From the Research
NAD+ supplementation during pregnancy is not currently recommended due to insufficient safety data. Pregnant women should avoid taking NAD+ supplements like nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) as these compounds have not been adequately studied in human pregnancy 1. While NAD+ plays important roles in cellular energy production, DNA repair, and metabolic functions, and some animal studies suggest potential benefits, the safety profile for developing fetuses remains unknown.
Key Considerations
- The placenta is permeable to many substances, and supplements that haven't been specifically tested during pregnancy could potentially affect fetal development.
- Instead, pregnant women should focus on obtaining nutrients through a balanced diet and only take supplements specifically recommended by their healthcare provider, such as prenatal vitamins containing folate, iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients with established safety profiles 2.
- If you're interested in supporting cellular health during pregnancy, discuss with your obstetrician about evidence-based approaches like proper nutrition, adequate sleep, moderate exercise, and stress management techniques that are known to be safe during pregnancy.
Evidence Summary
- A recent study published in 2023 highlights the importance of NAD+ in mammalian development and the potential consequences of NAD+ deficiency during pregnancy 1.
- Another study published in 2024 evaluated the safety and effectiveness of NAD+ supplementation in different clinical conditions, but did not specifically address pregnancy 2.
- Overall, the current evidence suggests that NAD+ supplementation during pregnancy is not recommended due to insufficient safety data, and pregnant women should prioritize evidence-based approaches to support cellular health.