NAD+
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide · NMN · NR · Nicotinamide Riboside
The cellular fuel that declines with age. Replenishing it might be the closest thing to an anti-aging supplement we have.
What is NAD+?
NAD+ is not some exotic peptide — it's a molecule that every cell in your body already produces. It's essential for converting food into energy, repairing DNA, and regulating your circadian rhythm. The problem? Your NAD+ levels drop by roughly 50% between ages 40 and 60. And when NAD+ drops, everything starts to slow down.
This is why the longevity community is obsessed with NAD+ precursors — compounds like NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) that your body converts into NAD+. The idea is simple: if declining NAD+ drives aging, then boosting it should slow aging down. The research is genuinely exciting, though still early in humans.
How Does It Work?
NAD+ is a coenzyme required by sirtuins (SIRT1-7) — proteins that regulate cellular health, DNA repair, inflammation, and metabolism. When NAD+ is abundant, sirtuins are active and your cells function optimally. When NAD+ declines, sirtuins can't do their job, and cellular dysfunction accumulates.
NAD+ also fuels PARPs (poly ADP-ribose polymerases), which are critical for DNA repair. As you age and accumulate more DNA damage, PARPs consume more NAD+, creating a vicious cycle. Supplementing with precursors aims to break this cycle.
What Does The Research Say?
Strong clinical evidence from human trials.
David Sinclair's lab at Harvard has published extensively on NAD+ and aging, showing dramatic lifespan extension in mice. Human trials are ongoing and show promising results: improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, better vascular function. A 2021 trial showed NMN supplementation improved muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women.
However, the longevity claims are still theoretical in humans. We know NAD+ declines with age. We know supplementation raises NAD+ levels. What we don't yet know definitively is whether this translates to longer human lifespan. The mechanistic evidence is strong, but we need more long-term human data.
Reported Dosages
These are dosages reported in research literature and community reports. They are NOT medical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional.
NMN: Commonly supplemented at 250mg-1000mg daily. David Sinclair reportedly takes 1000mg daily.
NR (Niagen): Typically 300-600mg daily.
NAD+ IV infusions: 250-750mg per session (clinical settings only).
NAD+ nasal sprays: Emerging delivery method, dosages vary.
These are legal supplements available over the counter in most countries.
Side Effects & Risks
Generally well-tolerated. Some people report mild nausea, headache, or flushing initially. NMN can occasionally cause digestive discomfort. Long-term safety data in humans is limited but no serious adverse effects have been reported in clinical trials to date.
Legal Status by Country
Legal supplement. Available over the counter. NMN and NR sold freely.
Legal supplement. NMN status briefly challenged by FDA (2022) but widely available.
Legal supplement in most EU countries. Some regulatory uncertainty around NMN in specific countries.
Legal supplement. Available over the counter.
Where to Buy NAD+
Buy NAD+on Amazon UK →Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Important Disclaimer
This profile is for educational and research purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. NAD+ may be regulated or illegal in your jurisdiction. Do not use any compound without consulting a qualified healthcare professional. StackPedia does not sell, supply, or promote the use of any controlled substance.