8B - There Is a Role for Pre-conceptional Treatment with CoQ10

Summary

Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), transported in the blood by lipoproteins, is an essential component of the inner mitochondrial membrane and is responsible for electron transport in the mitochondrial respiratory chain for oxidative phosphorylation to generate the energy substrate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and acts as an anti-oxidant within the oocyte. Observational studies suggest that the follicular fluid concentration of CoQ10 diminishes with age (1), and low CoQ10 antioxidant status may indeed correlate with oocyte aneuploidy (2). Consequently it would appear there is a sound rationale for the use of CoQ10 during infertility treatment, perhaps for women with perceived ‘poor oocyte quality’. Furthermore the scientific rationale is supported by several animal studies which demonstrate a beneficial effect of CoQ10 supplementation on embryonic development. However, before all clinicians are encouraged to prescribe Coq10 as the eternal elixir of reproductive youth, evidence for a benefit of supplementation in the IVF clinical setting is required.