NAD+ Supplements: Forms, Benefits, Side Effects and Safety

In 1513, Ponce de León sought the Fountain of Youth. In the 1920s, it was radium-infused water. The 1970s brought megadose vitamins. Now, NAD+ has become the latest anti-aging trend.

NAD+ levels decline with age, prompting claims that supplements can reverse aging.

Unlike past trends, NAD+ has real biological importance in metabolism and cellular function. But the jump from laboratory studies to costly supplements deserves healthy skepticism.

This article examines what we know, what remains unproven, and whether these increasingly popular NAD+ supplements are worth the price and promises.

NAD+ and Its Role in the Body

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a key molecule in your body that supports over 500 enzyme reactions.

NAD+ is essential for:

• Creating cellular energy
• Repairing DNA
• Signaling between hormones
• Managing inflammation

Your cells are like busy kitchens with ingredients moving everywhere. NAD+ is the head chef who decides which ingredients go into which dishes, when to turn up the heat, and how to transform raw materials into energy your body can use.

The molecule also plays other important roles in your body:

• Powers sirtuins (known as “longevity genes”) that affect how you age
• Keeps your internal body clock ticking on time
• Supports your mitochondria, the powerhouses of your cells¹

Aging and Decline of NAD+

What makes NAD+ so interesting is how our body’s relationship with this molecule changes as we age.

Mouse studies show NAD+ levels fall by about half in middle age.¹ In humans, NAD levels vary based on age, sex, lifestyle, and health status.²

When NAD+ becomes limited, it impacts cells in critical ways:

• Mitochondrial function declines, reducing energy production
• DNA repair mechanisms weaken
• Cells become less resilient and metabolically efficient

These changes can contribute to many signs of aging like lower cognitive function, metabolic disorders and inflammation.³

This has lead researchers to study NAD+ precursors as potential supplements to safely increase NAD in older adults.

Since NAD+ patterns vary among individuals, the most effective approaches may need to be personalized.

Types of NAD+ Supplements

NAD+ supplements come in several forms, each containing specific compounds that serve as building blocks for NAD+ production in the body.

NAD+ Precursors

1. Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): This advanced vitamin B3 form directly converts to NAD+. Research shows that daily supplementation can increase NAD+ by up to 2.7 times.⁴
2. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN): Another direct precursor shown to boost NAD+ levels in human studies.⁴
3. Niacin and Nicotinamide: Traditional vitamin B3 forms that help make NAD+, but may have different side effects than newer options.
4. Trigonelline: A natural alkaloid related to niacin that can increase NAD+ levels in the body.⁵
5. NADH: A direct form of the coenzyme that can be supplemented orally, though absorption efficiency is still being studied.

Supplement Forms

• Oral Supplements: Simple capsules, tablets, or powders you swallow. The most common and easy-to-use option for daily use.
• Sublingual Products: These dissolve under your tongue for potentially faster results.
• Liposomal Delivery: These liquids use tiny fat bubbles to help your body absorb NAD+, but remain unproven.
• IV Therapy: Delivers NAD+ directly to your bloodstream, though research shows the large molecules have trouble getting into your cells.⁶
• Alternative Methods: Includes skin creams, patches, and nasal sprays.

Potential Benefits of NAD+ Supplements

Here is what current human research suggests about the benefits of NAD supplements.

1. Boosts NAD+ Levels That Decline with Age

Both NMN and NR are effective at increasing NAD+ levels in the human body, helping to restore what is lost with aging.⁷

Increased NAD+ means your cells can produce more energy and work better, supporting overall wellness and vitality.

In multiple research studies, people who took NMN or NR had measurable increases in NAD+ in their blood, brains, and muscles.⁸

2. Supports Physical Strength and Muscle Function

NMN and NR supplementation may help keep your muscles stronger as you age.

In trials with older adults, taking NMN improved muscle strength and made walking easier, which is important for staying independent and active.⁹

NR also helps increase the energy capacity in muscle cells by supporting mitochondria, laying the foundation for better physical performance.¹⁰

3. Helps Maintain a Healthy Brain and May Support Memory

NAD+ is important for brain health, and raising NAD+ levels with NR and NMN can help support memory and mental sharpness. 

