NAD + precursors mitigate the in vitro and in vivo reproductive defects: Limitations and possible solutions.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review summarizing in vitro and preclinical animal studies
PubMed 40976508 · doi:10.1016/j.reprotox.2025.109067
What was done
This narrative review synthesizes literature on the effects of exogenous NAD+ precursors (nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, nicotinamide riboside, and nicotinamide mononucleotide) on mammalian reproductive parameters. It examines how these precursors counter reproductive dysfunction caused by natural aging, disease, cryopreservation, and toxic compound exposure in in vivo and in vitro models, and explores potential targeted drug-delivery strategies.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data. Qualitatively, in vivo administration (intragastric, intraperitoneal, or oral) and in vitro supplementation of NAD+ precursors attenuated meiotic defects, restored cellular NAD+ and mitochondrial function, improved oocyte and sperm quality, and increased blastocyst formation, embryo development, and implantation rates. The authors identified a lack of published research evaluating NAD+ precursor-loaded targeted drug delivery systems for reproductive tissues.
Why it matters
NAD+ precursors represent a potential therapeutic avenue for mitigating age- and toxin-related subfertility, though translation requires addressing delivery efficiency to specific reproductive tissues.
Limits
The abstract provides no quantitative metrics, meta-analytic pooling, or sample sizes. The evidence is derived entirely from preclinical animal and in vitro models, precluding direct clinical conclusions for human fertility. Human trial data, dosing parameters, and safety profiles are not reported.
Cited by
- context Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is involved in improving fertility, sperm health, and egg health by improving mitochondrial health.