What Is NAD+? 11 Insights on This Breakthrough Wellness Solution

Feeling drained lately? It might not be burnout; it might be your cells running low on fuel.

Short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD+ is a naturally occurring coenzyme found in every cell in your body. It’s essential for producing energy, repairing DNA, and keeping your metabolism running smoothly.

NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, and the effects often show up in how you feel.¹ Fatigue, brain fog, slower recovery, and visible signs of aging are all linked to reduced NAD+ production. Fortunately, emerging research suggests that replenishing NAD+ can support both a longer lifespan and a better quality of life.²

Here are 11 compelling insights to shift your perspective on aging, energy, and what's possible through cellular support.

1. NAD+ is essential for both life and energy.

At its core, NAD+ is a coenzyme that helps enzymes turn the nutrients you eat into energy (ATP). Food doesn’t supply NAD+ directly, but it gives your body the building blocks to make it.

NAD+ helps your cells work at their best. Low levels of NAD+ don’t stop energy production entirely, but they do make it less efficient.

2. Your cells use NAD+ to power your mitochondria.

Your mitochondria—those tiny power plants inside your cells—rely on NAD+ to do their job. When NAD+ levels drop, mitochondrial function suffers. This can lead to symptoms like:

• Low physical stamina
  
  
• Muscle fatigue
  
  
• Brain fog
  
  
• Slower healing

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In other words, your cellular “battery” runs low.

3. As we age, NAD+ production slows down.

Over time, the body produces less NAD+.³ Several factors are at play:

• The enzyme NAMPT (nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase), which helps recycle NAD+, decreases with age.³
  
  
• Enzymes like CD38 start consuming NAD+ more rapidly.⁴
  
  
• Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation may further degrade NAD+.⁵
  
  

This means even healthy people begin to feel the effects of lower NAD+, often described as “feeling older”.

4. Low NAD+ is linked to metabolic and cognitive decline.⁶

Because NAD+ supports multiple systems—metabolic, neurological, and immune—a deficiency doesn’t just affect your energy. It may impact:

• Blood sugar regulation
  
  
• Mood and focus
  
  
• Sleep quality
  
  
• Inflammatory response
  
  

It's why NAD+ is being explored for its powerful potential in a variety of conditions, from neurodegenerative diseases to metabolic syndrome.

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5. NAD+ helps repair your DNA and reduce cellular damage.

Every day, your DNA takes on damage from environmental toxins, UV (ultraviolet) rays, and even normal metabolic processes. NAD+ activates enzymes called PARPs (poly ADP-ribose polymerases) and sirtuins, which help repair that damage and regulate cell health.⁷

Higher NAD+ means better cellular maintenance, which can help slow aging.

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6. How Sirtuins and NAD+ work together to support longevity:

Sirtuins are a family of proteins studied for their potential role in healthy aging. Research suggests they may help with:

• Regulating inflammation⁸
  
  
• Supporting metabolic efficiency⁹
  
  
• Improving insulin sensitivity¹⁰
  
  
• Promoting genomic stability
  
  

But these proteins are completely NAD+ dependent. Without NAD+, sirtuins stay dormant.

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7. Food doesn’t contain NAD+, but lifestyle still plays a role.

Your body doesn’t absorb NAD+ directly from your diet. However, lifestyle practices can help preserve or stimulate its production:

• Intermittent fasting increases NAMPT activity
  
  
• Exercise stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis
  
  
• Sleep hygiene helps reduce NAD+-consuming stressors
  
  
• Stress reduction lowers inflammation that burns through NAD+
  
  

These habits may create an internal environment where NAD+ is more likely to thrive.

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8. You can supplement NAD+, but some forms absorb better than others.

NAD+ precursors like NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) are available in supplement form and have been shown to increase NAD+ levels.^1,2,12

For potentially faster effects, options like injections, IV drips, or nasal sprays are sometimes used to bypass digestion and support more direct delivery of NAD+ to your body. 

Each delivery method has its pros and cons, and working with a healthcare provider helps determine the best approach for your goals.

Looking for an easy way to get started? Strive’s NMN supplement is available without a prescription. Tap here to shop. 

Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or medications.

9. How NAD+ might help ease fatigue, burnout, and brain fog:

While often marketed for “anti-aging,” NAD+ is being studied for a growing list of conditions, including:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  
  
• Long COVID and post-viral fatigue
  
  
• Adrenal burnout in stressed professionals
  
  
• Cognitive decline and neuroinflammation
  
  

10. NAD+ could help your skin glow.

Though it’s not a cosmetic treatment, NAD+ plays a role in cell turnover, oxidative stress reduction, and collagen support¹³, all of which can affect skin health.

When your cells are functioning optimally, the benefits become visible through brighter skin, fewer breakouts, and less “tired” looking eyes.

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11. Why Harvard and other leading institutions are studying NAD+:

Interest in NAD+ is growing, and for good reason. Research continues to support its role in metabolism, longevity, inflammation, and cognitive health. Prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT are studying NAD+ precursors in relation to aging, while more integrative clinics are incorporating NAD+ into personalized care plans.¹⁴

The research is substantial and growing. This essential molecule already plays a vital role in your body, and now research is uncovering more innovative ways to restore it.

Potential Side Effects of NAD+

While NAD+ supplementation and therapies are generally considered safe when guided by a healthcare professional, some people may experience temporary or mild side effects. Reported issues include:

• Flushing or warmth during IV and injection administration
  
  
• Nausea or upset stomach (especially with high-dose oral supplements)
  
  
• Headaches or lightheadedness
  
  
• Muscle cramps or soreness
  
  
• Injection site irritation (if given via injection)
  
  

These effects are usually mild and resolve quickly, but they highlight why it’s important to work with a provider to determine the right form, dosage, and frequency.

