Researchers are conducting the first human trial to test whether nicotinamide riboside, a vitamin B supplement, can help mothers of hospitalized babies produce more breast milk. According to Gram Research analysis, this pilot study will enroll 40 mothers whose infants are in the NICU for at least 4 weeks to determine if the supplement is safe and practical. Animal studies showed NR boosted milk production and improved offspring development, but human testing in breastfeeding mothers has never been done. The study is designed as a feasibility trial, meaning researchers are first testing whether they can successfully run the study before conducting larger research.
Researchers are testing whether a supplement called nicotinamide riboside (NR) can help mothers of babies in the hospital produce more breast milk. This is important because babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) benefit greatly from their mother’s milk, but many mothers struggle to make enough. Scientists discovered in animal studies that NR might boost milk production and help babies develop better. This new study will enroll 40 mothers with babies in the NICU to see if NR supplementation is safe and practical to use. The research represents the first human trial of NR for breastfeeding support.
Key Statistics
A 2026 randomized controlled trial protocol published in BMJ Open will test nicotinamide riboside supplementation in 40 mothers of NICU infants over a 19-day intervention period to assess feasibility and milk production changes.
Animal studies demonstrated that nicotinamide riboside augmented high-quality milk production and enhanced cognitive and physical development in offspring, prompting the first human trial in lactating mothers.
The pilot study aims to enroll at least 50 percent of eligible mothers and expects 30 to complete the protocol, with 15 participants randomly assigned to each the supplement and placebo groups.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a vitamin B supplement called nicotinamide riboside can help mothers of hospitalized babies produce more breast milk
- Who participated: 40 mothers whose babies will stay in the hospital’s NICU for at least 4 weeks, with an expected 30 completing the study (15 in each group)
- Key finding: This is a pilot study, so results aren’t available yet. Researchers are first testing whether the study itself works and whether mothers will participate and stick with the supplement
- What it means for you: If successful, this could offer mothers of hospitalized babies a new option to increase milk supply naturally. However, this is early-stage research, and more studies will be needed before any recommendations can be made
The Research Details
This is a pilot feasibility trial, which means researchers are testing whether they can actually run this study before doing a larger version. The study is randomized, meaning mothers are randomly assigned to receive either the NR supplement or a placebo (fake pill) that looks identical. It’s double-blind, so neither the mothers nor the researchers know who gets the real supplement until the study ends. This design prevents bias and ensures fair comparison. Mothers will take the supplement for 19 days while their babies are in the NICU, and researchers will collect milk, urine, and blood samples to measure what’s happening. The primary goal is simply to see if they can recruit at least 50 percent of eligible mothers and whether mothers will complete the study.
Testing feasibility first is smart science. Before spending millions on a large study, researchers need to know if mothers will actually join, if they’ll stick with taking the supplement, and if they can collect the necessary samples. This pilot study also allows researchers to refine their methods and identify any safety concerns before expanding to more participants. Understanding whether NR works in humans is important because current options for increasing milk supply are limited, and many mothers of NICU babies struggle with low production.
This study has several strengths: it’s randomized and double-blind, which reduces bias; it’s registered with ClinicalTrials.gov for transparency; and it was approved by an institutional review board to protect participants. However, this is a small pilot study with only 40 participants, so results won’t be definitive. The 19-day intervention period is relatively short. This study is designed to test feasibility, not to prove that NR works, so readers should understand this is an early-stage investigation.
What the Results Show
This is a protocol paper, meaning the study hasn’t been completed yet and results are not available. The researchers are describing their plan before conducting the trial. The primary goal is to determine feasibility: can they enroll at least 50 percent of eligible mothers, and will those mothers complete the study? Secondary goals include measuring whether mothers comply with taking the supplement and whether they drop out. The study will also measure milk volume, the nutrients in the milk, and special compounds called human milk glycans that may benefit infant development.
