Everything You Need to Know About NAD+

What’s the newest buzzworthy supplement? NAD+.  

You’ve probably heard of it – and its connection to healthy aging, female fertility, and more.* 

But, there’s still a lot of confusion surrounding NAD+, especially when it comes to supplements. So, let’s dive in.  

What is NAD+?  

NAD+ stands for “nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.” It’s a coenzyme found in every single cell of your body – which must mean it’s pretty important, right?  

Here’s what it does:  

NAD+ works to keep your body functioning well at the cellular level. It’s involved in cellular energy production, metabolism, and repair.*  

That’s why it’s tied to healthy aging – research has shown that healthy NAD+ levels positively impact healthspan, or the part of a person’s life they’re generally in good health.*  

And, NAD+ may also help support muscle function and exercise recovery in athletes and active adults.* 

There’s also a connection between NAD+ and female fertility.* Let’s dive a little deeper.  

How does NAD+ benefit female fertility?* 

All the cells in your body depend on NAD+ to produce energy and stay healthy – including oocytes (egg cells).* Properly maturing eggs is one of the most energy intensive processes in the body, and the ovaries use NAD+ to power the mitochondria and fuel egg development.* 

NAD+ also activates sirtuins, which are a family of seven different enzymes that help protect your cells.* Two of these sirtuins – SIRT 1 and SIRT 3 – are particularly important for female fertility, and may help protect the DNA in oocytes, support healthy energy production, and promote healthy egg quality.* 

Egg quality is closely tied to overall fertility. But here’s the problem. Both egg quality and NAD+ levels naturally decline with age. That’s why many women have been trying to figure out how to supplement NAD+ – because protecting eggs at a cellular level can help support reproductive health as you age.* 

Can you take NAD+ as a supplement?  

Well you can, but it’s not the best choice to increase your NAD+ levels because it’s not well absorbed from the gut. But there’s a loophole – because NAD+ precursors are.  

A precursor is a substance your body uses to make something else. In the case of NAD+, there are two main precursors: 

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide):  In 2022, the FDA concluded that NMN fell under the “drug exclusion clause.” This means that NMN could not be lawfully marketed as a dietary supplement because it was previously being investigated as a pharmaceutical drug. Since then, the regulatory status has gotten even more complicated – and the FDA intends to clear it up later this year with a final decision on whether this form can be marketed as a dietary supplement.  

NR (nicotinamide riboside): NR is a form of vitamin B3, and it’s another effective precursor to raise NAD+ levels. And luckily, there are no restrictions on this form.  

What should you look for in a supplement to enhance your NAD+ levels?  

Premium Ingredients: Look for a supplement that contains an effective NAD+ precursor. NR has been shown to increase NAD+ levels, and you don’t have to worry about the regulatory concerns facing NMN. 

Some NAD+ supplements also include other synergistic compounds, like pterostilbene. Pterostilbene is a plant compound found in blueberries, grapes, and nuts, and when combined with an NAD+ precursor like NR, it helps increase NAD+ and sirtuin production.*   

Transparent Labeling: You should be able to look at the supplement facts label and know exactly what’s in it. Steer clear if you see terms like “proprietary blend,” “matrix,” or “complex.” Proprietary blends must disclose the ingredients, but not the dose of each ingredient, so it’s difficult to determine what you’re actually getting. 

Third-Party Testing & Certification: Supplements don’t require the same rigorous testing as medications before they hit the market, so choosing a supplement that’s been independently tested and certified by a trusted organization, like NSF International or USP, is key. This is your best guarantee that what’s on the label matches what’s actually in the supplement, and it’s free of harmful contaminants, like heavy metals and bacteria.  

NAD+ supports your body at the most fundamental level – your cells. It can help promote healthy aging, female fertility, and even muscle function and athletic recovery.* If you’re considering adding a supplement to your routine to help increase NAD+ levels, be sure to look for a high-quality product, and talk with your healthcare provider to make sure it’s right for you.