Skip to content
Dr Raelia Lew

Written by Dr Raelia Lew — Fertility Specialist & Gynaecologist

Published · 1 min read

Key takeaways

  • NAD+ is an activated B-group vitamin involved in maintaining cellular building blocks as eggs mature.
  • Published evidence suggests nicotinamide supplementation may support egg health, particularly in women over 35.
  • Supporting egg quality may be relevant to IVF outcomes and decisions about continuing treatment or considering donor eggs.
New research shows egg quality can be improved with nicotinamide

Studies now suggests that taking a nicotinamide supplement is a very good idea for women attempting pregnancy at advanced maternal age (over 35 years).

Further evidence has been published documenting a role for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, otherwise known as NAD+, an activated B group vitamin, that acts in oocyte health, especially in older women. As eggs mature, increased levels of NAD+ help ensure they can retain the bulk of their cellular building blocks.

Egg quality decline is a concern for all women as we age, and it seems anything we can do to support the oocyte has the potential to improve IVF outcomes. This may especially be the case for women on the cusp of needing to make the challenging decision to abandon fertility treatment or pivot to IVF using donor eggs.

My patients using my personally formulated supplements will be happy to know that they have been taking nicotinamide already.

Vegemite is a great B vitamin supplement many of my patients are familiar with. It seems we Aussies have been long ahead of the game.


Considering Ovarian Reserve?

Dr Raelia Lew and the Women's Health Melbourne team can talk through what's right for your circumstances.