5 CoQ10 Benefits for Men

Sep 01, 23 ● 6 min

Originally published 01/23/2023. Updated for accuracy and relevancy on 09/01/2023.

CoQ10’s antioxidant properties can benefit the body in many ways. Read on to learn about five benefits of CoQ10 for men.

By Dr. Kenosha Gleaton

There are a lot of supplements on the market that offer different health benefits. CoQ10 is an antioxidant that we’ve talked about a lot in regards to fertility and egg health, but there are many other benefits of CoQ10 for men’s health as well.

What Is CoQ10?

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is an enzyme with antioxidant properties that is naturally occurring in the body. CoQ10 is found in most cell membranes and nearly every cell in the body, and plays a huge role in energy production, growth, and maintenance of cells. [1] Its antioxidant properties contribute to neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from unstable atoms. [1] Food sources of CoQ10 include meat, fish, and nuts, although the intake of dietary Coq10 is minimal compared to dietary supplements. CoQ10 tends to decrease with age and is found in lower amounts in those with conditions such as heart disease, or in response to cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins. [2]

The Different Forms of CoQ10

There are two forms of CoQ10 that the body shifts between in a continuous cycle, ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Supplements will usually be one of the two forms. Ubiquinone and ubiquinol are both true and usable forms of CoQ10, and may even be used interchangeably. [3] The main two differences are that ubiquinol is a reduced form of CoQ10, while ubiquinone is an oxidized form, and ubiquinone is fat soluble while ubiquinol is water soluble. [3] Ubiquinol has been on the market a little bit longer, so it’s often the more expensive, commercialized form.

Which Form of CoQ10 Is Better?

So is there a better version of CoQ10 to take? Research has not been able to prove that one form is better or more effective than the other. The body naturally switches between the two forms as needed, so it doesn’t make a big difference which kind you may take through a CoQ10 supplement. If you are taking ubiquinone, which is fat-soluble, you may have an easier time absorbing the nutrients if your supplement is taken with a meal. Otherwise, there is no “better” form of CoQ10. Find out when the best time of day to take CoQ10 is →

Shop CoQ10 for Male Fertility

CoQ10 Benefits For Men

So, what does CoQ10 actually do? Some studies show that CoQ10 supplements may provide multiple health benefits. Let's take a look at what some of the research suggests.

1. Improved Heart Health

Research shows that CoQ10 can improve symptoms brought on by congestive heart failure, such as fatigue and shortness of breath, swelling, persistent cough, and more. [1] Data also suggests that CoQ10 may improve function of endothelial cells (cells found in the lining of the blood vessels), may help reduce blood pressure, and aid in the recovery of heart surgery patients. [2,4] There is also evidence that CoQ10 decreases bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in patients with diabetes, lowering their risk of heart disease overall. [5]

2. Improved Mental Health

Some data shows that when used alongside standard medical therapy, CoQ10 may have the potential to lessen symptoms of depression in those with bipolar disorder. [1] Research also shows that CoQ10 may be helpful in reducing fatigue and cognitive impairment in schizophrenic patients by repairing and supporting mitochondrial function. [6]

3. Decreased Muscle Pain

CoQ10 is often seen in fitness circles, and for good reason. Data shows that CoQ10 may be helpful in easing muscle weakness and pain, and may be helpful with physical performance. [1] Research also shows that patients with fibromyalgia may have decreased pain and fatigue after supplementing with CoQ10. [1]

4. Improved Fertility

A meta-analysis found that supplementing with CoQ10 improved sperm parameters, including sperm count, concentration, and motility. [7] CoQ10’s antioxidant effects also improve oxidative stress markers and decrease sperm DNA fragmentation, two contributing factors of male infertility. [8] In patients with peyronie’s disease, also known as penile fibrosis, CoQ10 was also found to benefit erectile function, and decrease penile curvature. [1] If you’re interested in supporting fertility, check out the Male Prenatal Daily Packets or read more about CoQ10 for male fertility.

Does CoQ10 Improve Erectile Dysfunction?

