Kaneka Ubiquinol is a new supplement that could help the millions of couples affected by infertility. A new research review, headed by Dr Emma Derbyshire and published in the Journal of Gynaecology and Women’s Health Research, has found that it could help those struggling to conceive.
It might come as a surprise, but infertility affects a staggeringly high 186 million people around the world, including 48 million couples. Described by The World Health Organisation as a disease of the male or female reproductive system, defined by the failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sex[1], infertility can not only have a serious impact on an individual’s daily life- from anxiety to depression and reduced life quality[2] -but it can also negatively impact relationships too.
But, whether you yourself are affected or a loved one is dealing with the pain of infertility, a supplement could offer some hope for anyone who is battling with infertility issues.
A new research review[3] by Dr Emma Derbyshire, published in the Journal of Gynaecology and Women’s Health Research, reviewed 17 trials and found that amongst these, the supplement Kaneka Ubiquinol, the bioavailable form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), could help those who are struggling to conceive.
Public health nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire, who headed up the research review, says, “We’ve found that Kaneka Ubiquinol appears to contribute to improvements in female egg quality, fertilisation, markers of sperm quality as well as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms and hormone levels which can impact fertility. Kaneka Ubiquinol, specifically, which mimics Ubiquinol made in the human body, has now been used and tested in more than 100 studies and publications and 30 clinical studies, including safety studies, to ensure the highest quality standards in terms of safety, sustainability and traceability.”
As anyone who has tried or even considered IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) knows, it comes with a huge price tag, making it unaffordable for many. Lifestyle factors can play a big role in fertility, which is where CoQ10 – specifically Ubiquinol – comes in.[4]
The Link Between CoQ10 and Fertility
Dr Emma Derbyshire says, “It’s clear how Kaneka Ubiquinol – the bioavailable form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 could play such a role in fertility. “Delving deeper, she explains, “CoQ10’s main role in the body is that it helps convert food into energy whilst also being a powerful antioxidant, helping protect cells from damage.
CoQ10 is a natural component found in cells’ mitochondria. These mitochondria are the cell’s powerhouse, generating most of the chemical energy that powers a cell’s biochemical reactions. There are 100,000 mitochondria[5] in female egg cells, compared to about 1000 to 2500 mitochondria in other human cells[6], and in the case of human sperm, mitochondria provide the energy that drives the force of sperm motility.[7]”
Dr Emma Derbyshire adds that CoQ10 exists and alternates between two forms- ubiquinone and Ubiquinol. “However, Ubiquinol makes up approximately 95% of all CoQ10 circulating in the body.[8] Other forms of CoQ10, such as ubiquinone, need to be converted to Ubiquinol prior to utilisation by the body.”
The high rates of infertility across the globe might come as a surprise. However, Dr Emma Derbyshire says, “There are several reasons why a person may struggle with fertility, from genetic to environmental, immunological and metabolic reasons including infertility-linked diseases such as irregular menstrual cycles, endometriosis and PCOS.[9] Plus, both male and female germ lines (sex cells) are also susceptible to oxidative stress and damage from lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, obesity, pollution and even mobile phone use, which can further impact fertility.” [10]
Lifestyle factors and taking Kaneka Ubiquinol could have a big impact on fertility…
5 Steps to Help Boost Your Fertility
#1. Watch your Weight: According to the NHS, being overweight or obese (having a BMI of 30 or over) reduces fertility. In women, being overweight or severely underweight can affect ovulation[16].
Dr Emma Derbyshire adds, “Weight is a factor, so if you know your BMI is high, put practices in place to lose excess weight. Aim for an 80/20 approach to food, with 80% of your food being whole foods and the remaining 20% being a bit of what you fancy. Make time to move too and aim to get up regularly, even if it’s for a brisk walk.”
Are you unsure what your BMI is? Book an appointment with your GP, who can offer guidance.
#2. Try Kaneka Ubiquinol: Although CoQ10 can be obtained from certain foods, including oily fish (think sardines, salmon and mackerel), organ meats, poultry, whole grains and green vegetables such as spinach, there are, in fact, shortfalls in micronutrient intake -such as CoQ10 -around the world.[11]
“In a study of 211 males with subfertility, daily CoQ10 intake from food was just 19.2mg per day, indicating that CoQ10 from food alone may not be sufficient in terms of optimising semen parameters – intakes were 10-fold lower than supplemental doses used in clinical trials.[12] On top of this, the production of Ubiquinol declines with age, as does the ability to convert ubiquinone to Ubiquinol,” adds Dr Emma Derbyshire.
