Longevity drugs · NAD+/mitochondrial
NAD+ / NMN
Precursors that reliably raise blood NAD+; meaningful human health benefits remain unproven.
Not medical advice — talk to a licensed clinician. Content is educational, reflects published literature, and is not a recommendation to start, stop or change any treatment.
What it is
NAD+ is a coenzyme central to energy metabolism that declines with age. NMN and NR are precursors sold as supplements; NAD+ is also given by IV or injection.
How it works, in plain English
Supplying precursors aims to restore NAD+ levels, supporting mitochondrial function and sirtuin enzymes involved in DNA repair.
What the human evidence shows
Human trials confirm NAD+ levels rise. Effects on muscle, insulin sensitivity and physical performance have been small or inconsistent. US regulatory status of NMN as a supplement has been contested.
Regrowth grade C: Early / mixed human data.
Typical protocols in the literature
Studies have used 250–1,000 mg/day of NMN or NR orally.
Described for education, not as dosing advice.
Side effects & interactions
Side effects
- Generally well tolerated
- Flushing (with niacin forms)
- IV NAD+: chest tightness, nausea during infusion
Interactions
- Limited data; caution with cancer history (theoretical)
Key studies
- Yoshino et al. 2021 — NMN in prediabetic women
- Martens et al. 2018 — NR in older adults
Citations pending medical review