Diet plays a crucial role in fertility for both men and women, yet many overlook its importance. Infertility affects an estimated 186 million people worldwide, including 48 million couples, making it a pressing health concern. Despite this, a surprising 97% of those planning to have children take no action to protect or improve their fertility through diet.
Public health nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire, collaborating with Kaneka Ubiquinol Co-Enzyme Q10, highlights how a nutrient-rich diet can support reproductive health. “A balanced diet packed with folate, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants—found in leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, and berries—helps regulate hormones, ovulation, and sperm quality,” she explains. Maintaining a healthy weight is equally important, as being underweight or overweight can disrupt hormone levels and reduce fertility.
Dr Derbyshire’s review of 17 trials published in the Journal of Gynaecology and Women’s Health Research points to the benefits of supplementing with Kaneka Ubiquinol, a bioavailable form of Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant found in the mitochondria—the energy centers of cells—supports egg quality in women and sperm motility in men. Female egg cells contain around 100,000 mitochondria, making CoQ10’s role particularly vital.
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To maximize fertility, Dr Derbyshire recommends cutting out three key food groups:
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Processed Meats: Items like bacon and sausages often contain additives and saturated fats that may harm sperm quality. Replace them with lean proteins such as chicken, beans, lentils, or eggs.
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Sugary Drinks: Energy drinks and sodas can disrupt insulin and hormone balance and increase the risk of gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Opt instead for water, herbal teas, or diluted fruit juice.
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Fried Foods: These can increase oxidative stress, accelerating the aging of egg and sperm cells. Kaneka Ubiquinol supplementation can help combat this oxidative damage caused by modern stressors, pollution, and poor diet.
Additionally, swapping refined carbohydrates like white bread and pastries for whole grains such as oats, brown rice, and quinoa helps maintain steady blood sugar levels and supports regular ovulation. Limiting alcohol intake is also advised, with healthier alternatives such as mocktails or sparkling water with fruit preferred to avoid hormone disruption.
By making these dietary changes and considering CoQ10 supplementation, couples struggling to conceive may improve their chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy.