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AboutNAD

Abstract image resembling immune cells representing nicotinamide riboside (NR) research in Long-COVID.

New clinical study explores how nicotinamide riboside may support long COVID patients

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found NR supplementation increased NAD+ levels and improved fatigue, executive function, sleep quality, and mood in long COVID patients.

3D visualization of transparent cells with red nuclei representing NAD+ activity and cellular energy.

What is NAD+?

Your cells depend on NAD+ for energy production and repair, but levels drop significantly as we get older. Find out how this discovery is changing the way we think about aging.

3D molecular visualization illustrating nicotinamide riboside (NR) and its role in supporting cellular NAD+ metabolism.

Why NAD+ is important for whole-body health

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a vital coenzyme found in every cell of your body, essential for converting food into energy and supporting critical cellular functions. As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline by up to 65%, contributing to reduced cellular energy and increased susceptibility to age-related health challenges.

EXPLORE NAD+ BENEFITS
Cross-section of cells symbolizing nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplementation and its association with NAD+ levels.

The science of NAD+ boosting

Since NAD+ molecules are too large to effectively enter cells when taken directly, your body requires smaller compounds called NAD+ "precursors": building blocks that can cross into cells and convert into NAD+. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a unique form of vitamin B3 that efficiently converts to NAD+ in your cells through a specialized pathway.

Unlike other precursors, NR bypasses rate-limiting steps and avoids potential side effects associated with NAD+ and niacin supplementation. Extensive research demonstrates NR's superior bioavailability and safety profile, making it one of the most studied and effective NAD+ precursors available, with clinical studies consistently showing its ability to significantly raise NAD+ levels in humans.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NR
Cell membrane illustration representing NAD+ pathways and nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplementation research.

How NAD+ supplementation can support your health

As we age, maintaining adequate NAD+ levels becomes increasingly important for cellular processes throughout the body. Studies on NAD+ supplementation show promising connections to positive benefits across multiple areas of health:

  • Neurological Health (e.g., Parkinson's disease)
  • Cardiovascular Health (e.g., Heart Failure)
  • Orphan Disease (e.g., Ataxia Telangiectasia)
  • Immune Function
  • Aging & Healthspan
  • Muscle Health
EXPLORE CLINICAL STUDIES

Expert-backed content

Every article, study summary, and educational resource undergoes rigorous expert review before publication.

Our educational content is created and reviewed by world-renowned experts in NAD+ research and cellular biology. From pioneering researchers who discovered NAD+ precursors to clinical investigators conducting cutting-edge trials, our expert network ensures the highest standards of scientific accuracy.

Portrait of Dr. Charles Brenner, researcher who discovered nicotinamide riboside (NR) as an NAD+ precursor.

Charles Brenner, Ph.D.

Dr. Charles Brenner is a leading global researcher in NAD+ metabolism, known for discovering the vitamin activity of nicotinamide riboside.

Portrait of Dr. Vilhelm Will Bohr, scientist studying nicotinamide riboside (NR) and its role in neurodegeneration and brain health.

Vilhelm (Will) Bohr, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc.

Dr. Vilhelm Bohr is a leading researcher in DNA repair, aging, and neurodegenerative disease with over 600 journal publications.

Portrait of Toby Amidor, registered dietitian contributing to AboutNAD educational content.

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND

Toby Amidor is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and leading culinary nutrition expert, recognized with the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics' Media Excellence Award.

Portrait of Dr. Philip Redpath, Director of Innovation R&D at Niagen Bioscience, expert in synthetic organic chemistry and NAD+ precursor development.

  Philip Redpath, Ph.D.

Dr. Philip Redpath, Director of Innovation R&D at Niagen Bioscience, is a synthetic organic chemistry expert specializing in NAD+ precursor development.

Portrait of Lauren Manaker, registered dietitian specializing in women's health and nutrition, focusing on evidence-based dietary recommendations.

Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, CLEC

Lauren Manaker is an award-winning registered dietitian and three-time author specializing in evidence-based women's health nutrition.

Portrait of Dr. Michael Sagner, physician and pioneer in preventative medicine, dedicated to promoting health and wellness through early intervention.

Michael Sagner, M.D.

Dr. Michael Sagner is a globally recognized physician and pioneer in preventive medicine, serving as Clinical Advisor at Ageing Research at King's (ARK) and founder of The Serena Clinic.

Methods of NAD+ Administration: Understanding Your Options

Modern science offers several approaches to increasing NAD+ levels, each with distinct advantages and applications:

Dish containing capsules symbolizing oral NAD+ and nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplementation.

Oral Supplementation

The most convenient and widely studied method, particularly with nicotinamide riboside (NR), offering proven bioavailability and safety.

Syringe and vial representing intravenous (IV) delivery of NAD+ and nicotinamide riboside (NR).

Intravenous Administration

Direct delivery for maximum bioavailability, typically used in clinical settings for specific therapeutic applications.

Liposomal particles visualized to represent encapsulated delivery of NAD+ and nicotinamide riboside (NR).

Liposomal Delivery

A delivery system purported to enhance absorption and cellular uptake of NAD+ precursors, but lacks clinical research to support.

Blog

Scientists in lab coats reviewing capsules representing NAD+ and long COVID research.

COVID/Long-COVID

Can NAD+ Help with Long COVID Recovery? What We Know

New research suggests that nicotinamide riboside (NR), a precursor to NAD+, may help improve long COVID symptoms like fatigue, mood, and sleep quality. Explore the science behind this potential molecule and what the study showed.

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Woman smiling in natural light representing skin health and well-being associated with NAD+ research.

Skin Health

Can Increasing NAD+ Support Skin Health & Aging?

Explore how NAD+ supports skin health, why its levels decline with age, and how nicotinamide riboside (NR) may help boost NAD+ from the inside out to support healthy skin.

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Woman holding glass of water and capsules symbolizing oral NAD+ supplement intake.

In the News

No Evidence Shows That Oral NAD+ Supplementation Increases NAD+ Levels in Humans

Oral NAD+ supplements have not been shown to increase NAD+ levels in humans, a conclusion recently supported by the National Advertising Division (NAD). Learn why the science shows oral NAD+ is ineffective and what the evidence really says.

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