5 Signs Your NAD Levels are Low
Published: 2025-10-21
Updated: 2025-10-21
4 mins
NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is an important molecule for the mitochondria in cells. At its core, NAD is made from niacinamide (a type of vitamin B3). It’s involved in more bodily processes than you realize. In recent years, health experts have been looking into how NAD levels affect your overall health.
A change in your NAD levels is not something you may notice right away. NAD levels are constantly fluctuating throughout your life as you experience stress or other environmental factors. Many of the symptoms of NAD deficiency mimic those of other health concerns, such as a common cold or chronic conditions associated with aging.
You’re more likely to hear more from your healthcare provider about changes in your NAD levels in your 40s and 50s. NAD levels can slightly affect your health, but treatment may only be considered for coexisting health conditions first. Anything that can lead to increased oxidative stress levels may cause NAD levels to decrease.
What Does NAD Do in the Body?
NAD helps to maintain the structure of the cell, gives energy to the cell, and protects DNA. NAD is involved in many bodily processes affecting your everyday life. For example, NAD is key for regulating your circadian rhythm (your body’s sleep/wake cycle).
How is NAD Deficiency Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider can check your bloodstream with NAD testing. However, a healthcare provider may consider other options before checking your NAD levels. Oftentimes, symptoms associated with NAD deficiency are a result of preexisting health conditions.
What are the Signs of Low NAD+ Levels?
Having low NAD levels is commonly associated with certain health conditions like glaucoma and diabetes. You may also see NAD levels drop naturally as you age. Low NAD levels are one of the few reasons you may see changes in your weight and memory problems as you age.
Different lifestyle habits like eating unhealthy foods, not getting enough exercise, or having a lack of sleep can cause NAD levels to drop. The following are some of the most common symptoms associated with low NAD levels.
1. Forgetfulness
NAD affects parts of the brain involved in memory. When someone has low NAD levels, they may have a harder time remembering things short-term or recalling their plans for the day.
2. Fatigue
When the mitochondria of the cell don’t have enough energy, you may feel tired more often. Fatigue from low NAD levels may continue even if you get enough sleep.
3. Weakened immune system
Getting colds more often than you used to may be a sign that your NAD levels are low. NAD helps your immune system fight illness.
4. Mood swings
When there’s an imbalance in NAD levels, your mood may change more often. You may find yourself getting annoyed or irritated more often.
5. Muscle strain
Low NAD levels may make it more difficult for your body to recover from intense physical activities. NAD is necessary for cell regeneration to repair damage and help your body recover.
How is NAD Deficiency Treated?
A healthcare provider can boost NAD levels with NAD IV therapy. Some healthcare providers offer an IV drip with NAD infusion to put more NAD back into the bloodstream.
NAD supplements are another way to increase NAD levels. However, some supplements may negatively interact with other medications.
Adopting certain habits may also help to raise your NAD levels. Consider the following healthy habits to help support NAD levels in your body:
Set a regular sleeping schedule
Limit your alcohol consumption
Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day
Where Can I Learn More About Maintaining My Health?
An imbalance in NAD levels is not always a cause for concern. However, if it gets in the way of your sexual health, Rex MD is here to help. Rex MD offers affordable, convenient testosterone treatment and ED medication for men. You can have treatment delivered directly to your door.
If sudden weight gain is a concern, telehealth platforms like LifeMD can provide expert guidance and prescription medication to manage weight loss.
Get started today to discover more about your health and when NAD treatment will become available at LifeMD.