Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is a compound made naturally by the body and is a popular dietary supplement. It is found in the membranes of nearly every cell, playing a fundamental role in basic cellular function. CoQ10 levels naturally decline with age and may be lower in people with certain chronic conditions, leading many individuals to supplement. This article investigates the evidence behind CoQ10’s benefits for sexual function, blood flow, and reproductive health.
Understanding CoQ10’s Energy and Antioxidant Function
CoQ10 is an organic molecule that functions as a cofactor in the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell. Its primary role is to transfer electrons, a process necessary for synthesizing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell’s main energy currency. Tissues with high metabolic demands, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, contain the highest concentrations of CoQ10.
The compound exists in two primary forms: ubiquinone (oxidized) and ubiquinol (reduced). Ubiquinol acts as a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant, protecting cell membranes and lipoproteins from oxidative stress. By supporting cellular energy production and reducing oxidative stress, CoQ10 supports the health of highly active cells throughout the body.
Enhancing Blood Flow and Sexual Response
CoQ10’s potential to improve circulation is foundational to a strong sexual response in both men and women. CoQ10 supports endothelial function, the health of the thin layer of cells lining blood vessels. Healthy endothelial cells are essential for producing nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that signals smooth muscle to relax, causing vasodilation.
This vasodilation improves blood flow throughout the body, including to the sexual organs, which directly relates to erectile function in men. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often linked to impaired blood flow and increased oxidative stress, both of which CoQ10 may help mitigate. By enhancing nitric oxide production, CoQ10 supplementation may assist in achieving and maintaining an erection.
Improved circulation also contributes to overall sexual responsiveness in women by supporting healthy arousal and lubrication. The underlying vascular benefits of CoQ10 relate to the health of all tissues that rely on robust blood flow. CoQ10 can reduce oxidative stress in the vascular system, a common factor implicated in both cardiovascular issues and sexual dysfunction. Maintaining vascular health through CoQ10 can broadly support sexual function.
Supporting Fertility and Gamete Quality
CoQ10’s dual role in energy production and antioxidant defense makes it a focus in reproductive health, particularly concerning the quality of gametes (sperm and eggs). Sperm cells require high energy for movement, and CoQ10 is abundant in the sperm midpiece, where mitochondria are concentrated. Supplementing with CoQ10 can significantly improve key parameters of male fertility, including sperm motility, count, and morphology.
The antioxidant properties of CoQ10 protect sperm DNA from fragmentation caused by oxidative stress, a major contributor to male infertility. One meta-analysis found that CoQ10 supplementation increased total sperm motility by 26% and reduced the number of non-motile sperm. These improvements are relevant for men with low sperm parameters.
In female fertility, CoQ10 levels are important because oocytes (eggs) are large cells requiring significant mitochondrial energy for successful development and implantation. As women age, CoQ10 in the eggs declines, making them susceptible to oxidative damage and contributing to age-related declines in egg quality. Pretreatment with CoQ10 in women undergoing fertility treatments has been associated with improved egg and embryo quality, and increased clinical pregnancy rates.
Practical Considerations: Dosage and Safety
The typical therapeutic dosage of CoQ10 for general health ranges from 100 mg to 300 mg per day. Dosages used in fertility studies, particularly those focused on improving gamete quality, may be significantly higher, sometimes ranging from 300 mg to 600 mg daily or more. Because CoQ10 is fat-soluble, it is best absorbed when taken with a meal containing fat.
CoQ10 is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, though potential side effects are usually mild and may include minor gastrointestinal upset. Anyone considering CoQ10 supplementation should consult a healthcare professional, especially if taking other medications. CoQ10, due to its structural similarity to Vitamin K, may interact with blood-thinning medications.