If you’re tuned in to the world of longevity and “anti-aging” supplements, you’ve probably heard about NAD+ supplements. They’re being promoted everywhere—from IV drip bars to capsule supplements—as the secret to reversing aging, boosting energy, and extending lifespan.

But what does the science actually say? And if you’re interested in longevity, is NAD+ really where you should invest your time and money? Let’s dive in.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body naturally. It plays a critical role in:

• Energy production: NAD+ helps transfer electrons in the processes that convert food into ATP, your cellular energy currency.
• DNA repair and maintenance: NAD+ fuels enzymes (like PARPs) that repair damaged DNA.
• Sirtuin activation: Sirtuins are longevity-associated proteins regulate metabolism, inflammation, and stress resistance, and they require NAD+ to work.
• Cell signaling and immune function: NAD+ is a key player in cellular communication.

In short: NAD+ is a central regulator of metabolism and resilience at the cellular level.

Why Does NAD+ Decline with Age?

Research shows that NAD+ levels decline by more than 50% between ages 40 and 60 . This loss is linked to:

• Increased utilization: More oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation means NAD+ gets “used up” more quickly.
• Reduced production: Enzymes that recycle NAD+ become less efficient with age.
• Lifestyle stressors: Poor sleep, circadian disruption, alcohol, processed diets, and sedentary behavior all accelerate NAD+ depletion.

This decline is thought to contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance, neurodegeneration, and immune dysregulation—all of the “hallmarks of aging.”

NAD+ Supplements and Longevity

Animal studies are exciting: boosting NAD+ in mice extends lifespan, improves insulin sensitivity, enhances brain function, and even reverses some aspects of aging.

In humans, early data are promising but limited:

• Supplementing with NR (nicotinamide riboside) has been shown to modestly raise NAD+ levels and improve markers of vascular function.
• NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) has improved insulin sensitivity and muscle performance in small human trials.
• Many studies are ongoing, but we don’t yet have conclusive evidence that NAD+ supplementation slows aging or extends lifespan in humans.

Key point: Declining NAD+ is associated with aging, but boosting NAD+ doesn’t yet have solid, proven anti-aging effects in humans.

The NAD+ Supplement “Race”

Here’s the reality: no one has yet found the perfect way to sustainably raise NAD+ in humans.

• Direct NAD+ supplements aren’t absorbed well orally.
• That’s why companies focus on precursors (molecules that the body converts into NAD+), like NMN and NR.
• The FDA recently questioned NMN’s legality in supplements because it’s being investigated as a pharmaceutical, but it’s still widely available online.
• Some companies even offer “NAD+ testing kits,” but to date, these are proprietary and not validated independently.

NAD+ Supplement Options: Pros and Cons (and my favorite!)

NAD+ IVs or Injections

• Deliver NAD+ directly into the bloodstream.
• Can raise NAD+ temporarily, but the effect is short-lived.
• Expensive ($300–$1000 per infusion).
• Limited evidence for lasting benefit.

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR; e.g., TruNiagen)

• Converts into NAD+, more bioavailable than niacin.
• Some human evidence for raising NAD+ and improving vascular health .
• Generally safe and well-tolerated.

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN; e.g., ProHealth, Elysium NMN blends)

• Precursor to NR, raises NAD+ in animals and humans.
• Popular among longevity researchers, though large-scale trials are lacking.

Niacinamide (Nicotinamide)

• Cheap and effective for raising NAD+.
• But in high doses, it may inhibit sirtuins (the very proteins NAD+ is supposed to activate), making it less attractive for longevity.

Other options

• Mitopure (Urolithin A): not an NAD+ booster, but enhances mitophagy (recycling of damaged mitochondria). Sometimes paired with NAD+ boosters in longevity protocols.
• Sirtuin activators (like resveratrol, quercetin): thought to work synergistically with NAD+, but human data are thin.

My overall favorite option

• Because it includes niacinamide, nicotinamide riboside, cofactors, and sirtuin activators like resveratrol, I like Qualia NAD+ the best. You can use code THELYONSSHARE for a discount here.

Natural NAD+ Boosters

Here’s the good news: many lifestyle practices raise NAD+ naturally—without a supplement:

• Exercise: increases enzymes that recycle NAD+.
• Time-restricted eating / fasting: modestly boosts NAD+ and sirtuins.
• Circadian rhythm alignment: going to bed and waking on schedule preserves NAD+ balance.
• Heat and cold exposure: saunas and cold plunges activate stress responses that support NAD+.

These are free, accessible, and have many other proven benefits.

Safety Concerns and Side Effects of NAD+ Supplements

For most people, NAD+ precursors like NR and NMN appear safe. But:

• Mild side effects: flushing, nausea, digestive upset, headaches.
• Unknowns: Long-term safety is unclear. Because NAD+ fuels DNA repair and cell proliferation, some researchers worry about theoretical cancer risks if supplementation helps damaged cells survive longer .
• Interactions: High-dose niacinamide can inhibit sirtuins, which may backfire for longevity.

Bottom line: safe for short-term use in healthy people, but long-term data are sparse.

Should You Use an NAD+ Supplement?

Here’s my stance:

• NAD+ supplementation is an exciting but expensive bet.
• I personally experiment with products like Qualia NAD+, TruNiagen, and BioStack NADRegen—because it’s my job to test emerging tools.
• But if you’re a client with a limited budget, I’d recommend focusing first on:
  • Whole food nutrition
  • Consistent exercise and strength training
  • Stress management
  • High-quality sleep
  • Foundational supplements with more evidence (like omega-3s, creatine, CoQ10, curcumin).  If you want functional lab testing and a personalized supplement protocol giving you exactly what your body needs, I recommend our Reboot program!

If, after covering the basics, you want to experiment with NAD+ boosters—go for it, but go in with eyes open.

The Bottom Line

NAD+ is a fascinating molecule that sits at the intersection of metabolism, aging, and resilience. There’s strong evidence that it declines with age, and exciting early evidence that raising it may improve healthspan.

But right now, the science is still young. If you’re optimizing for longevity, focus first on the fundamentals—then decide whether NAD+ supplementation is the “bet” you want to make.

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️ Want to hear about this topic in audio format? → Check out the podcast episode here!