• NAD+ works hard behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. Present in every cell and involved in almost every cellular process, you could say it’s a workaholic. From helping cells produce energy to repairing DNA, it is central to keeping your cells and body functioning at its best.

1. Enhanced Cognitive Function

• NAD+ is essential for mitochondrial health in brain cells, supporting energy metabolism and guarding against oxidative damage. Preclinical research suggests that increasing NAD⁺ may have therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative disorders by helping repair damage, reducing neuroinflammation, and improving learning and memory.3,4

2. Mental Health Support

• There is emerging evidence to suggest that NAD+‑boosting interventions might benefit mood and anxiety by supporting cellular, mitochondrial and inflammatory mechanisms. One preliminary human study of individuals with substance abuse disorders showed a significant relationship between NAD+ infusion and decreasing anxiety and depression.5 

3. Improved Sleep Quality

• NAD+ helps regulate circadian rhythms, the body’s internal clock that governs sleep-wake cycles.6 As NAD+ levels drop with age, sleep disturbances become more common. Supplementation with NAD+ precursors, like Niagen (NR), has been shown to improve sleep efficiency and quality, reduce fatigue and stop drowsiness.7

4. Reduced Inflammation

• Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in aging and various diseases. NAD⁺ supports cellular processes that reduce pro-inflammatory markers like IL-6 and TNF-α. Restoration of NAD+ has been associated with decreased inflammation, which may, in theory, help relieve symptoms such as joint pain, swelling and fatigue.8,9‍

5. Increased Energy Levels 

• NAD+ is a vital molecule that helps your cells convert food into energy. It plays a crucial role in the process of making ATP—the energy source for every cell. When NAD+ levels are high, your mitochondria function more efficiently, producing more energy. This may help in restoring your overall vitality.

6. Enhanced Skin Health 

• Remember how NAD+ levels decline over the years, especially in the skin? Preliminary evidence suggests that boosting NAD+ levels may support the skin’s regenerative processes, aiding in cellular repair, supporting mitochondrial function and reducing the buildup of damaged cells. This may help preserve collagen structure, skin elasticity and overall appearance; however, robust human clinical evidence for these effects is still limited 

7. Protection Against Degenerative Diseases

• NAD+ activates sirtuin proteins that help defend neurons against oxidative stress and DNA damage. These protective mechanisms are being explored for their potential to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, supporting healthy brain aging.

8. Cardiovascular Health

• By supporting endothelial function and reducing oxidative stress, NAD+ Therapy may help improve circulation and vascular health.Preclinical studies suggest potential benefits, including lower blood pressure, enhanced blood flow and a reduced risk of cardiovascular events, although evidence from large-scale human trials is still limited.12

9. Weight Loss & Maintenance

• NAD+ plays a key role in keeping our metabolism running smoothly by supporting mitochondrial activity and helping our body burn energy more effectively.13  This means that having lower levels of NAD+ might slow down fat burning and contribute to a sluggish metabolism. 

• Preclinical studies suggest that higher NAD+ levels could help boost fat-burning potential and curb appetite.This potential positive effect can support your journey to sustainable weight loss, especially when paired with healthy lifestyle habits.‍

10. Addiction Recovery

• NAD+ is an emerging area in addiction recovery. Preliminary studies suggest that intravenous NAD+ may reduce cravings and improve mental health symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, in addiction recovery.
  
  

NAD⁺ works mainly in two ways:

1. Energy Production (Mitochondria)

NAD⁺ helps convert:

• food → ATP (cell energy)

Higher NAD⁺ = more efficient energy production.

2. Activating Repair & Longevity Pathways

NAD⁺ activates:

• Sirtuins → DNA repair, longevity

• PARPs → fix DNA damage

• CD38 regulation → immune & inflammation effects

As we age, natural NAD⁺ levels drop by up to 50% by age ~40–60, so supplementation aims to restore these pathways.

1. Gastrointestinal issues

• Nausea

• Stomach discomfort

• Diarrhea or loose stools
  
  

2. Headache

• Likely due to changes in cellular NAD⁺ metabolism or altered energy regulation.
  
  

3. Fatigue or jitteriness

• Some users report either low energy or a “stimulated” feeling as metabolism shifts.
  
  

4. Increased heart rate or blood pressure

• Not common, but reported by some users taking higher doses or stacking with stimulants.
  
  

5. Mood changes

• Irritability or restlessness have been mentioned anecdotally.
  
  

6. Muscle cramps or mild dehydration

• Possibly due to shifts in metabolic rate or electrolytes.