If you’ve been paying attention to the world of longevity and anti-aging research, you’ve probably heard the term “NAD+” thrown around quite a bit. But what exactly is it, and why has it become one of the hottest topics in health science? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What is NAD+?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a molecule that exists in every single cell of your body. Think of it as the “helper molecule” that your cells absolutely cannot live without. It’s involved in hundreds of critical processes that keep you alive and functioning.
Here’s what NAD+ does at the most basic level:
- Energy production: It helps convert the food you eat into usable energy (ATP)
- DNA repair: It activates enzymes that fix damaged DNA
- Cell signaling: It helps cells communicate with each other
- Gene expression: It influences which genes get turned on or off
Without adequate NAD+, your cells would essentially grind to a halt. It’s that fundamental to life.
The Problem: NAD+ Declines with Age
Here’s where things get interesting—and concerning. Research shows that NAD+ levels drop dramatically as we age. By middle age, most people have lost about 50% of their NAD+ compared to when they were young.
Scientists have observed this decline across multiple tissues in the human body, including:
- Liver
- Brain
- Skin
- Skeletal muscle
- Blood plasma
This isn’t just an interesting scientific observation—many researchers believe this decline is actually one of the fundamental drivers of aging itself. When NAD+ levels fall, cells struggle to produce energy efficiently, repair damage, and communicate with each other. The result? Many of the symptoms we associate with getting older.
NAD+ and the Sirtuins: The Longevity Connection
One of the main reasons NAD+ has attracted so much attention is its relationship with proteins called sirtuins. Often called “longevity genes,” sirtuins are enzymes that:
- Help regulate metabolism
- Reduce inflammation
- Protect against stress
- Support healthy aging
Here’s the key point: sirtuins require NAD+ to function. Without enough NAD+, these protective enzymes can’t do their job. It’s like having a car with no gas—the engine might be perfectly fine, but it’s not going anywhere.
This connection between NAD+ and sirtuins has made NAD+ a central focus of anti-aging research.
What the Research Shows
The science around NAD+ has been accelerating rapidly. Here are some of the most exciting findings from recent studies:
2024-2025 Breakthrough Studies
A major study published in Nature in early 2024 showed remarkable results when researchers boosted NAD+ levels using a systems-based approach:
- 26.5% average increase in blood NAD+ levels
- Some participants saw increases up to 105%
- Increased SIRT1 activity (one of the key sirtuin enzymes)
- Reduced inflammatory markers
- Shift toward younger biological age in immune system markers
Another comprehensive 2024 review looked at studies using NMN (a precursor that converts to NAD+ in the body) at doses ranging from 100 to 1,250 mg daily. The findings included improvements in:
- Insulin sensitivity
- Walking speed
- Grip strength
- Sleep quality
Brain Health Research
Perhaps one of the most exciting developments came from a 2025 study involving 46 older adults with cognitive decline. Researchers found that NAD+ precursor supplementation led to a 7% reduction in phosphorylated tau—a key biomarker associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
While this doesn’t mean NAD+ prevents or treats Alzheimer’s, it suggests a potential connection between NAD+ levels and brain health that warrants further investigation.
Animal Studies: The Foundation
Much of what we know about NAD+ comes from animal studies, which have shown impressive results:
- Restoration of NAD+ to youthful levels improved cardiovascular function
- Reversal of multiple metabolic conditions
- Improved muscle function and endurance
- Increased mitochondrial function and ATP production
- Better quality and quantity of muscle stem cells
- Extended lifespan in certain organisms
Older mice treated with NAD+ precursors became more physically active and showed improvements in insulin sensitivity and reduced DNA damage.
How to Support NAD+ Levels
There are several approaches being studied to maintain or boost NAD+ levels:
NAD+ Precursors
Most NAD+ supplements don’t actually contain NAD+ itself. Instead, they contain precursor molecules that your body converts into NAD+:
| Precursor | Full Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NMN | Nicotinamide Mononucleotide | One step away from NAD+ in the conversion pathway |
| NR | Nicotinamide Riboside | Another well-studied precursor |
| Niacin | Vitamin B3 | The most basic precursor, long used for other purposes |
Direct NAD+ Supplementation
Some products provide NAD+ directly, typically in buffered formulations designed for better stability. The advantage of direct NAD+ is that it doesn’t require conversion in the body, though absorption and bioavailability are still subjects of ongoing research.
Lifestyle Factors
Research suggests several lifestyle factors may naturally support NAD+ levels:
- Exercise: Physical activity appears to boost NAD+ production
- Fasting/caloric restriction: May activate NAD+ synthesis pathways
- Sleep: Adequate sleep supports cellular repair processes
- Avoiding excessive sun exposure: UV damage depletes NAD+ for repair
What Experts Say
It’s worth noting that while the research is exciting, scientists urge some caution. Charles Brenner, a leading expert on NAD metabolism at the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, acknowledges that “it’s hard to exaggerate the central importance of NAD coenzymes and metabolism” while also noting that supplements in this space need more rigorous study.
The scientific community agrees that more research is needed to determine long-term safety, optimal dosing, and practical applications in humans. But the foundational research is promising enough that NAD+ has become one of the most active areas of longevity science.
The Big Picture
NAD+ represents a fascinating intersection of cellular biology and practical health applications. Here’s what we know:
- NAD+ is essential for cellular energy production and hundreds of biological processes
- Levels decline significantly with age—by about 50% by middle age
- This decline may contribute to many aspects of aging
- Restoring NAD+ levels has shown promising results in both animal and human studies
- Multiple approaches exist for supporting NAD+ levels, from precursors to direct supplementation
Whether you’re interested in the cutting edge of longevity research or simply want to understand what’s happening in your cells, NAD+ is a molecule worth knowing about.
Research with ARG Peptides
At ARG Peptides, we offer research-grade NAD+ Buffered (500mg) for qualified researchers investigating this essential coenzyme. Our commitment to purity (99%+) and quality ensures reliable results for research applications.
Have questions about our NAD+ or other research compounds? Contact our team—we’re happy to help.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. NAD+ and all compounds sold by ARG Peptides are intended for laboratory research use only and are not for human consumption. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding any research applications.
