Last verified: 17 days ago
NAD+
Also known as: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, NAD, NR, Nicotinamide Riboside, NMN, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, NADH, NADP
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Cellular energy coenzyme. Limited human evidence; one trial showed fitness gains in a rare disease.
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What it does
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body that plays a central role in energy metabolism and DNA repair. Precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose from provided studies for general use; 300–900 mg/day nicotinamide riboside used in one clinical trial
What the Science Says
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body that plays a central role in energy metabolism and DNA repair. Precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) are taken as supplements to try to raise NAD+ levels. One 12-week clinical trial found that NR combined with exercise improved cardiopulmonary fitness in people with Friedreich's ataxia, a rare neurological disease, but evidence in healthy adults remains very limited.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to reverse aging in humans. No solid evidence it boosts energy or cognition in healthy adults. One clinical trial found NR did NOT prevent nerve fiber degeneration or improve nerve regeneration. NMN's anti-tumor immune effects are only from lab studies — not proven in people. Don't expect it to replace exercise or treat any disease on its own.
Evidence-Based Benefits
NR plus exercise improved cardiopulmonary fitness in people with Friedreich's ataxia over 12 weeks.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 300–900 mg/day (weight-based)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Oral NR supplementation did not prevent nerve fiber degeneration or improve nerve regeneration in humans.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No data from provided studies on effective dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown for NAD+ itself (poorly absorbed directly); precursors NR and NMN are better absorbed orally, but one study found NR supplementation did not reliably elevate plasma NAD+ levels at the doses tested
Red Flags to Watch For
- One clinical trial found NR failed to raise plasma NAD+ levels or improve nerve regeneration at tested doses — absorption may be unreliable
- Most exciting claims (anti-aging, cancer, neurodegeneration) come from animal or cell studies, not human trials
- 165 registered supplement products exist despite very limited human clinical evidence — heavy marketing outpaces the science
- Optimal dosing for healthy adults is completely unknown from the provided studies
- Friedreich's ataxia trial results cannot be generalized to healthy people
Products Containing NAD+
See how NAD+ is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does NAD+ do?
Cellular energy coenzyme. Limited human evidence; one trial showed fitness gains in a rare disease.
What is the effective dose of NAD+?
No established dose from provided studies for general use; 300–900 mg/day nicotinamide riboside used in one clinical trial
Is NAD+ safe?
One clinical trial found NR failed to raise plasma NAD+ levels or improve nerve regeneration at tested doses — absorption may be unreliable
What doesn't NAD+ do?
Not proven to reverse aging in humans.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25