Can NAD Plus Supplements Reverse the Aging Process? We asked the Real Doctors

The spotlight has been placed on NAD+ supplements in recent years, due to claims that they can reverse the aging process and keep skin looking young. While NAD+ is a coenzyme produced naturally in the body, and its levels decrease as we age, are these supplements a reliable substitute? Are they as magical wellness advocates do we believe?

To find out exactly what NAD+ is and whether NAD+ supplements can reverse the aging process, we talked to a doctor to learn everything there is to know about this popular health trend.

What is NAD+, and how is it different from NADH?

NAD+ — nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide — is a coenzyme found in all living cells that keeps “everything running smoothly,” explains Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich, a New York-based facial plastic surgeon who often discusses aging with patients. It “generates energy and repairs DNA” and regulates your circadian rhythm.

“It is also involved in the activity of sirtuins, proteins that help regulate cell survival and aging processes,” says Nayan Patel, pharmacist and founder of Auro Wellness. The coenzyme is slightly different from NADH, which you may see when looking for NAD+ supplements. NAD+ is oxidized, while NADH is reduced, meaning NAD+ has an extra electron; when it loses it, it becomes NADH.

Is NAD+ just vitamin B3?

NAD + is found naturally in the body, but as you age, its levels decrease, which can lead to fatigue and aging of the skin, says Vasyukevich. An NAD+ supplement can help combat this, as can a vitamin B3 supplement. Although vitamin B3 is not the same as NAD+, your body converts vitamin B3 to NAD+, so these supplements can help your NAD+ levels as well.

Benefits of NAD+

The main benefit of NAD+ and, by extension, NAD+ supplementation, is that it promotes energy. Research – including this 2023 study – has shown that coenzyme supports weight management and balancing metabolism, as Vasyukevich points out.

“[NAD+] it can do a few cool things,” says Vasyukevich. “It can help with skin health by promoting DNA repair and fighting oxidative stress, which is a major cause of skin aging. It can also give you more energy by helping your cells do more [adenosine triphosphate or ATP] — that’s the energy your body is working on.”

Side effects of NAD+

Dr. Jonathan Jennings, a board-certified internist at the Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to Lab Finder, tells CNET that NAD+ supplements are considered safe — but as with any change in your health care regimen, you always want to speak with caution. Especially considering that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements.

“Most of the data suggests that all versions are safe for most people and the side effect profiles depend on the mode of supplementation,” Jennings said, noting that the side effects of a supplement in pill form can be different than if you take it intravenously, for example. “Common side effects include stomach pain, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath.”

Another common side effect, Vasyukevich says, is disruption of your sleep pattern. He says this can happen if you take the supplement too late, which can be fixed by changing when you take it.

Both doctors, as well as Patel, recommend talking to your health care provider before starting an NAD+ supplement and if you experience any side effects. If you experience any side effects, you should stop taking the supplement immediately. It may be an interaction with one of your medications, or you may have an allergy or intolerance. This will be up to you and your doctor to discuss.

Who should avoid NAD+ supplements?

Although NAD+ supplements are generally considered safe, Jennings cautions that they are not for everyone. “It is important that you consult your health professional before taking it because safety has not been confirmed for certain people such as pregnant women [people] and children,” he said.

Patel also recommends that nursing people avoid NAD+ supplements, as there is not enough research on these products. He also advises anyone interested in taking this supplement to discuss it with their doctor, as they may not recommend it for people on certain medications or with certain medical conditions. He did not specify which, as that should be left up to the individual patient and their healthcare provider.

A 2020 study showed, however, that NAD+ supplements can have negative effects in those with existing liver or kidney problems because of how the supplement is used. “Things like age, genetics, diet and medical conditions can affect how the body responds to help,” said Patel.

Do NAD+ supplements actually slow down aging?

Experts and studies say that these ingredients can benefit people if they are used correctly and in the amount recommended by a medical professional. Vasyukevich cautions, however, that they are not a “magic fix” to reverse the aging process.

“NAD+ supplements can help strengthen the body’s repair systems, which can reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging over time,” he said. “They won’t completely stop aging, but they can help your cells stay healthy and work better, which can slow things down a bit.”

Patel tells CNET that these ingredients are still being studied. Although some studies show that it can help improve the appearance of the skin or give people more energy, he believes that more clinical trials are “necessary” to fully determine the effectiveness in “anti-aging.”

He also emphasizes that these supplements should never be used as a substitute for healthy habits, as those are among the best ways to keep your body young as you age. “Exercise, nutrition, enough sleep again stress management they’re important to overall well-being,” he said, adding that if you’re going to try supplements, be careful when choosing them. Not all are equally effective, and it’s important to choose the best.

NAD+ supplement

“There are different ways to supplement, including oral, nasal, intramuscular and intravenous versions,” said Jennings. Research has examined how these ingredients work in the body, although the findings are limited.

Patel tells CNET that nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide supplements have been studied and shown to improve the aging process, but should be discussed “with caution.” Both types of supplements, also known as NAD+ precursors, are natural compounds that can enhance the body’s production of NAD+.

A 2023 study of nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide oral supplementation reported some improvements in “cardiovascular, metabolic and physical function” in those who participated. This study tested several groups of people who received different doses of the supplement at different times to assess efficacy and safety.

That said, the dose that’s best for you depends on what you discuss with your healthcare provider. It also depends on the method you choose to add. Many oral or tablet supplements can be taken daily, but your doctor can advise you on what is best and adjust as needed.

Other ways to increase NAD+ levels

Taking an NAD+ supplement is not the only way to improve your NAD+ levels. In fact, medical experts recommend that you look for other ways to improve your health than taking supplements because it will improve the effectiveness of the supplements themselves.

“You don’t have to rely solely on supplements to boost your NAD+ levels. Things like regular exercise, intermittent fasting or even reducing calories naturally can increase NAD+ in your body,” says Vasyukevich. Do not make changes to your diet without first consulting your doctor.

Patel supported that exercise and a healthy lifestyle in general it is highly recommended throughout your life, but especially as you grow older. “Regular exercise has been shown to increase NAD+ levels by stimulating the production of NAD+ precursors,” he says. “In addition, lifestyle choices such as adequate sleep hygiene and stress management can positively affect NAD+ levels.”

What you eat can also affect your NAD+ levels, especially if you access foods rich in vitamin B3 and niacin, which are precursors of NAD+ (meaning the body reacts to NAD+). Foods rich in vitamin B3 and niacin include:

• Cow
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Milk
• A fish
• Fruit
• Nuts
• Nuts
• The seed
• garlic
• Whole grains

An important point

As we age, the body’s naturally occurring coenzyme NAD+ decreases, leading to tiredness and aging of the skin. However, this can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a diet rich in vitamin B3 and niacin. Weight lifting and it’s a great way to stay healthy as you get older. Adding an NAD+ supplement to your daily regimen under the supervision of a medical professional can also help increase NAD+ levels.

Research on NAD+ supplements is limited, so medical experts urge people to use them with caution and under the care of their doctors. However, these supplements can help combat the signs of aging from decreased NAD+ levels.