This Buzzy Supplement, NAD+, Promises To Boost Your Energy And Promote Longevity

FAQs

How does NAD+ work in the body?

“NAD+ is primarily involved in producing cellular energy by driving ATP synthesis within the mitochondria,” says Jari Närhi, CEO and co-founder of NADMED. “When levels drop, metabolism slows, leading to fatigue and other health issues.” As Närhi is keen to point out though, NAD+’s role beyond just energy production. “It participates in DNA repair, helps cells respond to stress, regulates inflammation, and supports over 250 metabolic reactions.” As you might expect then, NAD+ levels can be easily influenced by other factors. “Levels fluctuate in response to various stress factors. Because of this, [it] is gaining more and more attention as a biomarker for health and disease.”

What are the benefits of taking NAD+?

Although we naturally produce NAD+ in the body, it’s not NAD+ in its direct form that you need to ingest. NAD+ itself is an unstable molecule that is not absorbed well by the digestive system or easily taken up by cells, so when we talk about supplementation, it is in fact other molecules, or precursors to NAD+ that we mean. Once inside the cells these molecules convert into NAD+. The most common precursors used are nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). While both molecules convert to NAD+ in the body, NMN is one step closer to NAD+ than NR, which means NMN can be converted to NAD+ more directly than NR.

Why do we need to supplement NAD+?

As we age, production of NAD+ slows right down, halving every 20 years from birth. And while lower levels mean a decline in cellular energy, it also means our cells become less resilient to damage, particularly oxidative stress caused by free radicals more prone to inflammation. “On an experiential level, it’s harder to hit the ground running following a stressful time at work, a night of drinking, to recover from a cold or rebound from a hard workout,” adds Stephenson. Other factors besides age which deplete NAD+ levels include stress, smoking, poor diet and even sunburn.

What’s the best way to take NAD+?

Oral supplementation tends to be the most affordable and convenient way to supplement NAD+ but at-home injections and IV drips are also options. Although they’re more costly, IVs are the quickest way to supplement NAD+. “The IVs are given in larger doses over one or several sessions,” says Gemma Wilkins founder of Body Brilliant. “[A] micro-dosing NAD+ 4u home kit gives the same result but over a 4–5-week period.”

Do NAD+ supplements actually work?

“Research confirms that niacin, NR, and NMN can increase NAD+ levels, but their effectiveness depends on an individual’s baseline levels and overall health status,” says Närhi.

How else can we increase our NAD+ levels?

Following a healthy eating and lifestyle plan is a good way to top up declining levels. Include plenty of whole foods in your diet, avoid processed foods and alcohol and seek out ingredients containing amino acids, which are natural precursors to NAD+. Eggs, milk, legumes and beef are all good sources of amino acids while turkey, salmon and seeds all contain tryptophan, another precursor to NAD+. Regular exercise, but in particular resistance training and HIIT is another way to kick start the body’s NAD+ production pathway. “Supplements are not the only way to support NAD+ levels,” says Närhi. “Intermittent fasting activates cellular repair processes that enhance NAD+ metabolism, while quality sleep supports its natural regulation. Reducing alcohol intake and managing stress further prevent unnecessary depletion. A balanced lifestyle, rather than supplementation alone, provides the most sustainable way to maintain optimal NAD+ levels.