Can NAD+ and NMN Increase Testosterone Levels?

Male aging follows a precise biological timeline. At age 30, testosterone production begins its measured decline—dropping 1% each year. This shift fundamentally alters key aspects of men’s health and vitality. Physical strength diminishes. Energy levels fluctuate. Mental clarity and sexual health show measurable changes.

Recent scientific advances have identified two powerful molecules in this equation: NAD+ and its precursor NMN. The science behind how these molecules impact testosterone tells an intriguing story—one where cellular energy and hormonal balance are intimately connected.

In this article, we explore whether NAD+ and NMN increase testosterone production and examine what current research reveals about these fascinating molecules.

Key Takeaways:

• NAD+ levels drop dramatically with age – most people lose nearly half their youthful levels by age 50, affecting cellular energy and overall function.
• Testosterone declines 1% yearly after 30, influenced by modifiable factors like body fat, exercise habits, sleep quality, and environmental toxins.
• Research shows NAD+ works with sirtuin proteins in Leydig cells to support testosterone production, revealing a direct link between cellular energy and male hormonal health.
• NMN acts as a direct precursor to NAD+, supporting cellular energy and metabolic health – though more human studies are needed to confirm its effects on testosterone.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), sometimes referred to as the “helper molecule,” is a crucial coenzyme found in every cell of your body. It plays a central role in cellular metabolism by facilitating electron transfer in hundreds of biological reactions. 

One of its most important functions is helping convert nutrients into ATP—the primary energy currency of cells—through a series of complex metabolic pathways.

As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline in our tissues.¹ Research indicates that by middle age, NAD+ levels can decrease significantly compared to younger years. This decline affects several cellular processes:

This decline affects your cells in measurable ways:

• Reduced cellular energy production

• Impaired DNA repair mechanisms

• Decreased metabolic efficiency

• Altered stress response capabilities

• Changes in cellular signaling pathways

The good news is that maintaining healthy NAD+ levels appears to support cellular health and function. Current research suggests that optimizing NAD+ levels may help maintain cellular energy production, support DNA repair processes, and promote overall metabolic health.

What is NMN?

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a naturally occurring molecule that serves as a precursor to NAD+. Inside cells, NMN is converted to NAD+ through a well-documented biochemical pathway called the NAD+ salvage pathway.²

NMN administration has been demonstrated to increase NAD+ levels in both animal models and humans. In a study involving healthy human subjects, oral NMN supplementation significantly increased NAD+ levels in the blood without adverse effects, suggesting its safety and efficacy as a strategy to boost NAD+.³

Why Are Testosterone Levels Declining?

Testosterone naturally wanes as we age, bringing unwelcome changes in body composition, energy levels, and muscle strength.

For many older men, this decline stems from secondary hypogonadism—where the body becomes less responsive to the hormonal signals that trigger testosterone production.⁴

Yet this natural process doesn’t explain the full picture of what we’re seeing today.

Body weight emerges as a critical player in this hormonal puzzle. Research shows a strong inverse relationship between BMI and testosterone levels, independent of other factors.⁵ Put simply, as weight goes up, testosterone tends to go down.

But here’s the catch: even men who maintain a healthy weight still experience some degree of decline, pointing to other influential factors at work.

The rise in metabolic disorders paints another piece of the picture. Conditions like type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome don’t just affect blood sugar—they’re closely tied to lower testosterone levels.⁶ These conditions create a cascade effect, potentially contributing to cardiovascular issues and increased mortality risk.

Perhaps most intriguing is the evidence of a population-wide decline in testosterone levels that can’t be explained by aging alone.⁷ This “secular decline” suggests environmental factors may be silently influencing hormone levels across entire populations. Genetic variations, particularly in estrogen receptor genes, can make some men more susceptible to these environmental influences.⁸

Modern dietary patterns play their part too. Research has revealed that low-fat diets, despite their popularity, may actually work against testosterone production. A comprehensive meta-analysis found significantly lower testosterone levels in men following low-fat diets compared to those consuming more dietary fat.⁹

The impact of sleep deserves special attention. Missing out on deep sleep doesn’t just leave you tired—it disrupts your body’s natural testosterone rhythm. The effect is immediate and measurable: just one night of poor sleep can reduce testosterone levels by up to 15%.¹⁰ 

Key Takeaway: The story of declining testosterone is more complex than simple aging. While time inevitably leads to lower testosterone production, a perfect storm of modern lifestyle factors and biological mechanisms appears to be accelerating this decline.

NAD+ and Testosterone

Scientists are uncovering the intricate connection between NAD+ and testosterone—a relationship that fundamentally shapes male reproductive health.

A systematic review in the Journal of Men’s Health reveals how declining NAD+ influences both testosterone production and fertility¹¹, positioning NAD+ as a critical factor in reproductive health throughout life.

The connection operates through multiple pathways. NAD+ works with specialized proteins called sirtuins, specifically Sirt1 and Sirt3, that regulate testosterone production in Leydig cells—the cellular factories responsible for male reproduction and sperm development.¹² These sirtuins depend on NAD+ as a cosubstrate, meaning they can’t function properly when NAD+ levels are low.

Research published in Frontiers in Endocrinology also demonstrates that low NAD+ levels affect more than just testosterone. They’re associated with impaired sperm production and decreased spermatogenesis¹³, creating a cascade effect throughout the male reproductive system.

Animal studies provide additional insights. When researchers administered testosterone to rat models, they observed changes in both NAD+ and NADH levels, suggesting a two-way communication between these molecules.¹⁴

Importantly, NADH (NAD+’s reduced form) directly participates in testosterone synthesis¹⁵ from simpler molecules. Without adequate NADH, this production process becomes less efficient.

