When it comes to fertility and trying to conceive there is so much information available on ways to help improve and optimize chances of creating a healthy pregnancy. In terms of supplements and lifestyle changes, this wealth of information that is available can also be overwhelming for some. There are so many options and you may not know which advice or which supplement is right for you.

One of the most often recommended supplements I find helpful for fertility is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). This is a humble little molecule that is actually found within just about every cell in our bodies. This includes the eggs as well!

CoQ10 is important in the process of energy production at a cellular level. Thinking back to high school biology, you may remember mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. CoQ10 aids in the electron transport chain that in turn creates electrical energy in the mitochondria! This energy can be harnessed to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The body then uses this energy to fuel biological processes!

So what does this have to do with fertility? As we age, the efficiency of the mitochondria within our cells tends to decline or may even become damaged. This is a normal part of the ageing process but can have an impact on egg quality. In this case, CoQ10 may be beneficial to support the mitochondrial function within the eggs and support egg quality and development as we age.

CoQ10 is made within the body and as we age, the production of our own CoQ10 may not be enough to meet the cellular demands. It can be found in food sources, but the amount you would need to eat of these foods to have an impact on levels in the body would not be practical, therefore supplements are a great option.

CoQ10 can be found in supplement form as Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol. It is important to understand that the ubiquinone is not as readily absorbed by the body. A ubiquinol product on the other hand will provide a more absorbable form of the active ingredient. This is something to consider when looking at labels and deciding what product is right for you. It is always important to discuss your individual case with your health practitioner and see what  upplements or advice is best suited to your current situation. This article is for educational purposes only and not personal medical advice.