Coenzyme Q10 raised semen CoQ10 and ubiquinol and improved sperm motility

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Male fertility Randomised controlled trial · 2009

Key finding

In 60 men with unexplained infertility and poor sperm motility, coenzyme Q10 200 mg a day for six months significantly raised levels of CoQ10 and ubiquinol, its active form, in both seminal fluid and sperm cells, and improved sperm motility compared with placebo. Men who started with the lowest motility and the lowest CoQ10 levels were the most likely to respond.

What it means for practice

Coenzyme Q10, as ubiquinone or the active ubiquinol form, is a well-tolerated option for men with poor sperm motility, especially when motility is low at the start. Advise continuous use for at least three to six months, the time sperm take to develop, alongside the usual fertility work-up for both partners.

Reference

Balercia G, Buldreghini E, Vignini A, et al. Coenzyme Q10 treatment in infertile men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia: a placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized trial. Fertil Steril 2009;91(5):1785-1792.

Read the original paper

Summarised by the Draxer Clinical Advisory Department for health professionals. It supports, and does not replace, clinical judgement.

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