If you’re exploring science-backed ways to support your cellular health and longevity, you’ve likely come across the molecule NAD+—short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. NAD+ is present in all living cells of the human body and is essential for various cell functions, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and immune health. But what exactly is NAD+, and why is it generating so much attention in the wellness and longevity communities?
From fueling mitochondrial energy to regulating DNA repair, NAD+ plays a critical role in cellular aging—and how we feel as we age. Unfortunately, NAD+ levels decline with age, stress, poor sleep, and metabolic dysfunction. The good news? Interventions like supplementation with NAD+ precursors—such as niacinamide—can help replenish NAD+ levels and support healthier aging for improved cognitive function, skin health and energy production.
NAD+ is synthesized from building blocks known as precursors, which are essential for maintaining optimal NAD+ levels in the body.Let’s dive into the science behind NAD+ and explore its promising, research-backed benefits.
What Is NAD+?
Image from Tally Health
NAD+ is an essential coenzyme found in every cell in your body, supporting many different cell functions throughout our bodies. It’s essential for hundreds of enzymatic reactions, many of which are involved in:
Cellular energy production
DNA repair and genomic stability
Immune function
Circadian rhythm regulation
Epigenetic control and gene expression
Various cell functions that maintain overall health and well-being
The body produces NAD+ from dietary precursors and many different stressors - such as immunological threats - contribute to the decline of NAD+ levels with age.
Despite its importance, NAD+ levels can decline by over 50% between the ages of 40 and 60, which may contribute to fatigue, metabolic issues, cognitive decline, and accelerated biological aging.
The Top 6 Health Benefits of NAD+
Image from Tally Health
1. Cellular Energy and Mitochondrial Function
NAD+ is essential for the function of mitochondria—our cells’ energy factories. It fuels metabolic pathways like glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. These processes are crucial for ATP production and cellular metabolism, supporting nutrient absorption, mitochondrial function, and overall cellular health. As NAD+ declines with age, mitochondrial dysfunction increases, which may contribute to lower energy and vitality; however, NAD+ supplementation can help boost energy levels, address low energy levels associated with aging, and enhance metabolic function.
2. DNA Repair and Longevity
NAD+ activates PARPs (poly ADP-ribose polymerases) and sirtuins, enzymes critical for DNA repair and epigenetic maintenance. In mouse models, boosting NAD+ has been shown to reverse DNA damage, reduce mutation load, and extend lifespan in progeroid models of aging. NAD+ supplementation is also being studied for its anti-aging effects, with research focusing on its potential to reduce signs of aging and premature aging.
Ongoing human clinical trials and human research are investigating the benefits of NAD+ for longevity and age-related health.
3. Brain Health and Cognitive Function
NAD+ supports healthy brain aging by maintaining mitochondrial integrity, reducing neuroinflammation, and playing a key role in protecting brain cells. Research shows that increasing NAD+ improves memory, learning, and protects neurons from age-related decline, including in models of Alzheimer’s disease.
NAD+ supplementation may also help reduce brain fog and support mental health by improving mood and cognitive clarity.
4. Metabolic Health
Higher NAD+ levels are associated with better insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, reduced risk of obesity, and support for weight management. Supplementation with NAD+ precursors like niacinamide may improve glucose tolerance, reduce liver fat, and support healthy weight maintenance.
NAD+ also has the ability to regulate metabolic health and support healthy weight by enhancing ATP production and boosting metabolism.
5. Healthy Inflammation Response
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of aging (also known as “inflammaging”). NAD+ helps regulate immune function and inflammatory signaling. NAD+ supplementation may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms such as pain and swelling. In preclinical animal studies, boosting NAD+ reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and improved resilience against infections.
6. Circadian Rhythm and Sleep
NAD+ helps regulate clock genes that control your circadian rhythm. Lower NAD+ levels can lead to disrupted sleep, poor energy regulation, and metabolic issues. Restoring NAD+ has been shown to support better sleep cycles and more synchronized circadian rhythms.
How to Boost NAD+ Levels
Image from Tally Health
While NAD+ can’t be consumed directly (it gets broken down in the gut), your body can make NAD+ from precursors like:
Niacinamide (flush-free form of vitamin B3)
Nicotinamide riboside (NR)
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
Niacin (vitamin B3)
Tryptophan
NAD+ supplements are available in various forms, including nicotinamide riboside, nicotinamide mononucleotide, and other forms such as niacin.
Among these, niacinamide is one of the most well-studied and accessible NAD+ precursors. It’s well-tolerated, effective, and readily absorbed by the body given its neutral status and smaller size.
NAD+ supplementation is also being explored as a treatment for age-related health issues.
Supplementing for Healthy Aging
Image from Tally Health
For those looking to restore youthful NAD+ levels, Tally Health’s NAD+ Niacinamide supplement provides a clean, science-backed solution. Each capsule delivers vitamin B3 (niacinamide) —a proven precursor that supports your body’s natural production of NAD+.
