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When you’re going through any kind of infertility treatment, you will do just about anything to improve your chances of success, and supplements are a great way to do just that. But with such a vast array of them to choose from, it’s difficult to know where to start. Let’s also not forget that many of these are not cheap, adding more expense onto an already precariously heaped beast of burden. This begs the question: if you could only take one supplement to improve your fertility, what would it be?

What is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)?

A quick PubMed search turns up thousands and thousands of studies confirming the benefits of this powerhouse. Most often thought of as an antioxidant that’s good for the heart, CoQ10 is a heavily used co-factor in our cells to produce energy. In our bodies, CoQ10 converts into Ubiquinol, a reduced form, and then is used for whatever the body needs. Dietary sources of CoQ10 include nuts, fish, and meat (especially organ meat). We also make CoQ10 in our bodies, but it is important to note that production declines as we age, AND in times of any challenge on the body, from stress to illness to pregnancy, we need more CoQ10 than we can typically synthesize.

So, what about CoQ10 and egg quality? The human ovum is the largest cell in the body and it demands an enormous amount of energy in order to grow to proper maturity. Once fertilized, it demands still more energy for proper division and implantation, and even beyond that to baby’s growth. Thus, supplementation becomes important when we are trying for pregnancy in our 30s and beyond.

A Chinese Medicine View of CoQ10

Even though western drugs and supplements aren’t part of Chinese medicine, we still view them as having Yin or Yang nourishing properties. When we talk about Yin in fertility, we’re talking about eggs, sperm, and body fluid. This means we view CoQ10 as having Yin nurturing properties- that very Yin which declines with age and should be preserved with balanced living, diet, sleep, self-care, herbs, and supplements.

Should I Only Take CoQ10?

I should be clear that there are a number of other supplements that can potentially help egg quality through similar mechanisms. But I skew towards ‘less is more’ when it comes to what I put in my body. Antioxidants are great, but taking too many of them can burden your liver and digestive system, working against your goals. I focus more on CoQ10 because it ticks so many boxes and has been well-studied for many years now.

What Kind of CoQ10 Should I Take?

Stick with brands that your provider trusts or that you know has been used in research studies (sorry, those gummies aren’t gonna cut it). The CoQ10 included in our IVF care packages is highly absorbable and has been proven to significantly raise blood levels, delivering the nutrients you need to your cells.

Would you like to learn how a holistic approach to your fertility, including acupuncture and supplements, can help you achieve your family-building goals? Call us at 651-224-6678 or head online to set up a free 15-minute consult. Every cell in your body will thank you.

Molly Kubinski L.Ac., FABORM