There are some supplements that already enjoy “notoriety” in managing the symptoms of polycystic ovaries (PCOS), among them inositol, vitamin D, magnesium or fish oil. However, the studies bring to the fore the coenzyme Q10 and the many benefits experienced by women who face this condition.
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What is coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound that is found naturally in the body and that plays a crucial role in the production of cellular energy. It has antioxidant properties, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals, neutralizing them.
However, the human body has the ability to produce a sufficient amount of coenzyme Q10 only up to the age of 30. After this threshold, the production of coenzyme Q10 decreases progressively. Moreover, in the case of people suffering from vitamin deficiencies, the production of coenzyme Q10 can be, again, lower.
The main benefits on the body
Coenzyme Q10 brings important benefits to the body, especially in the case of women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome. Among them are:
- It helps to reduce inflammation in the body
- Increasing energy levels
- Decreased insulin
- Decreased testosterone
- Migraine relief
- Lowering cholesterol
- Improving the quality of the eggs
Recent studies on effectiveness
Recent research shows how CoQ10 may provide numerous benefits to women with PCOS. First, coenzyme Q10 has been associated with improved fertility in women with PCOS. Further, studies show the coenzyme’s potential to reduce cholesterol, inflammation, testosterone and insulin levels.
A recent clinical study divided volunteers with PCOS into two groups: women who took 100 mg/day of CoQ10 for 12 weeks, respectively women who received “empty” pills, for the placebo effect. Women who received COQ10 had an improvement in mood (depression and anxiety), inflammation, total testosterone, DHEAS and hirsutism compared to the placebo group.
Another clinical study demonstrated how coenzyme Q10 had beneficial effects on insulin levels, as well as HOMA-IR and total testosterone levels in women with PCOS.
CoQ10 and fertility in women with polycystic ovaries
A study published in Reproductive Biomedicine Online evaluated the effect of the combination of coenzyme Q10 and clomiphene citrate, in order to induce ovulation in women with PCOS resistant to clomiphene citrate. A total of 101 women with PCOS participated in the study, some of whom received either COQ10 and clomiphene citrate combined, or clomiphene citrate alone.
Those who supplemented with CoQ10 showed a greater number of follicles and a greater thickness of the endometrium. Ovulation occurred in 65.9% in the CoQ10 group, compared to only 15.5% in the control group. The pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the CoQ10 group (37.3%) compared to the control group (6.0%).
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The main sources
There are many healthy foods from which you can get coenzyme Q10. Moreover, you can ask your doctor about the recommendation of some supplements.
The main food sources are represented by:
- vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, spinach
- fruits: oranges, strawberries
- legumes: lentils, soybeans, peanuts
- meat: chicken breast, beef muscle, liver, heart, kidney, pork muscle
- fish: sardines, mackerel, trout
However, food processing and cooking can affect coenzyme Q10 levels. For example, it can be “destroyed” if you freeze food for a long time or cook at high temperatures. Thus, it is preferable to choose gentler cooking methods, such as steaming food.
Photo: freepik.com