Kaneka Ubiquinol offers a solution as it contains the same Ubiquinol that’s made in the human body. Dr Emma Derbyshire says, “It’s three to five times more bioavailable than the oxidised form, ubiquinone, making it a preferred form for supplementation[13]. Research involving infertile women undergoing IVF found that those taking 30mg of Ubiquinol CoQ10 capsules for eight weeks before treatment had a significantly higher number of eggs retrieved compared with the control group who were taking no supplements.[14]
“Added to this, in a study of infertile men, 200 mg of Ubiquinol taken every day for three months resulted in an increased sperm count and increased sperm motility.[15]”
#3. Tune in to your stress: Stress can have a huge impact on reproductive health. Dr Emma Derbyshire says: “In severe cases, stress can impact ovulation and sperm production[17], and generally, it can really hamper the sex drive of an individual.”
Struggles to fall pregnant can cause stress in itself. Dr Emma Derbyshire recommends stress-reducing tactics. Finding a way to calm your heart rate and breathing can help; try yoga, Pilates, or go for a walk and consciously try to focus on your breath. Good sleep, avoiding work after hours, and practising positivity can also help.
#4. Focus on diet: It can be hard to maintain a diet that contains all the essential nutrients your body needs, which is why a supplement such as Kaneka Ubiquinol is so helpful to minimise any dietary shortfalls.
Day to day, the foods you eat can have a big impact on your fertility, too. Dr Emma Derbyshire adds: “Include plenty of protein, and that includes plant-based protein from sources such as soy, lentils and beans. Iron is essential, too; find this in dried fruit, meat, seafood, beans and lentils. Include sources of zinc and folate, too; men lose zinc every time they ejaculate. Include whole grains, nuts, seeds (especially sesame seeds), beans, oysters, lean red meat, eggs, and leafy greens.[18]”
#5. Are you alcohol aware? Drinking too much alcohol can affect the quality of sperm, and the UK’s chief medical officers recommend adults should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, which should be spread evenly over three days or more[19].
For context, a medium glass of wine contains just over two units, a pink beer contains around two units, and a single measure of spirit contains one unit. Ultimately, your lifestyle choices can massively help or hinder your fertility.
Dr Emma Derbyshire concludes, “Kaneka Ubiquinol could be the aid that so many couples and individuals who are battling infertility need. The research is eye-opening, to say the least, and so many studies shine a positive light on Ubiquinol and its potential to improve fertility. This is an exciting time, and I hope it offers hope to people around the globe who have been struggling to conceive.”
References:
[1] WHO (2023) World Health Organisation. Infertility Prevalence Estimates 1990-2021.
[2] WHO (2023) World Health Organisation. Infertility Prevalence Estimates 1990-2021.
[3] https://sciforschenonline.org/journals/gynaecology-womens-health/GWHR125.php
[4] Ozdemir, Bulent Ayas, Davut Guven, Abdulkadir Bakay, Pervin Karlı; Antioxidant Supplement Improves the Pregnancy Rate in Patients Undergoing in Vitro Fertilisation for Unexplained Infertility Ayse Z. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2019, 9, 1-9
[5] Babayev E, Seli E (2015) Oocyte mitochondrial function and reproduction. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 27: 175-181.
[6] Pizzorno J (2014) Mitochondria-Fundamental to Life and Health. Integr Med (Encinitas) 13: 8-15.
[7] Hirata S, Hoshi K, Shoda T, Mabuchi T (2002) Spermatozoon and mitochondrial DNA. Reprod Med Biol 1: 41-47.
[8] Acosta MJ, Fonseca LV, Desbats MA, Cerqua C, Zordan R, et al. (2016) Coenzyme Q biosynthesis in health and disease. Bochum Biophys Acta 1857: 1079-1085.
[9] Ozdemir, Bulent Ayas, Davut Guven, Abdulkadir Bakay, Pervin Karlı; Antioxidant Supplement Improves the Pregnancy Rate in Patients Undergoing in Vitro Fertilisation for Unexplained Infertility Ayse Z. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2019, 9, 1-9
[10] Aitken RJ (2020) Impact of oxidative stress on male and female germ cells: implications for fertility. Reproduction 159: R189-R201.
[11] Derbyshire E (2018) Micronutrient Intakes of British Adults Across Mid-Life: A Secondary Analysis of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Front Nutr 5: 55.
[12] Tiseo BC et al. (2017) Coenzyme Q10 Intake From Food and Semen Parameters in a Subfertile Population. 102:100-105.
[13] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/PrimaryMitochondrialDisorders-HealthProfessional/#coQ
[14] Lin P-H, Su W-P, Li C-J, Lin L-T, Sheu JJ-C, et al. (2023) Investigating the Role of Ferroptosis-Related Genes in Ovarian Aging and the Potential for Nutritional Intervention. Nutrients 15: 2461.
[15] Safarinejad MR et al. (2012) Effects of the reduced form of coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol) on semen parameters in men with idiopathic infertility: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised study. J Urol 188(2): 526-31.
[16] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/
[17] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/
[18] https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/a-clinical-update-on-diet-and-fertility.html
[19] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/
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