Ubiquinol for fertility

On this page

1. What is ubiquinol?
2. Function and how it works
3. Fertility benefits
4. Recommended daily dose
5. Sources
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. My Fertility Guide
8. Related pages

1. What is ubiquinol?

Ubiquinol is the activated, reduced form of coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone). The body must convert ubiquinone to ubiquinol before it can be used — a conversion that becomes less efficient with age. For this reason, taking ubiquinol directly is preferable for older women, particularly those over 35–40.

Reference ranges and recommended intakes vary from country to country — always interpret guidance against the recommendations of your own healthcare authority.

2. Function and how it works

Ubiquinol has the same fundamental functions as CoQ10 but with greater bioavailability:

1. Mitochondrial energy production. Ubiquinol is the form that actually participates in the mitochondrial electron transport chain to generate ATP.
2. Powerful antioxidant. Ubiquinol protects mitochondrial membranes and DNA from oxidative damage.
3. Hormone support. Research has shown that ubiquinol can increase FSH and LH in women with reduced reproductive function.
4. Egg and sperm quality. Ubiquinol supports the high energy demands of egg maturation, fertilisation and early embryonic development.

3. Fertility benefits

Ubiquinol is particularly useful for:

1. Women over 35 trying to conceive
2. Women with low AMH or diminished ovarian reserve
3. Women with irregular menstrual cycles related to reduced ovarian function
4. Men with poor sperm motility
5. Couples taking statins (which deplete CoQ10/ubiquinol)

4. Recommended daily dose

I recommend a daily dose of 200–300 mg of ubiquinol, typically split into two doses with food (since ubiquinol is fat-soluble). This is roughly equivalent in effect to 600 mg of regular CoQ10 (ubiquinone).

5. Sources

Ubiquinol is the form of CoQ10 found inside cells, but it is unstable in food, so dietary intake is not a practical source. Supplementation is the only way to achieve fertility-relevant doses.

6. Cautions and contraindications

1. Ubiquinol is generally very safe.
2. Take with food for best absorption.
3. It can mildly thin the blood — discuss with your doctor if you take warfarin or other anticoagulants.
4. Always consult with a fertility specialist or your doctor before starting any new supplement regime.

7. My Fertility Guide

8. Related pages

• Fertility supplements directory
• Coenzyme Q10 — the precursor
• PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone)
• NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide)
• Alpha lipoic acid
• Melatonin
• Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Luteinising hormone (LH)
• Low AMH level