The effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on male infertility: A systematic review on randomized clinical trial studies

Abstract

Background: Infertility is defined as failure in fertility after having sex for at least one year, if no contraceptive method is used, and 15 of the world’s population is involved, of which 20-70 percent is related to men. Studies show that infertility is associated with a decrease in Q10 levels in the serum and seminal fluid, and its supplementation can reduce the symptoms of infertility, and improve it as well. Methods: The purpose of this study was to review the research done to investigate the relationship between Q10 and infertility. Clinical trial studies on the effect of supplementation of Q10 on male infertility from PubMed, Scopus, ISI, and Google Scholar databases between 2000 and 2017 were assessed using the keywords of coenzyme Q10, ubiquinol-10, infertility, male infertility, male fertility problems, semen parameters, sexual dysfunction. Findings: In most clinical trial studies, supplementation of Q10 had a positive effect on sperm parameters such as concentration, morphology, and movement. DNA fragmentation was also reduced; moreover, antioxidant enzymes of catalase and superoxide dismutase as well as total antioxidant capacity were significantly higher than before the intervention. However, some studies found no significant effect of Q10 on the sperm parameters. Conclusion: In most studies, the positive effects of Q10 supplement on sperm parameters, DNA damage, antioxidant capacity, and antioxidant enzymes have been proven, but due to the lack of studies, more clinical trial studies are needed in this area.