Research on animals shows that NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) might have potential benefits supporting aspects of a healthy pregnancy.
That being said, there's still not enough research to determine whether NMN is safe for human pregnancy. Because there's a lack of well-established studies in humans, NMN supplementation during pregnancy isn't recommended without the guidance of a healthcare provider.
What Happens if You Take NMN During Pregnancy?
At this point, it's difficult to know exactly what could happen if someone takes NMN while pregnant, as there haven't been thorough human studies exploring this question.
Animal studies have provided some interesting insights, though this research isn't directly applicable to human health.
For instance, a study on mice suggested that high levels of niacin (vitamin B3, related to NMN) during pregnancy helped to compensate for genetic defects, potentially preventing miscarriage and birth defects in vitro maturation [1]. That being said, this doesn't mean that NMN supplements would have the same impact on human embryo development.
NMN and Fertility in Older Women
Some research has explored the potential of NMN to support fertility, particularly in older women. A study on aged oocytes (older eggs) in mice found that NMN supplementation improved fertilization ability and early embryo development [2].
This suggests that NMN might have some potential to support fertility for female mammals with diminished ovarian reserve.
Another study found that NMN dietary supplements improved fertility outcomes in aged oocytes (older eggs) in pigs. The research found that NMN helped improve fertilization ability and early embryo development in pigs [3]. This could indicate the potential benefits of NMN for fertility, but it doesn't directly inform us of the safety or effects of NMN during an actual pregnancy.
Is NMN Safe During Pregnancy?
NMN isn't recommended for use during pregnancy.
The health of the developing baby and mother must be carefully considered as they're incredibly susceptible during this complex period. There isn't any concrete evidence to suggest that NMN is safe to take while pregnant, and it's not considered a standard prenatal supplement.
Established prenatal vitamins like folic acid, iron, and calcium have been more thoroughly studied and are known to provide crucial support during pregnancy.
NMN supplementation is mostly taken to support mitochondrial (cell) function for healthy aging in adults. But we don’t know the safety or benefits for pregnant individuals.
Side Effects Associated with NMN
NMN supplements are generally safe to take for healthy adults, but side effects can happen.
Some individuals have reported these adverse effects with NMN supplementation, but they are rare and tend to be associated with higher doses (1000 mg +):
- Digestive discomfort
- Nausea
- Headaches
Alternatives to Taking NMN During Pregnancy
Several safer and more established alternatives to NMN supplementation may offer similar support during pregnancy.
Healthcare providers often recommend prenatal vitamins like folic acid, which supports fetal development, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. These options are backed by significant research and are known to help support a healthy pregnancy [4].
If you're considering supplements to take during pregnancy, please consider supplements that are well-studied and approved for prenatal use to minimize risks to both the mother and the baby. This is a topic your healthcare provider should be able to guide you through, taking your health history and lifestyle into consideration.
Should I Stop Taking NMN Before I Get Pregnant?
If you're currently taking NMN and planning to become pregnant, you should speak with your healthcare professional. They'll likely recommend that you stop taking NMN to minimize any potential unknown risks to you and your future baby.
Stopping NMN before pregnancy is a precautionary measure.
When you stop taking NMN, you should be aware of potential side effects. NMN supplementation is taken to support the body's NAD+ levels (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), which may help with energy levels. When you stop taking NMN, your NAD levels can return to baseline, which could make you feel more sluggish. The effects of stopping NMN depend entirely on the individual — some people don't automatically feel this sluggishness once they stop taking NMN.
Pregnancy is a time for extra caution, and it's always better to rely on well-established prenatal vitamins that have been thoroughly studied.
Resources:
- Yakob, N. A., Peek, M. J., & Quinlivan, J. A. (2021). Vitamin B3 levels in women who experience first‐trimester miscarriage. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 61(3), 478-483.
- Miao, Y., Cui, Z., Gao, Q., Rui, R., & Xiong, B. (2020). Nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation reverses the declining quality of maternally aged oocytes. Cell reports, 32(5).
- Li, L., Han, Q., Chen, Y., Zhang, M., Wang, L., An, X., ... & Xie, G. (2023). β-nicotinamide mononucleotide rescues the quality of aged oocyte and improves subsequent embryo development in pigs. Plos one, 18(10), e0291640.
- Greenberg, J. A., Bell, S. J., Guan, Y., & Yu, Y. H. (2011). Folic acid supplementation and pregnancy: more than just neural tube defect prevention. Reviews in obstetrics and gynecology, 4(2), 52.
