Does coenzyme Q 10 supplementation improve fertility outcomes in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology procedures? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Increased oxidative stress has been identified as a pathogenetic mechanism in female infertility. However, the effect of specific antioxidants, such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 ), on the outcomes after assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to systematically review and meta-analyze the best available evidence regarding the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on clinical pregnancy (CPR), live birth (LBR), and miscarriage rates (MR) compared with placebo or no-treatment in women with infertility undergoing ART.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane, and Scopus, from inception to March 2020. Data were expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The I2 index was employed for heterogeneity.

RESULTS: Five randomized-controlled trials fulfilled eligibility criteria (449 infertile women; 215 in CoQ10 group and 234 in placebo/no treatment group). Oral supplementation of CoQ10 resulted in an increase of CPR when compared with placebo or no-treatment (28.8% vs. 14.1%, respectively; OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.30-4.59, p = 0.006; I2 32%). This effect remained significant when women with poor ovarian response and polycystic ovarian syndrome were analyzed separately. No difference between groups was observed regarding LBR (OR 1.67, 95% CI 0.66-4.25, p = 0.28; I2 34%) and MR (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.13-2.81, p = 0.52; I2 0%).

CONCLUSIONS: Oral supplementation of CoQ10 may increase CPR when compared with placebo or no-treatment, in women with infertility undergoing ART procedures, without an effect on LBR or MR.