Egg quality is one of the most talked-about topics in fertility — and for good reason.
The quality of a woman’s eggs plays a central role in fertilization, embryo development, and ultimately, pregnancy success. It’s also one of the areas where supplement research has been most active in recent years.
This article covers the supplements most commonly associated with egg quality support, what the research says about each one, and some emerging options that are generating real excitement in the fertility world — even if the human data is still catching up.
As always — this is not a prescription. Dosages matter enormously, individual circumstances vary, and working with an experienced practitioner is essential before starting any supplement protocol.
CoQ10 / Ubiquinol — The Most Well-Known Egg Quality Supplement
Coenzyme Q10 is arguably the most researched supplement for egg quality, and for good reason. CoQ10 plays a critical role in mitochondrial energy production — and eggs are among the most energy-demanding cells in the body. As women age, CoQ10 levels naturally decline, and research suggests that supplementation may help support oocyte quality, particularly in women of advanced maternal age.
CoQ10 vs. Ubiquinol — What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most common questions in the supplement world. Regular CoQ10 (ubiquinone) and Ubiquinol are two forms of the same compound. Ubiquinol is the active, more readily absorbed form — meaning you may need to take less of it to achieve the same effect. Regular CoQ10 works just as well, but you’ll typically need a higher dose to compensate for the conversion process.
The bottom line: if you prefer fewer pills and easier absorption, Ubiquinol is worth the additional cost. If you’ve already purchased regular CoQ10, don’t throw it away — simply be mindful that dosage becomes even more important with the standard form.
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) — Worth a Serious Look
NAC is a powerful antioxidant that has been studied for a number of fertility-related applications, including egg quality and PCOS. What makes NAC particularly interesting is more recent research suggesting potential benefits during early pregnancy as well — making it one of the few supplements with relevance across multiple stages of the fertility journey.
In fact, if there were a fourth supplement to add to the foundational “Big Three” (prenatal, fish oil, Vitamin D), NAC would be the strongest candidate.
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) — Emerging and Interesting
PQQ is a newer addition to the egg quality conversation. Like CoQ10, it works at the mitochondrial level — and some research suggests it may support mitochondrial biogenesis, meaning it could help the body generate new, healthier mitochondria rather than simply supporting existing ones.
The dosage question is still being worked out. Some research points to 20mg as effective, while other work suggests doses as high as 60mg may be warranted. More data is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn, but PQQ is one to watch as the research continues to develop.
Acai — Antioxidant Support Worth Mentioning
Acai has attracted attention in the fertility supplement space largely due to its exceptionally high antioxidant content. Oxidative stress is a known contributor to egg quality decline, and acai’s antioxidant profile makes it a reasonable addition to an egg quality protocol. While it isn’t at the top of the evidence hierarchy, some interesting studies have emerged and it remains a worthwhile consideration — particularly as part of a broader antioxidant strategy.
Melatonin — Not Just for Sleep
Melatonin is best known as a sleep supplement, but a small number of studies have explored its potential role in egg quality — specifically its antioxidant properties within follicular fluid. For women who are already taking melatonin for sleep concerns, this data offers some reassurance that it may carry additional reproductive benefits.
That said, the evidence base is limited, and melatonin is typically something to reconsider once a positive pregnancy test is achieved. It is not a supplement to start specifically for egg quality without first discussing it with your practitioner.
DHEA — A Note for Those Who’ve Heard About It
DHEA has been used in fertility clinic settings, particularly for women with diminished ovarian reserve. It’s worth noting that in Canada, DHEA is not available as an over-the-counter supplement — it requires a prescription. It was more commonly prescribed by fertility MDs in the past, and while it’s used less routinely today, patients who ask about it may still be able to obtain a prescription. If this is something you’ve heard about or are curious about, it’s a conversation to have directly with your fertility doctor.
NAD Boosters — The Most Exciting Frontier
This is where things get genuinely exciting — and where the science is still catching up to the buzz.
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body, playing a central role in energy metabolism and cellular repair. NAD+ levels decline with age — and researchers have been exploring whether boosting NAD+ through supplements like NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) or NR (nicotinamide riboside), often combined with resveratrol, might help restore egg quality in older women.
The mouse studies are genuinely compelling. Research has shown that NMN supplementation improves mitochondrial regulation, reduces oxidative stress, and modulates inflammatory pathways in animal models. A 2025 systematic review from University College London examined the preclinical evidence and integrated transcriptomic analysis of human oocytes, finding that NAD+ related genes are actively expressed across multiple stages of human oocyte development — suggesting biological plausibility for the human application. nihSpringer
A systematic review published in late 2024 also found growing evidence suggesting a potential positive effect of resveratrol on female fertility, adding further interest to the NMN/resveratrol combination that many practitioners are beginning to discuss with patients. nih
The honest assessment: the human clinical trial data is not yet there. These are supplements being considered largely on the basis of animal studies and biological rationale — which is not nothing, but it’s not the same as robust human evidence. For women who are motivated, well-informed, and understand the current limits of the data, these supplements represent an interesting frontier. For everyone else, the established options above are a better starting point.
The Bottom Line
Egg quality is not something you can optimize overnight — and no supplement protocol replaces the fundamentals of overall health. That said, the research on several of these supplements is genuinely promising, and for women who want to do everything within their power to support their fertility, they are worth a serious conversation with an experienced practitioner. Could there be more than the list above? You betcha! This list could go on for days but the items listed about tend to be high on most egg quality boosting lists.
Remember – dosages matter. Individual circumstances matter. And the right protocol for you is not the same as the right protocol for the woman next to you in the waiting room.
This is the second article in my fertility supplement series. Read the first article: Fertility Supplements — What You Really Need to Know