Can Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) Improve Egg Health in PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of subfertility in females, but it's also one of the most misunderstood.

And if you're navigating it while trying to conceive, you're probably no stranger to the whirlwind of supplements, Google searches, and "try this" advice.

We are diving into an exciting area of research: the role of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) in supporting egg cell health for those with PCOS.

 If acronyms like NAD+ and mitochondrial dysfunction have made your eyes glaze over before—don’t worry, we’re breaking it all down (science-nerd style, but still digestible).

What is Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)?

NR stands for Nicotinamide Riboside, a next-generation form of Vitamin B3 (niacin) that naturally boosts NAD+, a crucial coenzyme found in every living cell.

NAD+ helps recharge the cell's battery pack, or mitochondria, it's essential for creating energy (ATP), fighting oxidative stress, and supporting healthy cell function.

As we age, or in conditions like PCOS, NAD+ levels can decline, leading to fatigue, inflammation, and poorer cell health, including in our ovaries.

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and PCOS: The Latest Research

In a 2021 study, researchers investigated the effect of NR on ovarian cells from 63 women undergoing IVF—31 with PCOS and 32 without. They looked at granulosa cells (the unsung hero cells that surround each egg providing essential nourishment), testing NAD+ levels, mitochondrial function, and markers of inflammation.

Here’s what they found:

• People with PCOS had significantly lower NAD+ levels in their granulosa cells.
• Their cells also showed higher levels of inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction.
• When inflammation was increased in lab cells, NAD+ levels dropped even further.

So where does NR come in?

Can Nicotinamide Riboside actually help?

Researchers added Nicotinamide Riboside to the culture medium of these lab cells and… magic happened (well, science magic):

• NAD+ levels were restored by 59%
• Inflammatory markers decreased
• Mitochondrial health improved

This suggests that NR supplementation could help create a more favourable environment for egg development, especially important if you’re navigating PCOS or prepping for conception via IVF, ovulation induction or egg freezing.

Why NAD+ Matters for Fertility Health?

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells (throwback to Year 9 science), and our eggs are packed with them. They fuel everything from egg maturation to embryo development.

If your cellular energy systems are under-functioning, it may impact how the egg transitions through maturation, fertilisation and embryo development phases and with it, your fertility outcomes.

By supporting NAD+ levels, NR may:

• Reduce oxidative stress
• Improve mitochondrial function
• Lower inflammation
• Support egg quality in people with PCOS

Should you supplement with Nicotinamide Riboside?

More human trials are needed to confirm clinical outcomes. But the findings are promising, especially for individuals with PCOS—one of the most common hormone conditions impacting fertility worldwide.

Here at arxi, we believe in meeting science with practicality.

That’s why Nicotinamide Riboside is one of the hero ingredients in OvaGold, our all-in-one preconception antioxidant formula designed to support reproductive  health and boost energy production during your prepconception phase (that's the 3+ months before you try to conceive).

Summary: NAD+ Precursors and PCOS 

• NAD+ is critical for egg health—but levels are often lower in people with PCOS.
• Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) helps boost NAD+ and may improve cellular and mitochondrial health.
• In lab studies, NR supplementation reduced inflammation and improved energy production in ovarian cells.
• OvaGold includes NR to help support your reproductive goals, whether you’re actively TTC or prepping for egg freezing or IVF.