Coenzyme Q10 may improve sperm quality

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation may improve the morphology and motility of sperm in infertile men, says a new study from the Iran.

In the randomized controlled trial, semen quality of 60 infertile men who were assigned to receive a daily supplement with CoQ10 (200 mg per day) or placebo for three months was examined (1). The study results showed that the men in the CoQ10 group had sperm with improved morphology and motility, an increase in CoQ10 blood levels and increases in activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase, compared with the placebo group. There was a significant correlation between elevated CoQ10 concentration and normal sperm morphology.

The researchers commented that increased intake of coenzyme Q10 seems to attenuate oxidative stress in seminal plasma and improve antioxidant enzyme activity, which results in improved semen parameters in infertile men. The semen of most infertile men has been shown to be accompanied by increased oxidative stress, which impairs semen parameters and sperm function and male fertility.

CoQ10, a potent antioxidant that also plays an important role in preserving levels of vitamin E and vitamin C, has been linked to improvements in sperm parameters before (2). In addition, scientific data indicate that increased CoQ10 intake may benefit patients suffering from angina, heart attack and hypertension, as well as cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.

1. Nadjarzadeh A. et al. Effect of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on antioxidant enzymes activity and oxidative stress of seminal plasma: a double-blind randomised clinical trial. Andrologia. Published online January 2013.
2. Safarinejad M. R. Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 on semen parameters, sperm function and reproductive hormones in infertile men. Journal of Urology. 2009; 182(1):237-248.