While age is a known factor of declining reproductive health, the role of mitochondrial - the powerhouse of cells - is “a major knowledge gap” which Kaneka hopes to bridge for the consumers.
Kaneka is a supplier of an ingredient trademarked Ubiquinol. This is a mitochondrial co-factor and antioxidant that is said to support mitochondrial activities and areas such as fertility.
“There’s a growing awareness of reproductive health and the challenges associated with it but still a major knowledge gap for consumers around the cellular processes that underpin it.
“This includes the role that mitochondrial energy production and oxidative stress play in hormonal balance, ovulation and reproductive ageing,” said Tsuyoshi Takakuwu, head of marketing & sales (APAC) Supplemental Nutrition Business Division, Kaneka Corporation.
Citing a growing volume of scientific studies, he pointed out that cellular processes play an important role in reproductive health.
One of the recent reviews, published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, showed how mitochondrial function is central to female reproductive ageing.
The review highlighted how mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the gradual decline of oocyte or eggs quality and ovarian reserve in women.
“The main characteristics of ovarian aging include a decline in oocyte quantity and quality, fluctuations in hormone levels, and a reduction in granulosa cell function.
“Studies have shown that mitochondria affect fertility by regulating cellular energy metabolism, exacerbating oxidative stress, causing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, and impacting the physiological function of granulosa cells within the ovary, gradually diminishing the ovarian reserve,” said the researchers.
Takakuwu said that this research has outlined how mitochondrial dysfunction could contribute to declining oocyte or egg quality and ovarian reserve.
“These are two key factors shaping the future of fertility as more women delay parenthood,” he said.
An impaired mitochondrial function in sperm can also affect male fertility, he added, citing a review published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology.
Ubiquinol supplementation, in this case, has shown to help men suffering from low sperm count, poor sperm motility and defective sperm factors, based on findings reported by Alahmar et al in 2021.
“These findings strengthen Kaneka Ubiquinol™’s approach in supporting male and female reproductive health at the cellular level.
“As a mitochondrial co-factor and antioxidant, Ubiquinol supports vital reproductive processes by fuelling ATP or cellular energy production while reducing the oxidative stress that impairs cell function,” explained Takakuwu.
He said the company has been working with healthcare professionals to bridge the gap in consumer and the industry’s awareness of mitochondrial’s role in reproductive health.
At the recent Complementary Medicines Australia (CMA) Innovation Day held in Sydney on May 14, the company for instance, worked with fertility clinician Dr Leah Hechtman in presenting the science behind mitochondria and fertility, as well as how lifestyle factors could affect mitochondrial efficiency.
“Modern lifestyle factors such as stress, exposure to environmental toxins, sub-optimal nutrition, persistent fatigue, hormonal fluctuations and the demands of a fast-paced daily routine can progressively compromise mitochondrial efficiency, potentially affecting overall fertility, vitality and wellbeing.
“Recent scientific insights are reinforcing the importance of supporting cellular function, especially as it relates to fertility and overall health in women. Ubiquinol, a naturally produced compound in the body, plays a central role in mitochondrial energy pathways by facilitating electron transport for energy production, also known as ATP,” she said.
Some examples of brands formulating products with Ubiquinol include NOW Foods and Doctor’s Best.
“We work closely with our partners to educate them about the role of sub-cellular mitochondrial health, powered by the endogenous antioxidant Ubiquinol, which has been shown in clinical studies to impact both female and male fertility and overall reproductive health,” Takakuwa said.