Researchers will also examine blood and urine samples to understand how NR affects the mother’s body. They’ll measure prolactin, a hormone that controls milk production, and look at liver function to ensure safety. They’ll also track infant feeding practices and explore whether the supplement affects babies’ development and NICU outcomes. Optional measurements include examining how the supplement changes the mother’s weight and various metabolites, which are chemical compounds produced during metabolism.
This research builds on animal studies showing that NR can increase milk production and improve offspring development in mice. However, no human studies of NR in breastfeeding mothers have been published. Currently, metoclopramide (Reglan) is the only FDA-approved drug used off-label to increase milk supply, but it has potential side effects. This study represents the first opportunity to test whether NR might offer a safer, natural alternative for mothers of hospitalized infants.
This is a pilot study with only 40 participants, so results won’t prove whether NR works. The 19-day study period is short, and researchers won’t know if benefits last longer. The study focuses on mothers of NICU babies, so results may not apply to all breastfeeding mothers. Because this is a feasibility study, the main goal is testing the study design itself, not proving effectiveness. Larger studies would be needed to confirm any benefits.
The Bottom Line
This is a pilot study, so no clinical recommendations can be made yet. Mothers should not start taking NR supplements based on this research alone. If results from this pilot are promising, larger studies will be needed before doctors could recommend NR for increasing milk supply. Currently, mothers struggling with milk production should talk to their lactation consultant or doctor about proven strategies like frequent pumping and established medications like metoclopramide.
This research is most relevant to mothers of babies in the NICU who struggle with milk production. It’s also important for lactation consultants, neonatologists, and obstetricians who care for these mothers. The general public should be aware that this is early-stage research and not yet applicable to clinical practice. Mothers considering any supplement should consult their healthcare provider first.
This is a pilot study, so results won’t be available immediately. The study enrollment and data collection will take several months, followed by analysis and publication, likely in 2027 or later. Even if results are positive, larger confirmatory studies would be needed before NR could be recommended clinically, which could take several more years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can nicotinamide riboside increase breast milk production in humans?
This is unknown. Animal studies show NR boosts milk production, but this 2026 pilot trial is the first to test it in human mothers. Results won’t be available until 2027 or later, and larger studies would be needed to confirm any benefits.
Is nicotinamide riboside safe for breastfeeding mothers?
Human safety data in breastfeeding mothers doesn’t exist yet. This pilot study will monitor for adverse events and check liver function. Mothers should not take NR supplements without consulting their doctor first.
What should mothers do now if they’re struggling to produce enough milk?
Talk to a lactation consultant or doctor about proven strategies like frequent pumping, proper latch, and adequate hydration. Metoclopramide is currently the only FDA-approved medication used off-label for low milk supply. Avoid supplements until more research is available.
When will results from this nicotinamide riboside study be available?
The study is just beginning enrollment. Results likely won’t be published until 2027 or 2028. Even if positive, larger confirmatory trials would be needed before any clinical recommendations could be made.
Who can participate in this nicotinamide riboside milk production study?
Mothers whose infants are expected to stay in the NICU for at least 4 weeks can inquire about enrollment. The study is being conducted at UC Davis Medical Center. Interested mothers should contact the research team or check ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04614714) for details.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily milk volume expressed (in ounces or milliliters) and time spent pumping or breastfeeding. Record any supplement adherence and side effects. Monitor infant feeding volume and NICU progress milestones.
- If participating in this study, mothers would take the NR supplement or placebo daily as directed and maintain a log of milk production. They would attend scheduled appointments for sample collection and complete questionnaires about their experience.
- Long-term tracking would involve monitoring milk supply trends over the 19-day intervention period, comparing pre-supplement and post-supplement production. After the study, mothers could continue tracking milk volume to see if any changes persist. Healthcare providers would monitor infant growth and development outcomes.
This article describes a research protocol for a pilot feasibility study that has not yet been completed. No clinical results are available, and no recommendations for supplement use can be made based on this research. Nicotinamide riboside supplementation is not approved by the FDA for increasing milk supply. Mothers should not start any supplement without consulting their healthcare provider, lactation consultant, or obstetrician. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss all supplements with their doctor before use.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.