Do supplements improve egg quality? What the evidence says
By the MyBabyBridge editorial team · · Last reviewed · 2 min read
Supplements for egg quality are widely promoted, especially to people going through IVF. The evidence behind them is mixed, and none has been proven to increase live birth rates. Always talk with your doctor before starting any supplement.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 is a compound the body uses to make energy in mitochondria, including in eggs. A meta-analysis of randomized trials in women undergoing assisted reproduction found higher clinical pregnancy rates with CoQ10 than with placebo or no treatment, but no difference in live birth or miscarriage rates. The trials were small, so the evidence is limited.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep and has antioxidant properties. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that melatonin supplementation may not significantly improve clinical pregnancy or live birth rates in assisted reproduction, although it appeared to have some positive effect on egg and embryo quality in women with PCOS or reduced ovarian reserve. Melatonin can cause drowsiness, so ask your doctor before using it.
Other antioxidants
Vitamins C and E and alpha-lipoic acid are sometimes suggested, but there is not strong evidence that they improve egg quality or birth rates.
The supplement with clear evidence: folic acid
ACOG recommends a daily prenatal vitamin with folic acid starting at least one month before pregnancy. This lowers the risk of certain birth defects; it is not intended to improve egg quality.
Bottom line
- A healthy diet and a prenatal vitamin with folic acid are the evidence-based basics.
- CoQ10 and melatonin have some promising but limited data and are not proven to increase live births.
- Supplements can interact with medications and vary in quality, so discuss any supplement with your fertility doctor first.