If you're preparing for IVF, the supplements most worth considering are those with evidence or established roles in preconception health — particularly CoQ10, folate and vitamin D.

CORE3 by Ovare combines all three in one daily capsule, providing 450 mg CoQ10 (ubiquinone), 4,000 IU vitamin D3 and 1,003 µg methylfolate (5-MTHF). It was specifically designed as a high-strength preconception formula for women trying to conceive.

1. CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is one of the most widely studied supplements in female fertility and assisted reproduction.

CoQ10 plays an important role in mitochondrial energy production. This is particularly relevant to eggs, which require substantial amounts of cellular energy during maturation, fertilisation and early embryo development.

Research in women undergoing IVF has investigated CoQ10 supplementation, particularly in women with diminished ovarian reserve and those of advanced reproductive age.

Studies have commonly investigated doses in the hundreds of milligrams per day, rather than the relatively small amounts found in many standard prenatal supplements.

CORE3 provides 450 mg of CoQ10 in a single daily capsule.

2. Folate

Folate is essential before conception and during early pregnancy because it contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy and normal cell division.

UK guidance recommends taking 400 µg of folic acid daily before pregnancy and until 12 weeks of pregnancy, with higher-dose folic acid recommended in certain circumstances.

CORE3 provides 1,003 µg of L-methylfolate (5-MTHF), the biologically active form of folate.

Importantly, if you've specifically been advised to take folic acid by your doctor or fertility clinic, don't replace it without discussing this with them.

If you want to know the difference between folic acid and folate, read our article on it here.

3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D has several established functions in the body and has also attracted considerable interest in reproductive medicine.

Vitamin D deficiency is relatively common in the UK, which is why UK guidance recommends vitamin D supplementation for the general population, particularly during autumn and winter.

CORE3 provides 4,000 IU (100 µg) vitamin D3 per capsule. This is a high dose and represents the UK adult tolerable upper daily intake, so additional vitamin D supplements should not generally be taken alongside it unless advised by a healthcare professional.

When Should You Start Supplements Before IVF?

Egg development is a gradual process occurring over several months, so supplements studied in fertility research are often taken for approximately 8–12 weeks before IVF treatment.

If possible, preparing around three months before your IVF cycle therefore gives you a practical preconception window.

However, starting later doesn't mean there's no point in taking appropriate preconception supplements. Folate, in particular, should be taken when trying to conceive.

So, What Are the Best Supplements Before IVF?

Rather than taking a long list of supplements, focus on nutrients with a clear rationale and evidence relevant to preconception or fertility.

For women preparing for IVF, three of the most relevant are:

CoQ10 — 450 mg
Vitamin D3 — 4,000 IU
Methylfolate — 1,003 µg

CORE3 combines all three in one capsule per day, making it a simple high-strength option for women preparing for IVF. Try it here.

This article is for educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice.