There’s no denying, NAD+ (a.k.a. the fountain of youth, bottled) is the hottest wellness trend right now. There are a few different delivery systems—IVs, subcutaneous injections, nasal sprays, and of course, the best NAD+ supplements—to help address everything from loss of muscle mass to brain fog, skin aging, and declining energy stores.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) supports virtually every major cellular function, explains board-certified internist and longevity expert Dr. Amanda Kahn. “It helps your cells generate ATP (energy), protects against oxidative stress, assists in DNA repair, promotes collagen and elastin synthesis for youthful skin, keeps brain and immune cells functioning optimally, and helps maintain microvascular health to ensure proper nutrient delivery throughout tissues” she adds. “Importantly, NAD+ activates sirtuins, which are proteins that regulate inflammation and repair, both of which are essential for longevity.”
Vogue’s Favorite NAD+ Supplements:
However, NAD+ molecules are too large to penetrate the cell membrane, making its effectiveness a subject of debate. That’s where the best NAD+ supplements come in, or rather, the best NAD+ boosters. “Supplements called NAD+ boosters typically contain NR (nicotinamide riboside), NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), or another precursor to NAD+,” says longevity expert, and founder of Timebeam Beauty, Dr. Lamees Hamdan. “The body uses these precursors to eventually convert to NAD+.”
To help boost NAD+ levels and bolster your body’s defense against decline, we asked experts to dish on everything from what to look for to the overall benefits to help whittle down our list of the best NAD+ supplements.
In This Article:
- Why We Love It: Dr. Kahn recommends Tru Niagen for oral NAD+ supplementation because it is “well-studied, third-party tested, and trusted for purity.” This supplement contains a patented ingredient called Niagen—which includes nicotinamide riboside (NR), a unique form of vitamin B3 and precursor to NAD+. NR is an efficient way to elevate NAD+ levels because it can penetrate the cell membrane directly. True Niagen’s patented ingredient Niagen is also clinically studied for its safety and efficacy in over 35 peer-reviewed published research papers (which it conveniently lists out on its website). It partners with the best-in-class institutions like Mayo Clinic, Harvard, and more, and 90% of its studies are independently researched—meaning they’re conducted or funded by a third-party.
- Type: NR
- Dose: 2 capsules
- Why We Love It: Another favorite of Dr. Kahn, Pure Encapsulations uses the same patented NR complex (Niagen) developed by Tru Niagen. While more research needs to be done, some early trials showed initial evidence that supplementation with NR was safe in humans and could effectively boost NAD levels. It can be a powerful tool to support the health of your cells, heart, muscles, and more. Hypoallergenic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, this vegan capsule also contains broccoli sprout concentrate and trans-resveratrol to supercharge your supplement routine.
- Type: Nicotinamide riboside chloride
- Dose: 2 capsules
Best NAD+ Supplement for Performance: THORNE NiaCel 400
- Why We Love It: Thorne is one of the most reputable brands known in the supplement industry. Powered by a unique form of NR that’s exclusive to Thorne, it’s a great choice for athletes or those looking for more robust NAD+ support, because every batch is NSF Certified for Sport and made without ingredients banned by many major athletic organizations. One dose is only one capsule, so it’s also incredibly easy to work into your supplement routine.
- Type: NR
- Dose: 1 capsule
- Why We Love It: With both NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene (PT), a powerful plant polyphenol, this supplement helps boost your cellular energy to protect your cells from the wear and tear we experience from modern life. “Alcohol, smoking, overeating, stress, environmental toxins are some things that can speed up the decline of NAD+,” says Hamdan. “There are ways to rebuild those levels both naturally and with a little help.” Polyphenols are also said to help restore NAD+ levels, so we love that this capsule packs a two-for-one punch. The brand also offers a 30-day risk-free trial, so you can try the supplement and if you don’t love it, you can get a full refund.
- Type: NR
- Dose: 2 capsules
- Why We Love It: For mood, memory, energy, and focus support, these lozenges taste like lemon and easily dissolve under your tongue. It uses NADH—NAD+ is an oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine whereas NADH is a reduced form of nicotinamide adenine, meaning it gains the electron lost by NAD+— which is able to enter the cell via the membrane. Early research found that there is promise with oral NADH for treating chronic fatigue syndrome, with more clinical trials underway.
