Longevity/Performance/Heart

NAD+ Precursors

Compounds like NMN and NR that raise NAD+ levels, with emerging evidence for physical performance and modest cardiovascular effects in older adults.

NAD+ Precursors

Compounds like NMN and NR that raise NAD+ levels, with emerging evidence for physical performance and modest cardiovascular effects in older adults.

score

evidence

Caution

risk

Use with caution

This supplement may interact with medications, medical conditions or sensitive populations. Review safety before use.

Overview

Forms

Safety

Stack

Quick Take

Skip unless you're an older adult curious about anti-aging research; benefits are smaller than marketed.

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme essential for cellular energy production and DNA repair. Because oral NAD+ is destroyed by stomach acid, supplements use precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). These are converted into NAD+ via the salvage pathway, fueling sirtuins and PARPs that regulate mitochondrial function and genomic stability. Randomized trials confirm that NR and NMN reliably increase blood NAD+ concentrations.

Proven Benefits

Elevates blood NAD+ levels

Improves physical performance

May lower blood pressure

Protocol

Amount

250-1000 mg

Frequency

Once daily

When

Morning, with or without food — consistency matters more than timing.

Onset Time

2-4 weeks to raise blood NAD+; 8-12 weeks for physical performance changes.

Who Should Consider

Adults 50+ with declining energy

People with elevated blood pressure

Prediabetic women (limited evidence)

Biohackers tracking NAD+ levels

Food Sources

Milk and beer (trace amounts of NR)
Fish and poultry (niacin and tryptophan precursors)
Avocado, broccoli, cabbage (trace NMN)

How It Works

NR and NMN are absorbed and enzymatically converted to NAD+ through the nicotinamide salvage pathway. Restored NAD+ pools activate sirtuins and support PARP-mediated DNA repair, both of which depend on NAD+ as a cofactor. In aging tissues, this may partially compensate for the natural decline in mitochondrial oxidative function and vascular endothelial health.

Updated 5/19/2026