Best supplements to take during IVF: 6 add-ons fertility doctors recommend

Best Supplements to Take During IVF: 6 Add-ons Fertility Doctors Recommend

6 min read

Between monitoring appointments, injections, and the emotional weight of it all, IVF can feel overwhelming. The last thing you need to worry about is which supplements you should be taking (on top of medication) to feel like you're doing the most for your protocol. But the supplements you take leading up to IVF and your egg retrieval do matter.


Here's what fertility doctors actually recommend and why each one matters for egg health, embryo development, and your overall IVF experience.

Why supplements before egg retrieval matter

The eggs retrieved during an IVF cycle don't develop overnight. They go through a maturation process that takes about 3 months, which is why most fertility specialists suggest starting supplements before egg retrieval, ideally 3 (or more!) months ahead of your cycle.


During that window, the right nutrients support cellular energy, protect against oxidative stress, and create a better environment for your eggs to grow. Think of it as laying the groundwork so your body has what it needs when stimulation begins.


Here are 6 of the best supplements before and during IVF that fertility doctors commonly recommend as add-ons to a solid prenatal (but you can find everything you need in the Female Fertility Power Prenatal Pack, no extra bottles needed).

CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10)

CoQ10 is one of the most talked-about IVF egg quality supplements for a reason. It plays a key role in mitochondrial function, which is how your cells (including eggs) produce energy. As we age, our natural CoQ10 levels decline, and that drop may affect how well eggs mature and develop into embryos.


CoQ10 for IVF is often recommended at doses of 200 to 600 mg daily. The Female Fertility Power Prenatal Pack already includes CoQ10 alongside NAC and other antioxidants, and you can add the CoQ10 Boost for an even higher dose if you're over 30 or your doctor suggests it. Starting at least 3 months before your cycle gives your levels time to build.

L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine is an amino acid that helps your cells transport fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they're turned into energy. This process is especially important for egg cells, which need lots of energy to mature, divide, and develop into healthy embryos. Some research suggests L-Carnitine may also help reduce oxidative stress in reproductive tissues.


You'll find L-Carnitine in the Female Fertility Power Prenatal Pack alongside CoQ10 and Vitamin E, which work together to support mitochondrial function and protect egg cells from free-radical damage.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is involved in immune function, Calcium absorption, and reproductive health. A 2024 study found that Vitamin D supplementation improved embryo quality in people undergoing IVF, regardless of their baseline Vitamin D status. Since many people are deficient (especially in northern climates or with limited sun exposure), it's worth having your levels checked before your cycle to make sure you aren't low in the sunshine vitamin.


If you need additional support, the Calcium + Magnesium + Vitamin D Boost can be paired with any Bird&Be prenatal to help fill that gap.

Folate (Folic Acid + Methylated Folate)

Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, which matters at every stage of IVF, from egg development to early embryo growth. Folic Acid is the form of Folate backed by decades of research and is proven to reduce neural tube defects (NTDs), making it one of the most important nutrients in any prenatal.


Some people carry a genetic variant (MTHFR) that may make it harder to convert Folic Acid into its active form. That's why Bird&Be includes a hybrid of Folic Acid and Methylated Folate in all of its prenatal formulas, so you're covered either way. Even with the MTHFR variant, Folic Acid can still be absorbed, which is why both forms are included in your IVF vitamins.

Omega-3 (DHA)

DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is important for cell membrane health and may help manage inflammation, which your body needs during implantation. Your body doesn't produce DHA on its own, and many diets fall short.


Each Bird&Be prenatal packet includes algae-based DHA (no fishy aftertaste), giving you a plant-based source without the need for a separate fish oil supplement.

NAC (N-acetyl cysteine)

NAC is an antioxidant that supports glutathione production, an important part of the body's natural defense system. It helps neutralize free radicals and supports healthy hormone metabolism, which can be especially helpful when processing medications used during IVF stimulation.


You'll find NAC in the Female Fertility Power Prenatal Pack alongside other antioxidants like CoQ10, Vitamin E, and L-Carnitine. This all-in-one daily packet means fewer bottles on your counter and less guesswork about what to take during IVF.

What Supplements Should I Take Before Egg Freezing?


How to build your supplement plan for IVF

Start with a comprehensive prenatal covering the essentials: Folate, Iron, Choline, Vitamin D, and DHA. From there, your doctor may recommend specific add-ons based on your age, ovarian reserve, and past cycle history.


Bird&Be was built with IVF in mind. The IVF support page walks you through which products align with each stage of your cycle. Not sure which prenatal fits your situation? Take the quiz to get a personalized recommendation.

Your IVF prep, supported

There's no single supplement that can determine the outcome of an IVF cycle, and anyone who says otherwise is overselling it. But the right combination of nutrients, taken consistently and early enough, can help create a better foundation for your eggs, your embryos, and your overall well-being throughout the process. You're already showing up for this journey, and your body deserves that same level of care from the inside out.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start taking supplements for IVF?

Most fertility specialists suggest starting at least 3 months before your IVF cycle begins. Eggs take about 90 days to mature, so giving your body that lead time allows nutrients like CoQ10 and Folate to support the development process from the start.

Can CoQ10 improve egg quality for IVF?

CoQ10 supports mitochondrial energy production in egg cells, which is important for healthy development and division. Some research suggests it could be especially relevant for people over 35, when natural CoQ10 levels tend to decline.

What is the difference between Folic Acid and Methylated Folate?

Folic Acid is the form of Folate with the strongest research behind it, proven to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Methylated Folate (5-MTHF) is the active form that bypasses a conversion step, which may matter if you carry an MTHFR gene variant. Bird&Be prenatals include both forms, so you're covered regardless of your genetics.

Are these supplements safe to take during IVF stimulation?

Our formulas were designed by fertility doctors who developed them with insight from their own clinical practice; they see patients every day and that experience is what informed Bird&Be’s formulas. Most of the supplements listed here are commonly used alongside IVF medications and recommended by fertility experts, but always confirm with your fertility doctor. They can review your full protocol and make sure nothing interacts with your specific treatment plan.

Should my partner take supplements before IVF, too?

Yes. Sperm health plays a significant role in embryo quality, and it takes about 3 months for new sperm to develop. A supplement like the Male Fertility Power Pack includes Zinc, Selenium, CoQ10, and other nutrients that support sperm count and motility.

Do I need separate bottles for each supplement?

Not necessarily. Bird&Be's daily packets combine your prenatal, DHA, and antioxidants into a single pack, so you don't have to juggle multiple bottles or guess about timing. It's one of the easiest ways to stay consistent with your IVF vitamins throughout your cycle.

Reviewed By

Jennifer Fitzgerald

Dr. Jennifer Fitzgerald, ND

Recurrent pregnancy loss, autoimmune disease, and ectopic pregnancy led Dr. Jennifer Fitzgerald to her focus on the intersection or naturopathic medicine and IVF protocols. She is the co-founder of Conceive Health and Bird&Be's director of integrative medicine.

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