Evidence-Based Fertility Supplements

What the research actually shows — doses, evidence levels, timing, and estimated costs. No affiliate links influence our rankings.

StrongModerateEmergingLimited

CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)

Mitochondrial energy for egg quality

Strong

Dose: 400–600 mg/day ubiquinol
Timing: Start 2–3 months before cycle
Est. Monthly Cost: $30–50
Notes: Ubiquinol is the reduced (more bioavailable) form. Some doctors recommend up to 600 IU split AM/PM.

DHEA

Supports ovarian response, especially in diminished reserve

Strong

Dose: 25–75 mg/day (typically 75 mg)
Timing: Start 6–12 weeks before cycle
Est. Monthly Cost: $10–15
Notes: Only use under doctor supervision. Can affect hormone levels. Most studied in diminished ovarian reserve.

Vitamin D

Linked to implantation rates and overall fertility

Moderate

Dose: 2,000–4,000 IU/day
Timing: Get levels tested first, then supplement if deficient
Est. Monthly Cost: $8–12
Notes: Deficiency is common. Optimal level: 40–60 ng/mL.

Folate / Methylfolate

DNA synthesis, egg development

Strong

Dose: 800 mcg/day
Timing: Ongoing
Est. Monthly Cost: $10–20
Notes: Methylfolate (L-5-MTHF) preferred over folic acid for those with MTHFR variants. Often included in prenatals.

Melatonin

Antioxidant protection for eggs during development

Moderate

Dose: 3 mg at bedtime
Timing: Start 1 month before procedure
Est. Monthly Cost: $5–10
Notes: Acts as an antioxidant in follicular fluid. Some studies show improved egg quality.

Omega-3 / Krill Oil

Anti-inflammatory, supports hormone regulation

Moderate

Dose: 1,000–2,000 mg EPA+DHA/day
Timing: Ongoing
Est. Monthly Cost: $15–25
Notes: Some doctors recommend stopping 1 week before retrieval (blood thinning).

Myo-Inositol

Insulin signaling, egg quality, especially in PCOS

Strong

Dose: 2,000–4,000 mg/day
Timing: Start 2–3 months before cycle
Est. Monthly Cost: $15–25
Notes: Most studied in PCOS. Often combined with D-chiro-inositol at 40:1 ratio.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your reproductive endocrinologist before starting any supplement regimen. Evidence ratings reflect the current published literature and may change as new studies are released.

Sources include peer-reviewed studies, ASRM guidelines, and It Starts with the Egg by Rebecca Fett.