Important Note: Research on long-term NAD+ supplementation is still emerging. While short-term studies are encouraging, more data is needed to fully understand its safety profile over time. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning NAD+ supplementation or therapy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, managing chronic conditions, or taking prescription medications.

Warning: Use caution in individuals with a history of cancer, as safety data for this population are currently limited and not well established.

Who Might Benefit from NAD+?

Burnt-out professionals
Low energy, poor focus, and high stress? NAD+ may help restore baseline brain and adrenal function.

Busy parents + caregivers
Feeling run down and emotionally fried? NAD+ might support mood regulation and deeper sleep.

Athletes + fitness enthusiasts
For performance recovery and muscle repair, NAD+ might be a key player in speeding up the healing process.

40s and up
Even if you're healthy, NAD+ levels start declining early. Replenishing them may offer proactive aging support.

Patients recovering from illness
Those healing from infection, chronic fatigue, or burnout may benefit from mitochondrial support from NAD+.

How to Get Started

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to NAD+. Dosing, frequency, and delivery method depend on:

• Your age
  
  
• Your health goals
  
  
• Your symptoms
  
  
• Your baseline NAD+ levels (if measured)
  
  

That’s why we always recommend speaking with a provider experienced in NAD+. They can guide you through options like:

• Injections (for rapid systemic support)
  
  
• IV drips (for full-body repletion)
  
  
• Flex-dose tablets
  
  
• Nasal sprays (convenient and non-invasive)
  
  

The Takeaway

If you’ve been feeling sluggish, foggy, or “off” in ways you can’t quite explain, it might not be  stress alone or “just getting older.” It could be your NAD+ reserves running low.

NAD+ isn’t just for biohackers or wellness influencers. It’s for anyone looking to support energy, clarity, and healthy aging at the cellular level.

Ready to see what NAD+ could do for you? Find a provider near you who works with Strive.

^{These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please see the cited references for more information regarding the content presented in this blog article.}

^{The information provided in this blog article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this video/webinar. The creators of this content disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information presented.}

^{This information is not intended to be used as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any over-the-counter (OTC) products or prescription medications. Certain medications may interact with your current prescription medications, medical conditions, or other supplements. Your healthcare provider can provide guidance tailored to your specific health needs. The potential benefits highlighted in this blog article apply to the specific ingredients, and may not necessarily apply to a combination of those ingredients.} 

References: 

1. Lautrup S, Hou Y, Fang EF, Bohr VA. Roles of NAD⁺ in health and aging. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2024;14(1):a041193. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a041193
   
   
2. Fang EF, Lautrup S, Hou Y, et al. NAD⁺ in aging: molecular mechanisms and translational implications. Trends Mol Med. 2017;23(10):899-916. doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2017.08.001
   
   
3. McReynolds MR, Chellappa K, Baur JA. Age-related NAD⁺ decline. Exp Gerontol. 2020;134:110888. doi:10.1016/j.exger.2020.110888
   
   
4. Camacho-Pereira J, Tarragó MG, Chini CCS, et al. CD38 dictates age-related NAD decline and mitochondrial dysfunction through an SIRT3-dependent mechanism. Cell Metab. 2016;23(6):1127-1139. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2016.05.006
   
   
5. Poljsak B, Milisav I. NAD⁺ as the link between oxidative stress, inflammation, caloric restriction, exercise, DNA repair, longevity, and health span. Rejuvenation Res. 2016;19(5):406-415. doi:10.1089/rej.2015.1767
   
   
6. Campbell JM. Supplementation with NAD⁺ and its precursors to prevent cognitive decline across disease contexts. Nutrients. 2022;14(15):3231. doi:10.3390/nu14153231
   
   
7. Xie N, Zhang L, Gao W, et al. NAD⁺ metabolism: pathophysiologic mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2020;5:227. doi:10.1038/s41392-020-00326-5
   
   
8. Mendes KL, Lelis DF, Santos SHS. Nuclear sirtuins and inflammatory signaling pathways. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2017;38:98-105. doi:10.1016/j.cytogfr.2017.11.001.
9. Gibril BAA, Xiong X, Chai X, Xu Q, Gong J, Xu J. Unlocking the nexus of sirtuins: a comprehensive review of their role in skeletal muscle metabolism, development, and disorders. Int J Biol Sci. 2024;20(8):3219-3235. doi:10.7150/ijbs.96885.
10. Sun C, Zhang F, Ge X, et al. SIRT1 improves insulin sensitivity under insulin-resistant conditions by repressing PTP1B. Cell Metab. 2007;6(4):307-319. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2007.08.014.
11. Zhao L, Cao J, Hu K, et al. Sirtuins and their biological relevance in aging and age-related diseases. Aging Dis. 2020;11(4):927-945. doi:10.14336/AD.2019.0820.

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12. Alegre GFS, Pastore GM. NAD⁺ precursors nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR): potential dietary contribution to health. Curr Nutr Rep. 2023;12(3):445-464. doi:10.1007/s13668-023-00475-y
    
    
13. Conlon NJ. The Role of NAD+ in Regenerative Medicine. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022;150(4 Suppl):41S-48S. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000009673
    
    
14. Pesheva E. Rewinding the clock. Harvard Medical School. Published March 22, 2018. Accessed August 21, 2025.
    
    

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