NAD and the Science of Aging – Science, Benefits, and Costs of NAD Supplementation

by Dr Gene | Jul 10, 2025 | Age Reversal

Aging is unavoidable, but how we age may be more adaptable than we once assumed. The quest for health, vitality, and longevity is evolving rapidly in the modern era. From embracing cold plunges and fasting to exploring stem cell therapies and gene editing, ongoing discoveries continue to help us support our bodies over time. Among these innovations, one molecule—present in every cell—has gained prominence in conversations about healthy aging: NAD.

Short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD isn’t a futuristic biotech breakthrough; it is already a part of you, playing an essential role in sustaining life and bodily functions. However, as we age, our NAD levels decline, which can trigger a range of age-related issues such as reduced energy, inflammation, slower healing processes, and diminished mental clarity.

Consequently, NAD supplementation has emerged as one of the most promising strategies for enhancing health span and combating age-related diseases. From celebrities to biohackers and even mainstream health enthusiasts, many are now asking: Can boosting NAD levels actually help us age more gracefully?

Let’s delve into the science behind NAD, what happens in your body when you take NAD supplements, and whether this investment is worthwhile.

What Is NAD and Why Is It Important?

NAD is a coenzyme – a type of biological assistant found in every living cell. It is essential for energy production, DNA repair, cellular communication, and regulating our biological clocks. Essentially, NAD converts the food we consume into energy and helps maintain cell integrity.

Unfortunately, NAD levels naturally decline with age. By the time you reach middle age, your NAD levels might be reduced by half compared to what they were in your twenties. This decline is associated with increased oxidative stress, less efficient mitochondrial function, and elevated chronic inflammation—all factors that contribute to the aging process and the onset of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and various metabolic disorders.

Given its crucial role, scientists are exploring methods to restore or maintain optimal NAD levels through lifestyle changes and, increasingly, through supplementation.

How NAD Supplements Work

It’s important to note that “NAD supplements” do not mean you’re ingesting NAD directly. Due to NAD’s instability and the poor absorption it experiences when taken orally, supplements are instead made from precursors—compounds that the body naturally converts into NAD.

The two most extensively studied precursors are:

• Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)

• Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)

Both of these are forms of vitamin B3 that are deemed safe and well-tolerated. When ingested, your body undergoes a multi-step biochemical process to convert these compounds into NAD.

What Happens When You Supplement With NAD?

Although human research is still in its early phases, the preliminary findings are encouraging.

1. Reduced Inflammation and Improved Metabolic Health

Chronic, low-grade inflammation—often dubbed “inflammaging”—plays a key role in age-related decline. Some studies indicate that NAD precursors may help lower inflammation by bolstering sirtuins, proteins that oversee cellular stress responses, metabolism, and longevity. In various animal and human studies, higher NAD levels correlate with reduced markers of systemic inflammation.

2. Enhanced Cardiovascular Function

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Emerging research suggests that NAD supplementation might protect cardiovascular health by enhancing mitochondrial efficiency in heart cells, reducing oxidative stress, and improving vascular function. For instance, in patients with heart failure, NAD precursors like NMN have shown potential in supporting energy metabolism and lowering inflammatory markers—providing a promising complement to conventional treatments.

3. Support for Muscle Health and Physical Performance

A common aging symptom is the loss of muscle mass and strength. NAD fuels the mitochondria—the powerhouses within muscle cells. In a 2021 randomized controlled trial, older men taking nicotinamide riboside for 12 weeks experienced improvements in grip strength and walking speed, hinting at enhanced physical performance. However, some studies have not shown significant changes in strength, indicating that further research is necessary.

4. Improved Brain Health and Cognitive Function

NAD is also crucial for brain function. Low NAD levels in the brain have been associated with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Preclinical studies have shown that increasing NAD levels can lead to improved learning, memory, and synaptic function. A human study from 2023 noted reductions in insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers following NAD precursor supplementation, suggesting benefits for cognitive health as well.

Who Should Consider NAD Supplementation?

For most healthy adults, NAD supplements are generally considered safe for short-term use—typically up to 12 weeks—according to experts like Alexandria Hardy, RDN. However, these supplements are not typically suitable for everyone. Children, pregnant women, and individuals with active or previously diagnosed cancers are generally advised against taking NAD supplements. While some animal studies suggest potential benefits, other research raises concerns that NAD-boosting compounds might accelerate the growth of certain cancers by encouraging cell proliferation. This situation highlights the importance of personalized healthcare and the need to consult with a professional before starting any supplementation.

How to Supplement: Forms and Costs

NAD precursors are available in several formats:

• Capsules/Pills: the most common and easily accessible form.

• Lozenges or Sublingual Tablets: offer faster absorption through the mouth’s lining.

• Injections.

• IV Infusion: NAD can also be administered directly into the bloodstream via intravenous therapy, which wellness clinics promote for its rapid impact on energy and recovery.

Among these options, oral supplements—especially NR and NMN—are the most widely used and studied. Prices vary depending on brand, dosage, and delivery method. A typical 30-day supply of NR capsules generally costs between $40 and $90 (often in doses around 250–300 mg per day), while NMN supplements tend to be pricier, ranging from $60 to $150 for a month’s supply. IV NAD therapy, offered by some wellness centers, can cost between $250 and $1,000 per session, with some treatment plans recommending multiple sessions each month. For many, oral NAD precursors offer the best combination of efficacy and affordability for long-term use.

What About Natural Ways to Boost NAD?

Although supplements are the focus here, it’s important to remember that your body can naturally increase NAD with healthy lifestyle habits. Research shows that regular exercise, calorie restriction, intermittent fasting, and quality sleep all contribute to enhanced NAD production. In fact, these natural strategies may work in tandem with supplements to support optimal cellular health.

The Bottom Line: Should You Take NAD?

If your goal is to boost energy, safeguard cognitive function, and lessen the toll of aging on your body, NAD supplementation holds considerable potential. While the science is still unfolding, current research links higher NAD levels with improved health outcomes in older adults. Although it isn’t a miracle cure, NAD appears to be a vital part of the broader picture, including sleep, exercise, nutrition, and a sense of purpose—essential for a long and healthy life.

Nonetheless, it is crucial to approach supplementation with caution and informed guidance. Discuss your options with a healthcare professional, weigh the benefits against the risks, and remember that no supplement can substitute for the fundamental habits that foster genuine vitality.

We are not merely seeking to live longer; we are striving to live better. NAD might just be one of the most exciting tools available to help achieve that goal.

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