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AboutNAD

Illustration of DNA double helix and human cells representing NAD+ and DNA repair in orphan disease.

The connection between NAD+ and rare disease

Discover the shared biology linking orphan diseases through mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired DNA repair, and NAD+ depletion.

Illustration of mitochondria representing NAD+'s role in mitochondrial health and cellular energy production.

The role of mitochondria, NAD+, and mitophagy in aging

What human studies reveal about NAD+ and its role in supporting mitochondrial health and function.

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

What is NAD+?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a crucial coenzyme found in every cell, powering the conversion of food into energy and supporting essential cellular processes. As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline, affecting how our cells function. Find out how this discovery is changing the way we think about aging and what it means for your health.

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

Why NAD+ is important for whole-body health

As we age, NAD+ levels can drop by up to 65%, reducing the ability of cells to produce energy, repair DNA, and maintain overall function. This decline can weaken cellular resilience and increase vulnerability to age-related health challenges. Learn how maintaining NAD+ levels may support cellular energy, vitality, and long-term wellness.

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.

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.

Intravenous Administration

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

Syringe and vial representing NAD+ and nicotinamide riboside (NR) injections.

Injection

Targeted delivery via intramuscular or subcutaneous administration,
with the convenience of at-home or in-clinic administration.

Blog

Illustration of DNA double helix and human cells representing NAD+ and DNA repair in orphan disease.

Orphan Disease

NAD+ and Rare Diseases: The Shared Biology Behind Orphan Conditions

Despite their genetic diversity, many orphan diseases converge on shared biochemical crises—mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA repair damage, and NAD+ depletion. This article examines several rare conditions, exploring the science behind their connection to NAD+, and what emerging research means for the future of rare disease treatment.

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Illustration of mitochondria representing NAD+'s role in mitochondrial health and cellular energy production.

Mitochondrial Health

What Is Mitochondrial Health? Energy, NAD+, and the Science of Aging

Mitochondrial decline is now recognized as a hallmark of aging and a driving mechanism behind many age-related conditions. Learn more about mitochondrial health, the role of NAD+ in supporting it, and what human clinical evidence currently shows.

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Individual holding a dumbbell while exercising, illustrating the connection between NAD+, muscle strength, recovery, and healthy aging.

Muscle Health

The Role of NAD+ in Muscle Health, Aging, and Physical Performance

NAD+ is essential to nearly every process that keeps muscles functioning–from powering contractions to repairing damage after exercise. But levels decline significantly with age, and the impact on muscle strength, recovery, and function may be profound. Discover what the latest research reveals about NAD+, muscle aging, and the strategies that may help.

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Healthcare professional holding blood collection tubes representing research on blood NAD+ levels, NAD+ decline, and aging.

Aging & Longevity

Does NAD+ Decline With Age? Blood and Tissue Data Tell Different Stories

A newly published study reports that whole blood NAD+ does not decline with age, failing to account for well-documented tissue-specific declines. Human data from brain, muscle, skin, and liver continue to show age-related reductions in NAD+. The key question is where and how NAD+ changes with aging.

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