higher pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF and taking CoQ10 than those taking a placebo. The study was small and has not be considering statistically significant, but, its results were favorable towards taking CoQ10.
How do I know if I should be taking CoQ10?
There are two groups of women that are generally taking CoQ10. The first is older women who are trying to conceive, generally over 35. It is a well known fact that as you age, your egg quality goes down. Additionally, as you age, the amount of CoQ10 in your body goes down. So, in order for your cells to properly function and produce a high quality egg, CoQ10 is needed to give your cells that energy boost it needs.
Additionally, like the women in the study, women undergoing IVF treatments are taking CoQ10. Women undergoing IVF might need more CoQ10 to improve their egg quality as well.
Want to start your fertility journey? Take our quiz and we'll do the work to decide if you need CoQ10, or another fertility supplement