A low count or inferior quality of sperm is often the cause for an unfulfilled desire to have a child. Studies have shown a relationship between the concentration of coenzyme Q10 in sperm plasma and the density, mobility and morphology of male sperm cells.
Ten to 15 percent of couples would like to have a child together, but cannot conceive naturally. About one third of these couples cannot find a cause for this infertility in their search, another third struggle with medical issues in the male partner.
Too little, too slow
If a man is unable to conceive, it is usually due to a reduced quality of the sperm cells or a too low sperm count (less than 20 million sperm cells per millilitre of seminal fluid). If the sperm cells are too immobile, they are unable to pass through the cervix to fertilize the egg cell. However, even reaching the egg cell is no guarantee for successful conception if mutations in the sperm cells prevent the penetration of the outer egg cell layer.
Coenzyme Q10 in seminal plasma reduces oxidative stress.
Research on the subject investigated the influence of the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 on essential seminal plasma (the fluid medium in which the sperm cells are transported), in infertile men.
In general, we need coenzyme Q10 – also known as ubiquinone – in order to remain mentally and physically fit. It plays an important role in cellular energy production and protects the organism from free radicals by counteracting the oxidation of lipids, proteins and DNA.
In a study in Yazd, Iran, 60 infertile men received 200 mg of coenzyme Q10 – or a placebo – daily over a period of three months. The sperm parameters improved in those men who had elevated CoE-Q10 levels due to the supplemental intake. The activity of the antioxidative enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) also increased, while oxidative stress in seminal plasma was reduced.
Ubiquinol increases sperm count and motility.
A previous placebo-controlled study by the Urological Diagnostic Institute in Tehran with over 228 infertile men had similar findings: After the daily administration of 200 mg ubiquinol – the reduced and more easily digestible form of Coenyzm Q10 – over 26 weeks, a significant improvement in sperm density, motility and morphology was observed.
Today scientists assume that genetic changes influence the exocrine and autocrine processes – both the internal processes and the interactions with the environment – in the testicles. This can lead to issues in the maturing process of the sperm cells and to male infertility.
We also know today that the concentration of CoE-Q10 is particularly high in the mitochondria, which are responsible for oxidative energy production in our cells. In combination with the antioxidant effects, this could help explain the improvement of sperm parameters through the supplementation with coenzyme Q10.
Coenzyme Q10 for stress and under pressure
Our body is usually supplied with coenzyme Q10 through the consumption of meat and fatty fish; rice and vegetables also contain it, especially broccoli and spinach, as well as sunflower oil. It is more easily absorbed by the body in combination with fat.
Elderly people, smokers and people who exercise a lot or are under a lot of stress may, however, have a higher need for Q10 that can be met quite easily in the form of dietary supplements.