Some research on NR showed it could reduce certain markers linked to Alzheimer’s disease in older adults, and there have been small improvements in activity and step counts in people with early memory loss.¹¹

NMN and NR may also decrease inflammation in the brain, helping protect your brain as you age.¹²

4. Improves Metabolism and Energy Levels

Studies indicate that NR and NMN supplements help the body handle sugar and fats better, supporting energy production and metabolic health.¹³

Older adults and people with metabolic challenges may find these supplements particularly helpful for weight management and avoiding metabolism-related complications.

5. Reduces Inflammation in the Body

Chronic inflammation can quietly damage your health over time and increase the risk for many diseases.

Both NMN and NR have demonstrated an ability to lower inflammation markers in the body, especially in older adults who tend to have higher baseline inflammation.¹⁴

Studies observed that taking NR can reduce levels of cytokines like IL-6, which are signs of inflammation in the body.¹⁵

6. Supports Heart and Blood Vessel Health

NAD+ supplements may help protect your heart and improve circulation.

NMN and NR have shown promise in boosting cardiovascular function, enhancing flexible blood vessels, and sometimes reducing blood pressure.¹⁶

By supporting the metabolism of heart cells and blood vessels, NMN and NR could help lower the risk of age-related heart concerns.

7. May Improve Fertility in Older Women

There is early evidence that NMN might improve egg health and reproduction potential in women over the age of 35, a group that typically experiences a drop in fertility linked to declining NAD+.

Supplementing with NMN can help boost oocyte (egg cell) quality, increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy for women in this age group.¹⁷

Safety and Side Effects of NAD+ Supplements

One of the most reassuring findings from many human studies is that NMN and NR supplements are safe for most people and well tolerated even at higher doses.¹⁸

Reported side effects are typically mild and rare, such as slight stomach upset or headache, and no serious events have been shown in clinical research up to doses of 2000 mg/day for NR and 900 mg/day for NMN.¹⁹

Common Side Effects

• Feeling tired or weak at first
• Digestive problems (nausea, constipation, diarrhea)
• Short-term headaches
• Feeling more irritable than usual
• Possible sleep issues, muscle aches, or nervous system effects

Precautions

• Watch for allergic reactions (rare but serious)
• Avoid during pregnancy or while breastfeeding
• Not studied enough for use in children
• Use with caution if you have liver or kidney issues

Other Considerations

• Antidepressants might decrease NAD+ effectiveness²⁰
• Insulin users should monitor blood sugar closely
• Other longevity supplements like curcumin, quercetin and CoQ10 might amplify NAD+ effects

How to Safely Take NAD Supplements

Optimal dosages for NAD+ precursors are still being studied. Here’s what we know from clinical trials:

*Higher doses of niacin require medical supervision.

Important Note: A healthcare professional should help determine the right amount and form of NAD supplement for you.

Choosing a Quality Supplement

When selecting NAD+ supplements, consumers should consider:

1. Independent testing: Look for products that have undergone third-party testing for purity and potency.
2. Manufacturing standards: GMP-certified and NSF-certified products may offer greater quality assurance.
3. Regulatory limitations: The FDA does not regulate supplements as strictly as prescription drugs, making quality variability a concern.

Our Research-Validated NAD+ Formulations

At Jinfiniti, we go beyond basic quality assurance by scientifically validating our formulations. Our Vitality ↑® NAD+ Booster Powder combines NMN with D-ribose, niacinamide, and creatine monohydrate in a formula that targets multiple pathways for NAD+ production.

This synergistic approach produces better results than single-ingredient supplements. Our Pure NMN Powder offers >99.5% purity for those who prefer a direct NAD precursor without additional ingredients.

What sets our products apart is their connection to our testing services. We back our supplements with our Intracellular NAD® Test, allowing you to verify your results with objective measurements. This creates accountability that few supplement makers offer.

Our formulations are developed by Dr. Jin-Xiong She, who brings decades of scientific expertise in cellular health and aging. We conduct our own research rather than simply following market trends, ensuring you receive products based on solid scientific principles.

Takeaway on NAD+ Supplementation

Taking NAD+ supplements can be a convenient way to help your cells stay energized and support key aspects of health as you age.

These supplements offer benefits in boosting energy, muscle strength, brain and heart function, and may even support healthy aging and fertility.

Human studies consistently report safety and good tolerability, making NMN and NR promising options to help people age more healthfully.

However, everyone is different, so consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take regular medications.

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