Formulated by longevity scientists, this supplement is ideal for those who want to:
Support healthy aging and energy levels
Improve mitochondrial and metabolic function
Promote cellular resilience and stress defense
Experience more energy, support muscle recovery after exercise, and reduce cravings during recovery from substance use
The Bottom Line - Benefits of NAD+
From supporting DNA repair to powering cellular energy, NAD+ is a molecule that matters —especially as we age. While NAD+ levels naturally decline in response to stressors and with age, science shows that supplementation with NAD+ precursors like niacinamide can help restore cellular health and optimize cellular function. NAD+ supplementation can also improve overall well-being and reduce other signs of aging, such as wrinkles, blemishes, and skin changes.
If you’re looking for a safe, effective way to boost your NAD+ levels, consider adding Tally Health’s NAD+ supplement to your daily wellness routine.
What is NAD+?
NAD+ is an essential coenzyme found in every cell in your body, supporting many different cell functions throughout our bodies.
What are some functions of NAD+?
It’s essential for hundreds of enzymatic reactions, many of which are involved in: cellular energy production, DNA repair and genomic stability, immune function, circadian rhythm regulation, and epigenetic control and gene expression.
Why do NAD+ levels decline?
NAD+ levels decline with age, stress, poor sleep, and metabolic dysfunction.
Recommended Supplements
Citations
Rajman L, Chwalek K, Sinclair DA. Therapeutic potential of NAD-boosting molecules: the in vivo evidence. Cell Metab. 2018 Mar 6;27(3):529-547. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2018.02.011. PMID: 29514066.
Covarrubias AJ, Perrone R, Grozio A, Verdin E. NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2021 Feb;22(2):119-141. doi:10.1038/s41580-020-00313-x. PMID: 33057207.
Yoshino J, Baur JA, Imai SI. NAD+ Intermediates: The Biology and Therapeutic Potential of NMN and NR. Cell Metab. 2018 Mar 6;27(3):513-528. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2017.11.002. PMID: 29249684.
Fang EF, Lautrup S, Hou Y, et al. NAD+ in Aging: Molecular Mechanisms and Translational Implications. Trends Mol Med. 2017 Oct;23(10):899-916. doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2017.08.001. PMID: 28889998.
Lautrup S, Sinclair DA, Mattson MP, Fang EF. NAD+ in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cell Metab. 2019 Apr 2;30(4):630-655. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2019.08.001. PMID: 31492654.
Trammell SAJ, Schmidt MS, Weidemann BJ, et al. Nicotinamide riboside is uniquely and orally bioavailable in mice and humans. Nat Commun. 2016 Oct 10;7:12948. doi:10.1038/ncomms12948. PMID: 27721479.
Mills KF, Yoshida S, Stein LR, et al. Long-term administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide mitigates age-associated physiological decline in mice. Cell Metab. 2016 Dec 13;24(6):795-806. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2016.09.013. PMID: 27840048.
Gomes AP, Price NL, Ling AJY, et al. Declining NAD+ induces a pseudohypoxic state disrupting nuclear-mitochondrial communication during aging. Cell. 2013 Dec 19;155(7):1624-1638. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2013.11.037. PMID: 24360282.
Camacho-Pereira J, Tarragó MG, Chini CCS, et al. CD38 dictates age-related NAD decline and mitochondrial dysfunction through an SIRT3-dependent mechanism. Cell Metab. 2016 Nov 8;23(6):1127-1139. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2016.05.006. PMID: 27304511.
Imai S, Guarente L. NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. Trends Cell Biol. 2014 Aug;24(8):464-471. doi:10.1016/j.tcb.2014.04.002. PMID: 24836560.
Zhou M, Ottenberg G, Sferrazza GF, et al. Neuronal death induced by misfolded prion protein is due to NAD+ depletion and can be relieved in vitro and in vivo by NAD+ replenishment. Brain. 2015 Nov;138(Pt 11):3366-3382. doi:10.1093/brain/awv267. PMID: 26374458.
Minhas PS, Liu L, Moon PK, et al. Macrophage de novo NAD+ synthesis specifies immune function in aging and inflammation. Nat Immunol. 2019 Apr;20(4):401-412. doi:10.1038/s41590-019-0348-2. PMID: 30804541.
Zhu XH, Lu M, Lee BY, et al. In vivo NAD assay reveals the intracellular NAD contents and redox state in healthy human brain and their age dependences. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015 Apr 14;112(15):2876-2881. doi:10.1073/pnas.1421696112. PMID: 25825767.
Okabe K, Yaku K, Tobe K, Nakagawa T. Implications of altered NAD metabolism in metabolic disorders. J Biomed Sci. 2019 Sep 18;26(1):34. doi:10.1186/s12929-019-0535-1. PMID: 31533640.
Mouchiroud L, Houtkooper RH, Moullan N, et al. The NAD+/Sirtuin pathway modulates longevity through activation of mitochondrial UPR and FOXO signaling. Cell. 2013 Jul 3;154(2):430-441. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2013.06.016. PMID: 23870130.
