Supplement
NAD+ Boosters (NMN/NR)
SaveNicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR) are precursors to NAD+, a coenzyme critical for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and sirtuin activation that declines with age.
Quick verdict
Strong mechanistic rationale and impressive animal data. Human trials show NAD+ levels increase, but clinical outcome benefits in healthy humans remain unproven.
Evidence score
A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.
What the research shows
NAD+ declines 50% between ages 40-60. NMN and NR both reliably raise NAD+ levels in human trials. Animal studies show dramatic anti-aging effects: improved insulin sensitivity, endurance, neuroprotection, and lifespan extension. Human trials confirm NAD+ elevation but clinical outcome data is limited. NR (as Niagen) has more published human data; NMN research is catching up.
Benefits
- Reliably increases NAD+ levels in human studies
- Supports cellular energy metabolism and DNA repair
- Activates sirtuins and PARPs involved in longevity pathways
- Impressive anti-aging results in animal models
Dosage notes
NR: 300-1000 mg daily. NMN: 250-1000 mg daily. Often taken in the morning. Sublingual NMN may improve bioavailability.
Side effects
- Generally well-tolerated
- Mild GI discomfort
- Flushing (less than with niacin)
- Insomnia if taken late in the day
Who should be cautious
Long-term safety data in humans is limited. Theoretical concern about promoting cancer cell metabolism. Expensive for chronic use.
What this page cannot tell you
Spectacular animal results have not yet translated to proven clinical benefits in healthy humans. NAD+ elevation is confirmed, but whether this meaningfully slows aging in humans is unproven. The field is rapidly evolving.
Leaderboard scores
- Longevity55
- Energy45
- Recovery35
- Memory30
Featured in protocols
- Longevity Stackcore
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