Coenzyme Q10 Helps Sperm Movement

Jan. 12, 2004 -- A common antioxidant may help men with problem sperm increase their chances of conceiving a child.

A new study shows that daily supplementation with coenzyme Q10 can help improve sperm movement in infertile men.

Decreased sperm motility, the percentage of sperm that move forward normally, is a common cause of male infertility.

Coenzyme Q10 Boosts Sperm Health

Researchers say coenzyme Q10 is known to be active in the testes and is an antioxidant that plays an important role in forming the membranes and other structures within cells by fighting the effects of oxidative stress.

In the study, published in the January issue of Fertility & Sterility, researchers looked at the effects of daily oral supplementation with 200 mg of coenzyme Q10 in 22 infertile men with low sperm motility.

At the start of the study, researchers found the men had lower-than-normal levels of coenzyme Q10 in their seminal fluid. After six months of supplementation with the antioxidant, the men experienced a significant increase in these levels.

In addition, researchers also found a significant increase in sperm motility, and this increase was linked to the rise in coenzyme Q10 levels.

Researchers say that if further studies confirm these results, supplementation with coenzyme Q10 may help in the treatment of male infertility caused by sperm motility problems.