WORLD HEALTH DAY 2025: MITOCHONDRIAL HEALTH FOR REPRODUCTIVE FUTURES

Exploring how Ubiquinol supports healthier oocytes through metabolic optimisation in ageing ovaries

As we mark World Health Day 2025 with the global theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” attention turns to the foundational role of cellular health in reproductive longevity. For women navigating age-related fertility decline, a groundbreaking new study from Wu et al. [1] provides compelling clinical evidence that targeted nutritional supplementation – including Ubiquinol – may help restore mitochondrial integrity in ageing ovaries and improve fertility outcomes.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and ovarian ageing

Ovarian ageing is intrinsically linked to mitochondrial decline. As women age, oocytes show a marked decrease in mitochondrial energy output, increased oxidative stress, and impaired metabolic signalling. These changes contribute to lower oocyte quality, reduced embryo viability, and declining fertility.
In this context, Wu et al. identified FDX1 — a mitochondrial ferredoxin protein — as a potential key biomarker of ovarian ageing. FDX1 is a critical electron carrier involved in mitochondrial electron transport, steroidogenesis, and energy metabolism. Their data demonstrated that FDX1 expression significantly diminishes in ageing ovaries, correlating with poor oocyte performance.

The intervention: Ubiquinol, DHEA and T3

The clinical study recruited 70 infertile women with ageing ovaries, dividing them into two groups: a control cohort and a treatment group supplemented daily for two months with Ubiquinol (CoQ10), DHEA, and T3 (triiodothyronine). Results showed a statistically significant increase in FDX1 expression in the treatment group — a strong indicator of mitochondrial revitalisation.

Moreover, patients receiving supplementation experienced:

• A doubling in oocytes retrieved (6.5 ± 3.9 vs. 14.2 ± 6.4)
• Improved oocyte maturation and embryo quality
• Enhanced energy metabolism, including upregulation of TCA cycle and glycolysis-related genes
• Reduced oxidative stress at the cellular level

Together, these outcomes indicate that nutritional supplementation may not only reverse key molecular features of ovarian ageing, but also improve clinical fertility outcomes in older women.

The role of Ubiquinol

Among the supplemented nutrients, Ubiquinol plays a central role. As the reduced form of CoQ10, Ubiquinol is essential for mitochondrial ATP production and cellular redox balance. Its inclusion in the protocol was instrumental in restoring electron transport chain efficiency — a critical factor for oocyte quality and embryo development.
As levels of endogenous CoQ10 decline with age, Ubiquinol offers a targeted, more bioavailable intervention for mitochondrial support in reproductive tissues.

A path forward in reproductive medicine

This research presents a paradigm shift: mitochondrial biomarkers like FDX1 may not only serve as diagnostic tools, but also as potential therapeutic targets. The potential to improve fertility outcomes through non-invasive, nutrient-based strategies opens new avenues for integrative, personalised care in reproductive medicine.
At Kaneka, we continue to invest in science that supports healthier beginnings at the cellular level — because the future of fertility starts in the mitochondria.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Consult your healthcare professional to establish if Ubiquinol is suitable for your needs.

[1] Wu CC, Li CJ, Lin LT, Wen ZH, Cheng JT, Tsui KH. Examining the Effects of Nutrient Supplementation on Metabolic Pathways via Mitochondrial Ferredoxin in Aging Ovaries. Nutrients. 2024 May 13;16(10):1470