What is NAD+ and Do You Really Need NAD+ Supplements?

Published: 2025-11-05

Updated: 2025-11-06

4 mins

Lately, it seems like everyone’s talking about NAD+. It’s the “new” supplement that’s supposed to boost energy, slow aging, and basically help you feel like your younger self again. But what exactly is NAD+, and does it really live up to the hype? 

This compound plays a major role in how your body produces energy and repairs cells, yet most people have no idea what it actually does – or whether they should be taking it. In this article, we’ll break down what NAD+ is, why it matters, who might actually benefit from supplementing it, and what to know before you give it a try.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell in your body and it’s absolutely essential for keeping things running smoothly. Its main job is to help convert the food you eat into usable energy, fueling everything from muscle movement to brain function. Beyond energy production, NAD+ also plays a major role in repairing damaged DNA, maintaining healthy cells, and regulating communication between them.

NAD+ levels naturally drop as you get older. Factors like chronic stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, and certain health conditions can speed up that decline, leaving your body with less of this crucial molecule.

What are NAD+ Supplements?

NAD+ supplements are designed to help the body restore or boost its natural NAD+ levels, which tend to decline over time. Most of these products don’t actually contain NAD+ itself but use precursors – such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) – that the body can convert into NAD+ once absorbed. Think of these precursors as building blocks that fuel your cells’ ability to make more of this essential coenzyme on their own.

You can find NAD+ supplements in many forms, including capsules, powders, sublingual tablets, injections, and even IV infusions. Over-the-counter oral supplements are the most accessible and typically used for general wellness or energy support. In contrast, IV or injectable NAD+ treatments are administered in clinical settings and often marketed as more direct or intensive approaches to replenishing NAD+.

Who Might Need NAD+ Supplements?

While everyone needs NAD+ to function, supplements are usually marketed to people who may have lower levels or higher demand for this molecule. NAD+ production naturally slows down as you age, which can lead to fatigue, slower recovery, and less efficient energy metabolism. Chronic stress, poor sleep, or a hectic lifestyle can also take a toll, since your body burns through NAD+ more quickly when it’s under pressure.

Athletes or anyone who trains intensely may need more NAD+ to support muscle repair and endurance. Likewise, people with chronic conditions that affect metabolism or mitochondrial health – such as diabetes or obesity – may experience lower NAD+ levels overall.

That said, most healthy individuals can maintain adequate NAD+ through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep. But if you’re dealing with persistent fatigue, brain fog, or sluggishness that doesn’t seem to improve, supplementation might be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

Potential Benefits of NAD+ Supplements

The buzz around NAD+ supplements largely comes from their potential to support energy, metabolism, and healthy aging at the cellular level. Because NAD+ plays such a central role in how cells function, it’s been studied for a wide range of possible benefits.

One of the most talked-about effects is improved cellular energy. By helping the body convert food into usable fuel, NAD+ may reduce fatigue and boost overall vitality. It’s also linked to enhanced metabolism, as it supports mitochondrial function – the part of the cell responsible for producing energy. Some research even suggests that NAD+ precursors may offer cognitive benefits, helping improve focus, memory, and mental clarity.

There’s also growing interest in NAD+ for healthy aging, since it’s involved in repairing DNA and maintaining cell integrity. Supporting these repair processes could, in theory, slow some of the cellular changes associated with aging. NAD+ may also play a role in muscle recovery and endurance after intense exercise, and early studies hint at cardiovascular benefits, including improved blood vessel function and circulation.

While the science so far is promising, it’s still early. Most of the evidence comes from animal research or small human studies, so larger clinical trials are needed to confirm just how effective NAD+ supplements truly are – and who stands to benefit the most.

Do NAD+ Supplements Really Work?

Early research is encouraging, showing potential benefits for energy metabolism, cellular repair, and aging support. However, most studies so far have been small or done in animals, so it’s too soon to say how well these results translate to people in the real world.

Effectiveness can also depend on factors like dosage, supplement form, and overall health. Some experts believe IV infusions or injections may raise NAD+ levels more effectively than oral supplements, but these methods can be costly and aren’t always necessary. Individual differences – like age, metabolism, and underlying health conditions – also play a big role in how someone responds.

Possible Risks and Side Effects

NAD+ supplements are generally considered safe for most people, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely risk-free. Some users report mild side effects, especially when starting supplementation. These can include nausea, stomach discomfort, bloating, or a mild headache as the body adjusts. A small number of people also notice temporary fatigue or dizziness, particularly with higher doses or when NAD+ is given through injections or IV treatments.

It’s especially important for anyone with liver or kidney disease – or other chronic health conditions – to talk with a healthcare provider before taking NAD+ supplements. Because NAD+ influences metabolism, it can interact with other biological processes and medications.

Finally, supplement quality matters. NAD+ products aren’t regulated as strictly as prescription medications, so potency and purity can vary widely between brands. Choosing a reputable manufacturer and reviewing products with a clinician can help reduce the risk of taking something ineffective – or potentially unsafe.

How Can Rex MD Help?

If you’re interested in NAD+ supplementation, Rex MD’s upcoming NAD+ treatment is designed to help your body recharge at the cellular level.  Visit our website to discover more about when NAD+ treatment will become available through Rex MD.