The review, published in Nutrients, highlighted emerging evidence linking oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and declining reproductive outcomes, with a particular focus on egg and sperm quality and reproductive ageing.
“The review explains that ubiquinol plays a dual role in reproductive physiology, driving mitochondrial bioenergetics and providing potent antioxidant support at the cellular level,” said Dr Emma Derbyshire, independent scientific consultant and study co-author commissioned by Kaneka.
“These functions are critical for egg quality, sperm motility, morphology and density, oocyte competence and early embryo development, which are key determinants of successful conception.”
Ubiquinol as a bioactive potent antioxidant that produces vital Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) energy in the mitochondria. But there is an age-associated decline in endogenous ubiquinol synthesis potentially meaning internal production may no longer meet cellular requirements in both men and women, according to the review.
Sperm cells rely heavily on mitochondrial energy to move effectively, and oxidative stress can impair that process. Likewise, egg quality is closely tied to mitochondrial function and they are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress over time.
“For healthcare practitioners, the findings support the integration of ubiquinol into evidence-informed nutritional strategies addressing both male and female infertility, including populations affected by reproductive ageing and fertility preservation considerations,” added Derbyshire.
Sergej Ostojic, professor of nutrition at Texas Tech University and co-author, told NI the paper highlights the need for further well-designed studies regarding the role of coenzyme Q10 and related molecules in fertility.
Linking ubiquinol and infertility
Infertility remains a multifactorial condition with rapidly increasing rates globally. The World Health Organisation (WHO) lists fertility rates at 1 in 6 people, with oxidative stress driven by natural ageing and lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake and obesity being causative factors affecting fertilitv.
In addition, exposure to environmental pollutants and environmental toxins can be directly toxic to gametes (eggs and sperm), resulting in their decreased numbers and poor qualitv.
There are not yet official intake recommendations for ubiquinol, but with some of the most predominant food sources including meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, individuals following plant-based diets may be at risk of lower intakes.
It has been advised that to reduce sperm damage and improve sperm motility, count and morphology 200 mg CoQ10 (as ubiquinol) could be taken daily, increasing to 400 mg per day for those with serious difficulties; however, consensus is lacking regarding the optimal dose and duration of ubiquinol therapy.
The review emphasized the clinical and practical relevance of Ubiquinol’s superior bioavailability and efficacy compared with oxidized coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). As the main biologically active form, ubiquinol is immediately available for mitochondrial energy production.
The authors of the review argued it would be useful to obtain more data on long-term ubiquinol intakes using food frequency questionnaires across a range of European regions to help build a reliable picture of habitual ubiquinol intakes.
“Greater efforts are needed to educate healthcare professionals and consumers about the importance of ubiquinol, how it can be obtained, and the life stages during which its supply is most critical,” the authors stated.
“If ubiquinol is not obtained in the levels needed from dietary sources per se, then supplementation strategies may be required, especially at certain key life stages such as conception, pregnancy, and advanced maternal/paternal age. Food supplements can play a useful role in helping to offset gaps, helping to improve fertility-related wellbeing,” said the review.
Clinical view
In response to the review, Alpesh Doshi, consultant clinical embryologist and co-founder of IVF London, told NI nutrition the conclusions match what he sees on the ground.
“The idea of ubiquinol being conditionally essential during reproductive years is interesting and reflects what we see clinically, that internal production may not always meet demand, especially with advancing maternal or paternal age,” he said.
“That doesn’t mean everyone needs supplementation, but it does suggest diet and lifestyle factors become more important when fertility is a goal.”
He further noted that dietary amounts are relatively modest compared to supplement doses used in studies.
“For many patients, we encourage a food-first approach alongside broader lifestyle optimisation. Supplements may be considered in specific cases, but they should always be discussed with a clinician rather than taken blindly,” added Doshi.
“It’s important to be clear that ubiquinol is not a fertility cure. It doesn’t guarantee pregnancy, but it may help support the biological processes involved in conception.”
Source: Nutrients, 2026 Jan 2;18(1):156. doi: 10.3390/nu18010156. “Ubiquinol in Fertility and Reproduction: A Conditionally Essential Nutrient for Critical Early-Life Stages”, Authors: Derbyshire. E. J., et al
