Could an Anti-Aging Enzyme called NAD+ Boost Fertility?

When trying to conceive, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by advice and potential solutions. But what if a little-known supplement could make a difference? While NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) boosters are gaining attention in Hollywood for their anti-aging perks, they may also hold surprising potential for couples hoping to grow their families. From supporting egg and sperm quality to enhancing fertility outcomes, here’s what you need to know.

What is NAD+?

Celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber praise NAD+ intravenous (IV) treatments for their anti-aging benefits. But beyond its wellness appeal, NAD+ may also play a role in reproductive health—a connection researchers and fertility experts have explored for a few years.

“NAD+ is a critical molecule present in every living cell, vital for sustaining life,” explains Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, a Fertility Specialist and Reproductive Endocrinologist known as The Egg Whisperer. “It fuels your cells’ energy production and supports cellular defence and repair. These functions are key to maintaining mitochondrial health and overall optimal health and vitality.”

Unfortunately, NAD+ levels decline significantly with age—by up to 65 percent between ages 30 and 70. Everyday stressors like sedentary lifestyles, excess sun exposure, poor diet and environmental factors further accelerate this decline. 

Dr. Nirali Shah Jain, a Reproductive Endocrinologist, adds, “NAD+ is especially important in aging because it helps reduce oxidative stress and can slow down age-related diseases linked to cognitive function, cancer, bone health and metabolic conditions.” 

How NAD+ boosters work

To address declining levels, NAD+ boosters like nicotinamide riboside (NR) help the body produce more NAD+ naturally. “Many don’t know that the most efficient way to elevate NAD+ is with an NAD+ precursor called nicotinamide riboside or NR, a unique form of vitamin B3,” says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. NR is backed by over 30 human clinical studies and offers a safe, convenient alternative to IV infusions, which can be time-consuming and cause side effects like nausea.

Dr. Jain notes that NAD+ boosters “generate higher levels of NAD+ in your cells, optimizing the oxidative reactions taking place in cells that may need a little extra help.” She emphasizes that supplements should complement, not replace, healthy habits like regular exercise, balanced nutrition and adequate sleep.

Why Can’t NAD+ Be Obtained Directly from Food?

NAD+ cannot be absorbed directly from food because it’s a large molecule that the digestive system cannot process efficiently. Instead, the body synthesizes NAD+ from smaller precursors like NR, niacin and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).

While foods like milk, meat and brewer’s yeast contain NR, the amounts are too small to replenish declining NAD+ levels. “You’d need to drink 87 gallons of milk to match the amount of NR in a single capsule of Tru Niagen [an],” says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. This makes supplementation the most practical option for boosting NAD+ levels.

The Link Between NAD+ and Fertility

NAD+ may play a critical role in reproductive health by supporting mitochondrial function, the energy powerhouse of every cell. “As cellular energy is made in the mitochondria, egg cell health truly depends on mitochondrial health,” says Dr. Eyvazzadeh.

Research from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute has shown that NAD+ deficiency during pregnancy can lead to birth defects and miscarriage. Additionally, scientists at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging found that an enzyme called CD38 degrades NAD+ in the ovaries, accelerating the loss of egg quality and quantity. These findings suggest that maintaining NAD+ levels may help improve ovarian health and extend reproductive longevity.

Benefits for Women’s Fertility

Supporting NAD+ levels is particularly important for women over 35, a group classified as having “advanced maternal age.” “It should be called ‘advanced mitochondrial age,’” says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. “I recommend patients consider NAD+ supplements before pregnancy, as it may benefit uterine health and even sperm health.”

Hundreds of anecdotes from the r/IVF Reddit community highlight the potential of NAD+ supplementation. One user shared that after adding Tru Niagen to her routine, she experienced unprecedented success during her IVF cycle and later provided an update at 13 weeks pregnant after years of infertility.

Benefits for Men’s Fertility

While NAD+ is often discussed in the context of women’s fertility, it may be equally important for men. Healthy mitochondrial function is vital for sperm motility, DNA integrity, and overall sperm health. “As both healthy egg and sperm are needed to produce a healthy embryo, I also recommend that my male patients support their NAD+ using supplementation,” says Dr. Eyvazzadeh.

However, the research on NAD+ and male fertility is still emerging and more clinical studies are needed. As with any supplement, consult with your doctor before adding NAD+ boosters to your routine.