Key Takeaway: NAD+ appears to be a fundamental molecule in preserving testosterone production and reproductive function over time.

Can NMN Boost Testosterone?

Current research has not confirmed NMN’s ability to increase testosterone levels in humans. However, promising research on NMN and testosterone has emerged in animal studies.

In a study involving Landrace boars, NMN supplementation significantly increased serum testosterone levels.¹⁶ This was accompanied by improvements in sperm quality, such as increased sperm volume, density, and motility, likely through the activation of the SIRT3 signaling pathway, which enhances antioxidation and reduces apoptosis in sperm cells.

Another study on male mice exposed to ionizing radiation found that NMN supplementation helped restore serum testosterone levels that were decreased due to radiation exposure.¹⁷ This suggests that NMN may have protective effects on testicular function and hormone levels under stress conditions.

NMN appears to exert its effects through the SIRT3 signaling pathway, which is involved in reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in cells. In mice, NMN was found to modulate the glycolytic pathway, which is crucial for energy metabolism and may contribute to the restoration of testosterone levels and testicular function after damage.

Now, animal studies don’t always translate perfectly to humans—we’re more complex creatures after all.

But here’s what we do know: NMN helps maintain healthy NAD+ levels in your cells, and this creates an environment where your hormones, including testosterone, can function at their best.

Are NMN Supplements Good for Men’s Health?

The potential health benefits of NMN supplementation have been gaining attention, and it’s no surprise. NMN helps boost NAD+ levels, supporting men’s health through multiple pathways.

When it comes to metabolic health, NMN shows particular promise. Research has revealed its ability to fine-tune insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism – essential factors for maintaining metabolic balance. One notable finding shows that NMN helps moderate post-meal insulin spikes¹⁸,a risk factor linked to coronary artery disease.

The effects of NMN on physical performance paint an interesting picture. Older men participating in clinical studies demonstrated measurable improvements in fundamental strength metrics – from better gait speed to increased grip strength.¹⁹

Even amateur runners showed enhanced oxygen utilization during exercise²⁰, suggesting NMN’s role in supporting athletic performance extends across age groups.

While human studies are still emerging, animal studies have uncovered an intriguing connection between NMN and reproductive health. Scientists have observed NMN’s protective effects against testicular injury and its support of healthy sperm production²¹ – findings that open new avenues for understanding NMN’s full potential in men’s health.

In animal studies, NMN has been shown to ameliorate testicular injury and improve spermatogenic function, suggesting potential reproductive health benefits.²²

Moreover, NMN supplementation is generally well-tolerated among healthy men. Researchers at the University of Tokyo reported that 250mg of daily NMN effectively increased blood NAD+ levels, with no significant adverse effects reported among healthy men.²³

For those ready to explore NMN’s benefits, Jinfiniti offers two premium options. Our Vitality ↑® NAD+ Booster combines pure NMN with synergistic ingredients like niacinamide, D-ribose and creatine monohydrate, creating a full spectrum formula for NAD+ optimization. 

For purists, our Pure NMN Powder provides a straightforward approach to NAD+ supplementation, allowing for flexible dosing and easy integration into your daily routine.

Remember, as with any supplement regimen, consistency is key. The cellular processes that NMN supports work best when maintained over time, making regular supplementation an important part of your health optimization strategy.

Can NMN Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

While there’s no direct evidence that NMN treats erectile dysfunction, emerging research on cellular health and male reproductive function suggests intriguing possibilities.

Here’s what we know so far:

• Potential benefits for male reproductive health – Studies show that NMN supplementation helped reverse diabetes-related fertility issues in mice²⁴, improving sperm function and reproductive outcomes.

• Supports healthy blood flow – NMN has been linked to the reversal of endothelial dysfunction²⁵, a condition that impairs blood vessel function and is associated with ED. Since strong blood flow is critical for erections, this could be significant.

• Boosts cellular energy – NMN can boost mitochondrial function²⁶ and ATP production²⁷, which may help improve overall vitality, endurance, and well-being.

• Anecdotal reports suggest increased libido – Some men taking NMN have reported feeling more energetic and experiencing a noticeable boost in their sex drive.

While these findings are promising, more human studies are needed to confirm NMN’s direct impact on erectile dysfunction. If you’re struggling with ED, your best first step is to consult your healthcare provider about proven treatment options.

However, given NMN’s benefits for circulation, energy, and cellular health, it may be worth considering as part of a broader wellness strategy.

Test Your NAD+ Levels with Jinfiniti

Want to take the guesswork out of your health optimization journey?

Your cellular NAD+ levels hold a key piece of the puzzle, especially when it comes to hormonal health. Just as you wouldn’t drive cross-country without a map, optimizing your health without measuring NAD+ levels means navigating in the dark.

Our Intracellular NAD® Test provides laboratory-grade precision where it matters most—inside your cells. This isn’t just another blood test; it’s your cellular command center’s status report, offering insights that can shape your entire optimization strategy.

• Think of your test results as your personal biochemical blueprint. Armed with this data, you can:

• Fine-tune your supplement protocol based on real numbers, not assumptions

• Time your interventions for maximum impact

• Make informed lifestyle adjustments that support your cellular health

Track your progress with scientific precision

For men focused on maintaining optimal testosterone levels, understanding your NAD+ status isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. After all, cellular energy and hormonal health share deep biological connections that influence everything from muscle recovery to cognitive performance.

Ready to move beyond trial and error? Transform your health optimization journey with precise, actionable data.

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