Coenzyme Q10 and male infertility: a meta-analysis

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#antioxidants #dietary-supplements #female #humans #infertility-male

Coenzyme Q10 and male infertility: a meta-analysis

Lafuente et al., 2013 | J Assist Reprod Genet | Meta Analysis

Citation

Lafuente Rafael, González-Comadrán Mireia, ... Checa Miguel A. Coenzyme Q10 and male infertility: a meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2013-Sep;30(9):1147-56. doi:10.1007/s10815-013-0047-5

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of coenzyme Q10 treatments in male infertility, specifically in these parameters: live birth and pregnancy rates, CoQ10 seminal concentration, sperm concentration, and sperm motility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis in male infertility patients with CoQ10 oral treatments. Three trials were included: 149 males in CoQ10 group and 147 males in placebo group. RESULTS: None of the included trials provided any data regarding live births. The results of this meta-analysis show that supplementing infertile men with CoQ10 does not increase pregnancy rates. The analysis showed, among patients receiving CoQ10 treatment, a statistically significant increase in: CoQ10 seminal concentration (RR 49.55, 95 % CI 46.44 to 52.66, I(2) = 17 %), sperm concentration (RR 5.33, 95 % CI 4.18 to 6.47, I(2) = 58 %), and sperm motility (RR 4.50, 95 % CI 3.92 to 5.08, I(2) = 0 %) CONCLUSION: There is no evidence in the literature that CoQ10 increases either live birth or pregnancy rates, but there is a global improvement in sperm parameters. Adequately powered, robust trials of individual and combination antioxidant therapies are required to guide clinical practice.

Key Findings

None of the included trials provided any data regarding live births. The results of this meta-analysis show that supplementing infertile men with CoQ10 does not increase pregnancy rates. The analysis showed, among patients receiving CoQ10 treatment, a statistically significant increase in: CoQ10 seminal concentration (RR 49.55, 95 % CI 46.44 to 52.66, I(2) = 17 %), sperm concentration (RR 5.33, 95 % CI 4.18 to 6.47, I(2) = 58 %), and sperm motility (RR 4.50, 95 % CI 3.92 to 5.08, I(2) = 0 %)

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population coq10 oral treatments
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Antioxidants
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Male
  • Live Birth
  • Male
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Rate
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Spermatozoa
  • Ubiquinone

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: coq10

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09