Don’t just rely on Coenzyme Q10 for egg health! The dietary approach that truly supports egg quality is often overlooked.

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Many families preparing for pregnancy or planning IVF share a common question

Why is it that, at the same age and on the same ovarian stimulation protocol, some individuals are able to obtain multiple high-quality embryos, while others, despite having a fair number of follicles, struggle to achieve desirable egg quality?

As a result, many people begin taking large amounts of nutritional supplements such as Coenzyme Q10, PQQ, and NMN in hopes of improving egg quality and increasing their chances of conception. However, a growing body of research suggests that the true key to egg quality lies not just in supplements, but in the health of the mitochondria—and one of the fundamental factors determining mitochondrial efficiency is daily dietary habits.

This is especially relevant for families preparing for IVF, third-generation IVF in Thailand, as well as those planning overseas fertility treatment or cross-border childbirth. For these families, implementing science-based nutritional management 2–3 months before the start of the treatment cycle often proves more meaningful than rushing to take large amounts of supplements at the last minute.

Today, Global New Life (Huanqiu Xinsheng) will explore why a well-planned diet may be more important than spending large sums on mitochondrial supplements.

Why is it said that mitochondria determine egg quality?

Many people are unaware that the egg is one of the largest cells in the human body. Inside each mature egg, there is an astonishing number of mitochondria. It is understood that a mature egg contains approximately 260,000 mitochondria—hundreds of times more than an ordinary cell.

These mitochondria carry out a critical task: continuously producing ATP (cellular energy) to support egg maturation, fertilization, and the early development of the embryo after fertilization.

If we compare the egg to a car, the mitochondria are the engine. The better the engine’s condition, the more power it produces, and the higher the quality of the egg’s development. Conversely, if mitochondrial function declines—even if the number of follicles is adequate—egg quality may suffer, leading to slower embryo development and lower embryo grading.

This is why an increasing number of reproductive medicine specialists are turning their attention to mitochondrial health.

What truly determines mitochondrial status is not supplements, but the food we eat every day

Many people believe that taking Coenzyme Q10 daily is enough to improve mitochondrial function. In reality, Coenzyme Q10 acts more like a "supporting player." The real, sustained fuel for mitochondria comes from daily diet.

For mitochondria to work properly, three important steps need to occur.

Step 1: Provide sufficient and balanced energy substrates

The carbohydrates, proteins, and fats we consume are digested, absorbed, and ultimately enter cells to provide the raw materials for mitochondrial energy production. If there is long-term dieting, picky eating, or nutritional imbalance, even with ample supplementation, the lack of basic substrates may impair normal mitochondrial function.

Step 2: Complete energy conversion

Inside the mitochondria, various nutrients go through the complex tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative metabolism to continuously produce ATP. This process requires the participation of multiple vitamins, minerals, and coenzymes. Therefore, relying solely on a single nutritional supplement cannot fully meet the mitochondria’s needs.

Step 3: Reduce free radical damage

During energy production, mitochondria simultaneously generate a certain amount of free radicals. If free radicals accumulate in large quantities over time, they can attack the mitochondria themselves, leading to reduced efficiency and creating a vicious cycle. Therefore, enhancing antioxidant capacity is also an important part of protecting mitochondria. A truly scientific diet is not about eating more, but about achieving a balanced nutritional structure that provides sustained energy while minimizing oxidative damage as much as possible.

Why have green tea and coffee become the focus of many studies?

Many women preparing for pregnancy, upon hearing the word "caffeine," immediately think: "Do I have to give it up completely?" In fact, the research findings on caffeine are more complex than many people imagine.

Caffeine in coffee and green tea does not exist in isolation; these beverages are also rich in polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants. These natural antioxidant components can help scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and thereby offer some degree of protection for mitochondrial function.

At the same time, some studies suggest that moderate caffeine intake may promote fat metabolism and improve the efficiency with which cells use fat for energy. For mitochondria, this could mean more efficient energy production without a significant increase in extra burden. Of course, this does not mean that everyone should drink large amounts of coffee or strong tea, as individual tolerance to caffeine varies.

For individuals with poor sleep quality, significant anxiety, or a tendency toward a rapid heart rate, excessive caffeine intake may actually have a negative impact on overall physical condition. Therefore, whether to consume caffeine and how much to drink daily should be evaluated based on one’s own circumstances, rather than blindly following trends.

Caffeine has another often-overlooked effect: promoting mitochondrial renewal

The mitochondria in our bodies are not fixed. They undergo a daily cycle of "eliminating old mitochondria and generating new ones." In medical terms, this is called mitophagy. This process is like regular maintenance for an engine. Aging, inefficient mitochondria are cleared away in a timely manner, and new mitochondria are continuously replenished to maintain a stable and sustained energy supply in cells.

Some research suggests that moderate caffeine may activate the mitophagy mechanism, improving the efficiency of mitochondrial renewal and thereby helping maintain a favorable energy supply state. For eggs, a sufficient and stable energy supply has positive implications for both maturation and subsequent development. However, it is important to emphasize that research in this area is still ongoing, and it cannot simply be interpreted as "drinking coffee improves egg quality." What truly matters remains overall lifestyle and dietary structure.

Instead of worrying about which supplements to take, start by adjusting your diet structure

Many families preparing for IVF often ask before starting the cycle: "Doctor, what supplements should I buy?"

In reality, instead of constantly adding more supplements, it may be more beneficial to first check whether your diet has the following issues:

• Do you consistently consume a high-sugar, high-fat diet?
• Is your protein intake insufficient?
• Do you have a habit of staying up late or not getting enough sleep?
• Do you eat few fresh vegetables and fruits?
• Do you rely heavily on takeout and processed foods?

These lifestyle factors often have a more significant impact on mitochondrial function than simply supplementing with a single nutrient.

Scientific eating is not about chasing some "superfood," but about maintaining a reasonable balance of carbohydrates, high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Only then can mitochondria consistently and steadily provide energy to the egg.

Why are more families traveling to Thailand paying attention to nutritional management?

In recent years, more and more families have chosen to travel to Thailand for third-generation IVF treatment. In addition to advanced laboratory techniques and individualized ovarian stimulation protocols, many doctors also advise patients to prepare their bodies well in advance of the treatment cycle. This is because the process from follicle recruitment to final maturation takes approximately two to three months.

In other words, lifestyle, diet structure, sleep quality, and exercise habits during this pre-cycle period can all influence the subsequent developmental status of the eggs. Therefore, for families planning overseas fertility treatment or cross-border childbirth, scientific pregnancy preparation goes beyond simply following medical procedures. It requires adjustments in daily life details to allow the body to be in a better state for the upcoming treatment.

Scientific pregnancy preparation is never about relying on just one nutritional supplement

Many people fall into a misconception during pregnancy preparation: believing that simply adding more supplements will rapidly improve egg quality. In fact, no single nutritional supplement can replace a healthy diet, regular routine, and scientific lifestyle. Improving egg quality is fundamentally a long-term endeavor. A balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, good emotional management, and appropriate nutritional supplementation are often more important than relying solely on any one product.

For those preparing to undergo IVF treatment, it is even more important to develop a personalized nutritional management plan based on individual age, ovarian function, underlying conditions, and medical advice, rather than blindly copying others’ experiences.

Warm reminder from Global New Life

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