NAD aging: Benefits, risks, and more
Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M.D., CAQ, FAAFP, Family Medicine , Women's Health , Geriatrics , Integrative Medicine , Clinical Research , Jurisprudence , — Written by Louise Morales-Brown on May 21, 2025
Benefits for older adults
Possible risks
Healthy aging tips
Summary
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a coenzyme that plays a key role in many biological processes. More research is necessary, but some studies suggest that NAD may help reduce the risk of aging-related diseases.
NAD is an essential enzyme that has a role in many important cell functions, such as energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular health. NAD levels naturally decline with age and may relate to various signs of aging, such as lower energy, impaired cellular repair, and higher risk of age-related diseases.
As such, some health experts believe that increasing NAD may help promote longevity and slow the aging process. However, there is currently no conclusive evidence that NAD supplementation can slow aging, and more research is necessary to understand its possible benefits. Stefania Pelfini, LaIn 1937, a biochemist called Conrad Elvehjem first established a link between low levels of NAD and aging. Since, researchers found that NAD levels decrease with age, as well as exposure to certain stressors and disease. As such, some evidence suggests that lower NAD levels may result in aging and age-related disease.
Due to its role in the aging process, growing research indicates that boosting NAD may provide health benefits and delay signs of aging.
Healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a balanced dietary plan may help to extend life expectancy, possibly due to increasing NAD levels. Therefore, it may be possible to get similar benefit by increasing NAD levels through taking NAD precursors or boosters.
At present, most research into NAD precursors, such as nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR), is in the form of animal studies. The results of these studies suggest that NAD precursors could help to extend health span and reduce premature aging in animal models.
A 2023 review indicates that NAD precursors are generally safe and may have the potential to support graceful aging in humans. However, the review also emphasizes that further research is necessary in humans, particularly to determine the possible effects and safety of these supplements.
Although NAD supplements are showing promise as agents that support graceful aging, there are still some concerns about their safety profile and possible long-term effects.
For example, a 2022 review highlights potential concerns about adverse effects on several organs, such as the kidney, liver, pancreas, and stomach. However, the review also notes that other research suggests that NAD could provide several benefits for these organs.
As such, more research is still necessary to establish the safety profile, appropriate dosages, and long-term effects of these supplements. Researchers must also determine the most effective way to administer these products, which could include dietary supplements, injections, or topical solutions.
Instead, it recognizes NMN as a drug due to its potential ability to support graceful aging. Therefore, it must receive FDA approval for both safety and effectiveness before manufacturers can market it as a product that supports graceful aging.
Therefore, it is advisable for a person to consult their doctor before taking any NAD supplements.
Many factors can influence aging. Some of these factors, such as genetics, are not modifiable. However, others are modifiable, meaning that people can make certain lifestyle choices to help prevent some health problems and promote healthy aging.
Some tips for healthy aging can include : following a healthy, balanced dietary plan
regular physical activity
maintaining a healthy weight to help prevent health problems
getting sufficient sleep
keeping the mind stimulated and active, through memory games, learning new skills, reading, and playing games
maintaining mental health, through socializing, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness
regularly participating in enjoyable activities, such as hobbies, social, and leisure activities
playing an active role in healthcare, such as attending regular checkups, vaccines, and health screenings
avoiding or reducing activities that can be harmful to health, such as smoking or consuming alcohol
taking steps to prevent injury, including safe driving and reducing the risk of falls
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is an important coenzyme that likely plays a role in the aging process. As people age, their levels of NAD naturally decline, which may increase their risk of age-related diseases.
Growing research in animal models suggests that boosting NAD levels may help to improve life span and prevent or delay certain health conditions. However, more research in humans is necessary to establish whether NAD supplements are safe and if they can provide health benefits.
Supplements
Seniors / Aging Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Bhasin S, et al. (2023). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in aging biology: Potential applications and many unknowns.
https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/44/6/1047/7207987
Braidy N, et al. (2018). Role of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and related precursors as therapeutic targets for age-related degenerative diseases: Rationale, biochemistry, pharmacokinetics, and outcomes.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6277084/
Conlon NJ. (2021). The role of NAD+ in regenerative medicine.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9512238/
Covarrubias AJ, et al. (2021). NAD + metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7963035/
Healthy aging. (2024).
https://medlineplus.gov/healthyaging.html
Healthy aging at any age. (2024).
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-aging/about/index.html
Henderson JD, et al. (2024). The use of a systems approach to increase NAD + in human participants.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41514-023-00134-0
Igbal T, et al. (2024). The therapeutic perspective of NAD + precursors in age-related diseases.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006291X24001256
Lam C, et al. (2023). Food, drug, and cosmetic act.
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Nadeeshani H, et al. (2022). Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) as an anti-aging health product – Promises and safety concerns.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090123221001491
Poljsak B, et al. (2020). Healthy lifestyle recommendations: Do the beneficial effects originate from NAD + amount at the cellular level?
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Song Q, et al. (2023). The safety and antiaging effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide in human clinical trials: An update.
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Wrinkle treatments and other anti-aging products. (2022).
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