- Type: NADH
- Dose: 1 lozenge
- Why We Love It: Not only does this capsule help boost NAD+ production in cells, the secret molecule to your best skin ever, by using precursor NR, it adds even more benefits with resveratrol. Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant—found in grapes—best known for its research-backed health benefits (and the root of what we know as the “French paradox.”) “I like NAD+ boosters stacked with other ingredients as I find that gives you the best results,” says Hamdan. The brilliance of the formula is not just what it’s made with, but what it’s made without—there are no fillers, artificial additives, or preservatives.
- Type: NR
- Dose: 2 capsules
- Why We Love It: Not only is this powder manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility, the brand also puts every supplement through stringent third-party testing for quality assurance. It’s great for those who are wary of taking pills and prefer to customize their supplement routine. It comes in a powder format, so you can put the zesty, citrus-flavored dust directly under your tongue, mix it in water, or blend it with your favorite beverage. The brand also prominently lists their certificate of analysis on their website, a major bonus for users who appreciate transparency.
- Type: NRC
- Dose: 2 scoops
- Why We Love It: Rho’s liquid NAD+ is the ingestible answer to those who want a vitamin B3 boost without getting an expensive IV drip. With a tangy lemon flavor and a vegan, sugar-free, keto-friendly, non-GMO, gluten, dairy-free, and soy-free formulation, customers reported loving the ability to customize their daily dosage and beat the afternoon slump.
- Type: NAD
- Dose: 4 milliliters
- Why We Love It: While NAD+ is the ingredient everyone is obsessing over, the truth is that NAD+ does not work by itself. Hamdan formulated this powder with NAD+ “friends” like vitamin C, ribose, and rhodiola. “This helps increase the efficacy and bioavailability of the NAD+,” says Hamdan. Hamdan also sought out an incredibly powerful and innovative NAD+ booster for this formula (we found it’s a trademarked complex called RiaGev-WS), which she says is superior to NMN and NR. “It’s a direct source of NAD+, meaning it boosts not only NAD+ but two other longevity molecules in the cells called ATP and glutathione, while also decreasing cortisol levels,” says Hamdan. “It’s also easily absorbed by your body—remember if you don’t absorb it, you can’t use it.” The sprinkle-able, fast-melting powder melts right onto your tongue or can be mixed into hot or cold drinks which makes it one of the easiest ways to get your daily boost of NAD+.
- Type: RiaGev-WS
- Dose: 1 packet
- Why We Love It: With a patented blend of NMN, vitamin D, resveratrol, and olive antioxidant super ingredient hydroxytyrosol, this NAD+ supplement is ranked among the best of the best according to longevity experts. “Oral precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), are more easily absorbed and efficiently converted to NAD+ within cells,” says Kahn. There’s also promising pre-clinical research that NMN has beneficial effects on cognitive function. The brand has an impressive list of medical advisors and scientific experts on board, including Harvard-, Yale-, and Columbia-trained Dr. Andrew Salzman, MD, who helped develop the formula.
- Type: NMN
- Dose: 2 capsules
Everything You Need to Know
NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide—a naturally occurring (and critical) coenzyme found in every cell of the body, which our bodies produce from the B vitamin niacin. “It’s essential for mitochondrial health to help your cells stay energized, functioning, and, well, alive,” says Hamdan. (To jog your memory from biology class, the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell.) “NAD+ plays a key role in ATP production, DNA repair, stress response, immunity and metabolism, decreasing cellular senescence (the famous zombie cells).”
How does NAD+ work in the body?
According to Hamdan, NAD+ is produced in the body from precursors: niacin (vitamin B3) and tryptophan (an essential amino acid), from foods like fish, cow’s milk, and whole grains. While NAD+ is not directly found in these foods, consuming foods with precursors can help boost NAD+ in the body. Here’s a quick overview of common foods containing vitamin B3 and tryptophan:
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Salmon, beef liver, tuna, peanuts
- Tryptophan: Turkey, eggs, milk, quinoa, oats
Because we’re exposed to stressors—stress, poor diet, environmental exposure, inflammation, infection, and more—whether we like it or not, our NAD system is constantly being taxed. Think of NAD+ like your cell’s energy currency—the ConEdison of your cells, keeping the “lights” on and deploying energy where you need it. NAD+ is enlisted when your DNA needs help repairing damage, which means it has less time to support other metabolic processes.
