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Wellness Wednesdays: Taking Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to Enhance your Fertility

By Dr. Jeda Boughton, BodaHealth

Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to enhance both female and male fertility.
Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to enhance both female and male fertility.
(Photo Credit: RenegadeHealth.com)

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a substance that we consume naturally in our diets. It functions much like a vitamin to increase energy production and acts as an antioxidant in your body. Although CoQ10 was originally touted as an important supplement to increase cardiac and neurological health, today studies are showing that this vitamin-like substance also enhances fertility. Though CoQ10 is a substance found in meat, fish and specific fruits and vegetables, supplementation is a worthwhile consideration for women hoping to conceive.

Scientists believe that the fertility-enhancing effects of CoQ10 on women are due to the roles this substance plays on energy production. Levels of CoQ10 in women’s bodies diminish as we age which leaves fewer energy resources to endure the high-energy activities of fertilization and the subsequent development of an embryo. A recent study in the Journal of Fertility and Sterility found that older women could benefit from supplementation with CoQ10. The health of a woman’s eggs was improved by supplements of 600 mg per day and fertilization rates were increased as well.

CoQ10 has also been shown to enhance male fertility.  A study published in the Journal of Andrology examined the role of CoQ10 on male fertility. The research found that supplementation with 200-300 mg of CoQ10 each day significantly increased sperm motility as well as sperm count and the overall health of sperm. Another important study, which appeared in the Journal of Fertility and Sterility, measured CoQ10 levels in seminal fluid and found that low levels are correlated with low sperm motility. Supplementation with CoQ10 was shown to increase sperm motility thereby enhancing fertility.

In my practice treating fertility holistically with acupuncture and herbal medicinals, we also offer our patients one of two forms of CoQ10:

CoQ10 Ubiquinone (oxidized) – be sure to choose a product that contains 100% natural tran-isomer.  If it does not use the word “trans” on the label then it is likely a synthetic version that will not be effective.

Ubiquinol – a reduced form of CoQ10. Studies suggest that this form has increased bioavailability for mitochondrial energy production.  This is a more expensive product, however, a lower dose is needed to achieve the same results.

Dr. Jeda Boughton is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncturist and Director of BodaHealth in Vancouver, B.C. To book a free consultation call 604-733-2632 or visit www.bodahealth.ca. For more tips on thyroid health, like our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/BodaHealth.

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Dr. Jeda Boughton and our clinic’s medical director, Dr. Sonya Kashyap, will be hosting a free seminar during Canadian Infertility Awareness Week. During the talk, you will receive valuable strategies to increase your change of getting pregnant:

  • Improve your reproductive health through Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Lifestyle choices that work best to increase fertility
  • Learn how our clinic has helped thousands of families realize their dreams of a happy, healthy baby

Bring your questions to this rare opportunity to dialogue with the two doctors.

Topic: Discover the 5 Essential Keys to Optimizing Your Fertility
Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Location: The Institute of Holistic Nutrition (300 – 604 West Broadway, Vancouver)
Cost: Admission is FREE (seating is limited)

To register, please call 604.733.2632 or email info@bodahealth.ca

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