PCOS NUTRITION CENTER BLOG

Emerging research is showing that coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 may offer numerous benefits to people with PCOS,  Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to be involved in improving fertility and pregnancy in women with PCOS. Newer research is showing the potential of Q10 to lower testosterone as well as cholesterol and insulin levels. Here’s what to know about Coenzyme Q10 if you have PCOS.

What Is Coenzyme Q10

Conenzyme Q10, or simply CoQ10, is a vitamin-like compound and antioxidant which functions as a cofactor in numerous metabolic pathways, particularly in energy production (ATP for those of you that remember the Krebs Cycle). CoQ10 use is associated with reductions in cholesterol, blood pressure, cholesterol, and pre-eclampsia.

Coenzyme Q10 is present everywhere in the human body. It is especially important for generating energy, as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within the mitochondria which are the tiny “energy factories” inside most cells. For this reason, organs and tissues with high energy demands, such as the heart and liver, have the highest concentrations of CoQ10.

In addition, CoQ10 is also one of the body’s most critical antioxidants, helping to protect cells from free radical damage and to recycle other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E.

CoQ10 may help support physical energy levels, mitochondrial health, and neurological function.*

CoQ10 is synthesized by the body and can be obtained in small amounts from certain food sources, such as fish and organ meats, but these amounts may be inadequate to meet the body’s demands under certain circumstances. For example, older age, various health conditions, and the use of numerous medications increase the need for CoQ10.

Statin drugs, which are used for lowering blood cholesterol, are one such class of pharmaceuticals. They interfere with the process by which the body internally generates CoQ10, which could potentially increase the need for CoQ10 from outside sources.

Newer research has demonstrated that CoQ10 can help with infertility in men and women by improving sperm and egg quality.

Reported Health Benefits of Coenzyme Q10:*

• Boost energy
• Helps fight inflammation
• Lower glucose and insulin
• Improve blood pressure
• Lower cholesterol
• Lower testosterone
• Prevent cellular damage by fighting free radicals
• Migraine relief
• Enhanced mood
• Improve sperm and egg quality
• Improve enodmetrial thickness

CoQ10 and Male Fertility

CoQ10 has been shown to help with male infertility by improving sperm quality and motility. A meta-analysis showed CoQ10 at 200 mg daily for 6 months significantly improved sperm motility. A preliminary clinical study showed that infertile men who took coenzyme CoQ10 at 300 mg daily had significantly improved sperm density and motility after 26 weeks of treatment compared with placebo.

Health Benefits of Coenzyme Q10 for PCOS

Emerging research is showing that coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 may offer numerous benefits to women with PCOS, Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to be involved in improving fertility and pregnancy in women with PCOS. Newer research is showing the potential of Q10 to lower cholesterol, inflammation, testosterone and insulin levels.

A recent double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial showed that women with PCOS who took 100 mg/day of CoQ10 for 12 weeks improved mood (depression and anxiety), inflammation, total testosterone, DHEAS, hirsutism compared to placebo.

Women with PCOS who were randomized to take 200 mg CoQ10 per day for 8 weeks resulted in significant decreases in inflammatory markers and endothelial dysfunction compared with placebo.

Another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial showed that coenzyme Q10 had beneficial effects on serum FBS and insulin levels, as well as HOMA-IR and total testosterone levels in women with PCOS.

CoQ10, PCOS and Fertility

New research has showed that CoQ10 and clomiphene citrate in the treatment of clomiphene-citrate-resistant PCOS patients improves ovulation and pregnancy. A prospective randomized controlled trial published in Reproductive Biomedicine Online evaluated the effect of combined coenzyme Q10 and clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in clomiphene-citrate-resistant women with PCOS. A total of 101 infertile women with PCOS were randomized either to combined CoQ10 and clomiphene citrate or to clomiphene citrate alone. Those who supplemented with CoQ10 saw more follicles and greater endometrial thickness. Ovulation occurred in 65.9% in the CoQ10 group compared with only 15.5% in the control group. Pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the CoQ10 group (37.3%) versus the control group (6.0%).

Coenzyme Q10 and Egg Quality

As the quality of a woman’s eggs declines as she ages, there is also an age-related decline in CoQ10 utilization. According to a study published in the Journal of Fertility and Sterility, “decreased energy production in oocytes with aging may be related to a deficiency of CoQ10.” Additionally, with time, eggs are exposed to more damaging oxidative stress due to free radicals. As an antioxidant, CoQ10 has been linked to improving egg quality and ovulation by repairing free radicals.

Are there Any Side Effects of Coenzyme Q10?

Overall, CoQ10 is well tolerated. According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, CoQ10 has been safely used in studies lasting up to 30 months. CoQ10 may have blood pressure lowering effects; herbs or other supplements that can also lower blood pressure should be used with caution. Coenzyme Q10 taken 100 mg twice daily has been safely used during pregnancy, starting at 20 weeks gestation until birth. CoQ10 is fat soluble and should be taken with a meal containing fat.

How Much CoEnzyme Q10 Should I Take?

Therapeutic doses of Coenzyme Q10 are 100 mg to 600 mg daily. Ubiquinol is the form of CoQ10 that absorbed and utilized best.

Are There Any Side Effects of CoQ10?

Overall, CoQ10 is well tolerated. According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, CoQ10 has been safely used in studies lasting up to 30 months. CoQ10 may have blood pressure lowering effects; herbs or other supplements that can also lower blood pressure should be used with caution.Coenzyme Q10 taken 100 mg twice daily has been safely used during pregnancy, starting at 20 weeks gestation until birth.

How Much Co10 Should I Take?

Food sources of CoQ10 include meats and seafood. However, the amounts eaten in foods do not approach therapeutic doses of 100 mg to 600 mg daily. Ubiquinol is the form of CoQ10 that absorbed and utilized best.CoQ10 is fat soluble and should be taken with a meal containing fat. (We have Q10 in the form of ubiquinol in a highly bioavailable formula in our supplement store).

Coenzyme Q10 taken 100 mg twice daily has been safely used during pregnancy, starting at 20 weeks gestation until birth. CoQ10 is fat soluble and should be taken with a meal containing fat.

Bottom Line

CoQ10 is a safe and effective option for improving fertility and pregnancy in people with PCOS. Coenzyme Q10 also helps those with PCOS to lower testosterone, cholesterol and insulin.

Tell us! What has been your experience with CoQ10?