What is NAD+?

What is NAD+?

If you’re interested in energy, aging well, or cellular health (and let’s be honest—who isn’t?), then meet NAD+: your body’s behind-the-scenes power player. I’ve dabbled with supplements and found them not to be the most effective and have moved onto injections to give them a try!

NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide—a mouthful, we know. But its job is simple and critical: NAD+ helps your cells make energy, repair themselves, and function at their best.

It’s like the fuel your body didn’t know it was running low on.

Why Is NAD+ So Important?

NAD+ is found in every single cell in your body. Without it, your mitochondria (your cellular energy factories) simply can’t do their job.

Here’s what NAD+ supports:

  • ATP Production: Converts food into usable cellular energy (ATP).

  • DNA Repair: Activates enzymes (like PARPs) that fix DNA damage.

  • Cellular Defense: Supports sirtuins, a family of enzymes that regulate inflammation, metabolism, and longevity.

  • Brain Health: Helps neurons communicate, protecting against cognitive decline.

  • Detoxification & Liver Function: Assists in phase I/II detox pathways.

NAD+ Decline with Age

NAD+ levels decline by as much as 50% between your 30s and 60s. That drop can contribute to:

  • Fatigue

  • Brain fog

  • Slower recovery

  • Hormonal shifts

  • Inflammation

  • Metabolic changes

This decline is a major reason why anti-aging research is now obsessed with NAD+—and why you might want to be, too.

How to Boost NAD+ Naturally

Good news—there are lifestyle choices and supplements that can help replenish your NAD+ levels.

  • Fasting/Intermittent Fasting: Encourages natural NAD+ production.

  • Exercise: Boosts mitochondrial biogenesis and increases NAD+ demand and recycling.

  • Sleep & Circadian Rhythm: NAD+ is regulated by your internal clock.

  • Cold/Heat Exposure: Think cold plunges and saunas—both boost NAD+ via cellular stress adaptation.

Supplements & Nutrient Support:

  • Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN): NAD+ precursors shown to raise NAD+ in humans.

  • B3 (Niacin): Another precursor that supports the NAD+ pathway.

  • Resveratrol & Quercetin: May enhance sirtuin activity when NAD+ levels are supported.

  • CoQ10 & Alpha Lipoic Acid: Mitochondrial boosters that work synergistically.

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Final Thoughts

Think of NAD+ like your body’s master switch for energy, repair, and resilience. Whether you’re looking to feel more vibrant now—or age like a badass later—supporting your NAD+ levels is a smart move.

Tara Woodland