Coenzyme Q10 and male infertility: a meta-analysis
Lafuente R, et al
Published in Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials of oral coenzyme Q10 in men with infertility; outcomes live birth and pregnancy rates, seminal CoQ10 concentration, sperm concentration and sperm motility.
Key Findings
This meta-analysis pooled three trials of oral coenzyme Q10 in male infertility, comparing 149 treated men with 147 on placebo. None of the trials reported live births, and CoQ10 did not increase pregnancy rates. Treatment did significantly raise seminal CoQ10 concentration and improve sperm concentration and sperm motility. The authors conclude sperm parameters improve globally but there is no evidence of better live birth or pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusions
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.
Limitations
Only three trials with 296 men in total, no live birth data at all, and moderate heterogeneity for sperm concentration; improvements are in laboratory measures rather than the outcomes couples care about.
Supplements Studied
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.
Outcomes Measured
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.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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