“NAD+ levels decline significantly with age, up to about 50% by age 40,” says Dr. Kahn. Research has found that our NAD levels can even begin depleting as early as 30. “This decline contributes to symptoms of aging such as fatigue, inflammation, brain fog, and visible skin aging.”
What are the benefits of taking NAD+?
NAD+ wears many hats when it comes to the regulation of cellular functions and processes but a lot of those benefits are still being researched. According to the National Library of Medicine, restoring NAD+ levels with the NAD+ precursors nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach to treat age-related diseases.
“Patients using NAD+ therapy often report increased energy, better sleep, sharper mental clarity, and more improved mood,” says Dr. Kahn. “In my clinical experience, it’s especially beneficial for people under high physical or mental stress, whether they’re athletes, executives, or busy parents.” Dr. Kahn also suggests NAD+ therapy for those managing chronic inflammation, long COVID, autoimmune disease, and post-treatment Lyme.
It’s also said to help with aesthetic benefits as well. “Some people report radiant, more hydrated skin due to improved collagen production and microcirculation,” says Dr. Kahn. Hamdan believes NAD+ boosters, when used correctly, can also be a game-changer for skin longevity. “I have been in the skin-care industry for a long time and I haven’t been this excited about an ingredient until now,” says Hamdan. “Imagine your skin cells acting younger, supporting plump, firm skin, healing faster from injuries, having a strong barrier function, having excellent internal hydration, and being less susceptible to damage and pigmentation.”
Are NAD+ supplements good for you?
“When sourced appropriately and used under medical supervision, NAD+ supplementation can be a powerful tool to support cellular health and slow aging,” says Dr. Kahn. However, Dr. Kahn doesn’t recommend direct oral NAD+ because the molecule has “low bioavailability and is poorly absorbed.” Instead, she recommends prescription-grade subcutaneous injections (administered from a professional) and oral precursors. “Nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), are NAD+ precursors which are more easily absorbed and efficiently converted to NAD+ within cells,” she says.
What to Look for in NAD+ Supplements
When it comes to NAD+ supplements, quality, purity, and sourcing are the top three factors to consider. “For oral supplements, look for third-party tested brands that focus on precursors (NR and NMN), not NAD+ itself,” says Dr. Kahn. “I frequently recommend TruNiagen and Pure Encapsulations for their transparency and science-backed formulations.”
Are there any dangers to taking NAD+ supplements?
Like any supplement, it’s important to remember that the supplement industry is widely unregulated in any official capacity. “Because it’s an uncontrolled market, make sure you trust the source,” says Hamdan. “But generally speaking, NAD+ supplements are very safe and well tolerated.” Dr. Kahn also warns against sourcing or dosing improperly. “NAD+ supplements purchased from unverified online retailers can be contaminated or mislabeled, especially injectable or IV forms marketed without medical oversight,” she says. To stay safe, it’s best to always consult with a medical professional before starting any form of NAD+.
Another concern of using NAD+ is with patients with a known cancer diagnosis or strong family history of cancer. “Since NAD+ boosts cellular repair and metabolism, there is theoretical concern it could also support the growth of abnormal cells,” says Dr. Kahn. “ I always ensure patients are up to date on cancer screenings and, when appropriate, offer advanced testing like Galleri or Prenuvo MRI for further peace of mind.”
How much NAD+ should you take each day?
“Dosing hasn’t been officially established for NAD+ boosters yet,” says Hamdan. Dr. Kahn agrees, stating there’s no “universal” dose. “It ultimately depends on a patient’s goals, health status, physical and biochemical evidence of aging, levels of inflammatory blood biomarkers, and the delivery method,” adds Dr. Kahn.
For subcutaneous injections, Dr. Kahn typically gives 100-300 mg weekly over the span of several weeks depending on what her patient needs and how they respond. “This approach allows for steady cellular repair and better tolerance compared to high-dose IVs,” she says. For oral precursors taken daily, like NR or NMN, Dr. Kahn suggests doses ranging from 250 to 500 mg. “It’s best to work with a knowledgeable medical provider to personalize dosing and ensure safe, effective use.”
- Dr. Amanda Kahn is a board-certified internist and longevity expert based in New York City.
- Dr. Lamees Hamdan is an integrative medicine doctor, herbalist, naturopathic practitioner, and longevity expert, and founder of Timebeam Beauty.