In this blog post, we're addressing one of our most frequently asked questions: is it safe to take NMN during pregnancy or breastfeeding? Because of the great physical and emotional changes that accompany these particularly delicate stages of life, safety and wellbeing must come first. That’s why we've created a complete guide to help you understand the safety implications of NAD+ products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
First, a quick recap: Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is a precursor to Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme critical for various cellular functions, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and gene expression regulation. The problem is that as we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline, leading to cellular dysfunction and age-related health issues. NMN supplementation emerges as one of the best longevity supplements since it boosts NAD+ levels, promoting cellular health and longevity.
Should You be Taking NMN During Pregnancy?
The short answer is, probably not. Pregnancy is a delicate period where any substance introduced into the body can impact both maternal and fetal health. The number one reason you should be especially careful in considering whether to take NMN or not is that there is currently limited research specifically examining the safety of NMN supplementation during pregnancy. Research on this important NAD+ precursor supplement is ongoing, but as a product, NMN has been popularised quite recently. Although its benefits are almost endless, as certified by numerous human studies, we still don’t have a clear picture of the implications of NMN during pregnancy.
However, some intriguing research has been conducted on mice, and the results are quite fascinating. Even if it’s not advised to take NMN when pregnant, the NAD+ booster could actually be very beneficial for women who struggle to conceive. Scientists at the University of Queensland discovered that giving older female mice small doses of this compound reversed ageing in their eggs, potentially offering hope to women experiencing fertility issues. The procedure addressed a significant obstacle to older women becoming pregnant by maintaining or restoring egg quality and quantity. By giving mice NMN, the researchers restored egg quality and increased live births. While this offers hope, we need further trials before considering it for humans.
Potential Risks of NMN During Pregnancy
While NMN is generally considered safe for most adults, as proved by numerous human clinical studies, its safety during pregnancy remains uncertain. Not only do we lack enough data on how NMN may affect fetal development, the NAD+ booster could also alter pregnancy mechanisms in ways we don’t understand yet.
For example, the ability of this NAD+ precursor supplement to adjust how cells function and control which genes are active might impact important pathways related to the growth of the embryo, the formation of organs, and the functioning of the placenta. Changes in these processes could potentially raise the chance of problems with the baby's development, complications during pregnancy, or negative outcomes during birth.
Also, NMN's influence on pathways that respond to oxidative stress could be important during pregnancy. It's necessary to have some level of oxidative stress for cells to work properly and for the baby to grow inside the mom. But having too much oxidative stress can be bad and has been linked to problems during pregnancy like preeclampsia (which is high blood pressure during pregnancy) and having the baby too early. So, we need to think carefully about how this NAD+ precursor supplement might affect the balance of oxidative stress during pregnancy.
On the other side, we have some research on mice that could shed light on some NAD+ supplement benefits during pregnancy, particularly concerning weight gain. Studies have shown that when mothers consume too much food during pregnancy, it can increase the risk of long-term health issues for their babies. However, exercise researchers have discovered that NMN can reverse some negative effects of a high-fat diet. They found that the administration of NMN reduced body fat and slightly improved glucose tolerance and markers of mitochondrial function. Interestingly, NMN even had a stronger effect on liver fat levels than exercise. Once again, more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness, especially human clinical studies.
Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers
Breastfeeding mothers also might feel uncertain regarding taking this NAD+ precursor supplement. While NMN is well-tolerated in adults, its transfer into breast milk and its effects on the nursing infant are not fully understood. Just like during pregnancy, it's important for breastfeeding moms to be cautious and talk to their doctors before adding NMN supplements to their daily routine.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals
Ultimately, the decision to use NMN supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals. It's best to talk to healthcare professionals before using this NAD+ booster during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant can give you advice tailored to your health and medical history. They'll help you understand what's best for both you and your baby, so you can make informed choices about your health.
Alternative Strategies for Maternal Health
Pregnancy and breastfeeding offer great opportunities to take a holistic approach to maternal health. Eating nutritious foods, taking prenatal vitamins, and getting regular prenatal check-ups are key for a healthy pregnancy. But it's also important to focus on your emotional well-being. Relaxation techniques, prenatal yoga, and seeking support from loved ones can all help you feel your best during this special time.
Our final word, then, is that while the NAD+ supplement shows potential for improving health and longevity, we're still not sure if it's safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It's important for expectant and breastfeeding moms to be careful and talk to their healthcare providers before trying NMN supplements.
However, if you're not expecting or breastfeeding your child, but still want to nurture your health and give birth to a new you, our best advice is to learn about the number of health benefits caused by this NAD+ booster. See for yourself the excitement surrounding NMN with Simply Nootropics NMN Powder, and get your energy up before embarking on the incredible journey of pregnancy, when you'll be ready for it!