Yes, research shows that CoQ10 can have positive effects on those managing erectile dysfunction. Oxidative stress has been linked to the progression of ED, and CoQ10’s antioxidant effects help protect against oxidative damage, which can improve erectile function. [9]

5. Aging

Data is still conflicting on anti-aging properties of CoQ10, but we do know that CoQ10 levels decrease with age, and there has been some evidence that CoQ10 can help remedy damaged skin and combat signs of aging preventatively. [10-11]

How Much CoQ10 Should a Man Take Daily?

If you want to see the benefits for yourself, you should look into adding CoQ10 to your vitamin routine. The average dose of CoQ10 for adults ranges from 100-200 mg/day, but the best course of action is to follow instructions on your supplement bottle. [1] It’s hard to reach toxic levels of CoQ10, even dosages up to 1,000 mg did not cause toxic effects. [1] Usually, dosages will be one to two pills a day (always be sure to check the recommended usage on your supplement bottle) or if you don’t like to swallow pills, you could opt for a tasty gummy vitamin! Natalist offers liquid capsules of CoQ10 as well as CoQ10 gummies, and one serving ranges from 100 to 200 mg. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your diet.

Key Takeaways

CoQ10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant that is found in most cell membranes and cells
CoQ10 is found in meat, fish, nuts, and dairy, but highest amounts will be found in supplements.
CoQ10 decreases with age and is found in lower amounts in those living with heart disease or taking statins.
There are two forms of CoQ10: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. There are very few differences between the two and both are deemed safe and effective.
CoQ10 may benefit men’s health through improved heart health, reducing depression symptoms in some, decreasing muscle pain and increasing performance, improved fertility, and decreasing damaged or aging skin.
CoQ10 dosages are typically 100 to 200 mg/day and supplements come in pill or gummy form.

Sources:

Sood B, Keenaghan M. Coenzyme Q10. [Updated 2022 Jan 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531491/
Coenzyme Q10. Mayo Clinic. August 2023. URL.
Higdon, J. Drake, V. Delage, B. Stocker, R. Coenzyme Q10. Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State. May 2018. URL.
de Frutos F, Gea A, Hernandez-Estefania R, Rabago G. Prophylactic treatment with coenzyme Q10 in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: could an antioxidant reduce complications? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2015;20(2):254-259. doi:10.1093/icvts/ivu334
Dludla PV, Nyambuya TM, Orlando P, et al. The impact of coenzyme Q10 on metabolic and cardiovascular disease profiles in diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab. 2020;3(2):e00118. Published 2020 Mar 14. doi:10.1002/edm2.118
Maguire Á, Hargreaves A, Gill M. Coenzyme Q10 and neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders: relevance for schizophrenia. Nutr Neurosci. 2020;23(10):756-769. doi:10.1080/1028415X.2018.1556481
Salas-Huetos A, Rosique-Esteban N, Becerra-Tomás N, Vizmanos B, Bulló M, Salas-Salvadó J. The Effect of Nutrients and Dietary Supplements on Sperm Quality Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Adv Nutr. 2018;9(6):833-848. doi:10.1093/advances/nmy057
Alahmar AT, Calogero AE, Sengupta P, Dutta S. Coenzyme Q10 Improves Sperm Parameters, Oxidative Stress Markers and Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Infertile Patients with Idiopathic Oligoasthenozoospermia. World J Mens Health. 2021;39(2):346-351. doi:10.5534/wjmh.190145
Aguilera-Alvarez VH, Mohammed BK, Fatima A, et al. The Role and Efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 in the Management of Erectile Dysfunction in a Hypertensive Male: An Interventional Study. Cureus. 2021;13(9):e17937. Published 2021 Sep 13. doi:10.7759/cureus.17937
Knott A, Achterberg V, Smuda C, et al. Topical treatment with coenzyme Q10-containing formulas improves skin's Q10 level and provides antioxidative effects. Biofactors. 2015;41(6):383-390. doi:10.1002/biof.1239
Prahl S, Kueper T, Biernoth T, et al. Aging skin is functionally anaerobic: importance of coenzyme Q10 for anti aging skin care. Biofactors. 2008;32(1-4):245-255. doi:10.1002/biof.5520320129

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Dr. Kenosha Gleaton, Medical Advisor

Professional Experience

Dr. Kenosha Gleaton is board-certified in gynecology and obstetrics. She received her MD from MUSC and completed her residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.

Dr. Gleaton is passionate about women,... Read More