A Quick Guide to the Supplement That Supports Your Cells - CoQ10
From mitochondria to egg quality, this one’s got range!
If you’re feeling more tired than usual, dragging yourself through workouts, or noticing slower recovery – there might be something deeper going on.
But CoQ10 isn’t just about energy! It also plays a role in fertility, heart health and even skin ageing. It supports your mitochondria – the parts of your cells that produce energy and generally just helps everything run smoothly. Nice.
It’s not the trendiest supplement – but in clinic, it’s one I come back to again and again. When used strategically, it can be one of the most useful supplements out there.
BTW, if you’re interested in nutrition, you may find my recent articles on the menstrual cycle, hair health and ageing well interesting.
Let’s get to it!
What CoQ10 Actually Is
CoQ10 (short for Coenzyme Q10) is a fat-soluble compound found in almost every cell in your body. Its main job is to help generate energy in your mitochondria – you may remember from biology class (if you were concentrating!!) that these are the tiny power stations in your cells that turn food into fuel.
It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to protect your cells from damage caused by oxidative stress (that’s the internal wear-and-tear caused by things like chronic inflammation, pollution, alcohol, poor diet, stress or simply getting older).
Why It Matters
Without enough CoQ10, your cells can’t produce energy efficiently. You might feel more fatigued, foggy, or just a bit off. Low levels have been linked to conditions like cardiovascular disease, fibromyalgia, and insulin resistance.
Your body does produce CoQ10 naturally, but levels tend to decline from your mid-30s. In some people, production dips even earlier – especially if you’re under chronic stress, taking statins, or managing health issues that increase oxidative stress.
When CoQ10 levels drop, oxidative stress goes up – meaning your body is less able to neutralise free radicals. Over time, this can speed up cellular ageing, reduce egg and sperm quality and make it harder to bounce back from physical or emotional stress.
Who Might Benefit
You don’t need to have a medical condition to benefit from CoQ10. I often see it make a difference for clients who are -
Feeling chronically tired or sluggish
Preparing for egg retrieval, IVF, or trying to support egg or sperm quality
Looking to support heart health or blood pressure
Recovering from illness or burnout
Taking statins or certain other medications
Seeking support for insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. BTW have a read of my recent post on insulin resistance here.
Experiencing hormonal shifts associated with ageing
If you’re training hard, working long hours or just trying to feel more energised day-to-day – CoQ10 might be worth a look.
CoQ10 and Fertility
CoQ10 may also support fertility in both women and men. For egg quality, it plays a role in protecting developing follicles from oxidative stress and supporting mitochondrial function – both of which are important for healthy, mature eggs, especially during IVF or egg freezing.
But it’s not just about eggs – CoQ10 has also been shown to support sperm health by improving motility, count and DNA integrity, which are all crucial factors for conception.
CoQ10 and Heart Health
Your heart is one of the most energy-demanding organs in your body – and it relies heavily on CoQ10 to keep that energy flowing. CoQ10