A Longevity Expert's Guide to the Best NAD+ Supplements

Vogue

4 hours ago

There's no denying, NAD+ (a.k.a. the fountain of youth, bottled) is the hottest wellness trend right now. There are a few different delivery systems—IVs, subcutaneous injections, nasal sprays, and of course, the best NAD+ supplements—to help address everything from loss of muscle mass to brain fog, skin aging, and declining energy stores.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) supports virtually every major cellular function, explains board-certified internist and longevity expert Dr. Amanda Kahn. 'It helps your cells generate ATP (energy), protects against oxidative stress, assists in DNA repair, promotes collagen and elastin synthesis for youthful skin, keeps brain and immune cells functioning optimally, and helps maintain microvascular health to ensure proper nutrient delivery throughout tissues' she adds. 'Importantly, NAD+ activates sirtuins, which are proteins that regulate inflammation and repair, both of which are essential for longevity.'
Vogue's Favorite NAD+ Supplements:
However, NAD+ molecules are too large to penetrate the cell membrane, making its effectiveness a subject of debate. That's where the best NAD+ supplements come in, or rather, the best NAD+ boosters. 'Supplements called NAD+ boosters typically contain NR (nicotinamide riboside), NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), or another precursor to NAD+,' says longevity expert, and founder of Timebeam Beauty, Dr. Lamees Hamdan. 'The body uses these precursors to eventually convert to NAD+.'
To help boost NAD+ levels and bolster your body's defense against decline, we asked experts to dish on everything from what to look for to the overall benefits to help whittle down our list of the best NAD+ supplements.
In This Article:
Best Overall NAD+ Supplement: Tru Niagen Age Better NAD+
Tru Niagen
Age Better NAD+ Supplement
$49
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Dr. Kahn recommends Tru Niagen for oral NAD+ supplementation because it is 'well-studied, third-party tested, and trusted for purity.' This supplement contains a patented ingredient called Niagen—which includes nicotinamide riboside (NR), a unique form of vitamin B3 and precursor to NAD+. NR is an efficient way to elevate NAD+ levels because it can penetrate the cell membrane directly. True Niagen's patented ingredient Niagen is also clinically studied for its safety and efficacy in over 35 peer-reviewed published research papers (which it conveniently lists out on its website). It partners with the best-in-class institutions like Mayo Clinic, Harvard, and more, and 90% of its studies are independently researched—meaning they're conducted or funded by a third-party.
Dr. Kahn recommends Tru Niagen for oral NAD+ supplementation because it is 'well-studied, third-party tested, and trusted for purity.' This supplement contains a patented ingredient called Niagen—which includes nicotinamide riboside (NR), a unique form of vitamin B3 and precursor to NAD+. NR is an efficient way to elevate NAD+ levels because it can penetrate the cell membrane directly. True Niagen's patented ingredient Niagen is also clinically studied for its safety and efficacy in over 35 peer-reviewed published research papers (which it conveniently lists out on its website). It partners with the best-in-class institutions like Mayo Clinic, Harvard, and more, and 90% of its studies are independently researched—meaning they're conducted or funded by a third-party. Type: NR
NR Dose: 2 capsules
Best Vegan NAD+ Supplement: Pure Encapsulations NR Longevity
Pure Encapsulations
NR Longevity Supplement
$60
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Another favorite of Dr. Kahn, Pure Encapsulations uses the same patented NR complex (Niagen) developed by Tru Niagen. While more research needs to be done, some early trials showed initial evidence that supplementation with NR was safe in humans and could effectively boost NAD levels. It can be a powerful tool to support the health of your cells, heart, muscles, and more. Hypoallergenic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, this vegan capsule also contains broccoli sprout concentrate and trans-resveratrol to supercharge your supplement routine.
Another favorite of Dr. Kahn, Pure Encapsulations uses the same patented NR complex (Niagen) developed by Tru Niagen. While more research needs to be done, some early trials showed initial evidence that supplementation with NR was safe in humans and could effectively boost NAD levels. It can be a powerful tool to support the health of your cells, heart, muscles, and more. Hypoallergenic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, this vegan capsule also contains broccoli sprout concentrate and trans-resveratrol to supercharge your supplement routine. Type: Nicotinamide riboside chloride
Nicotinamide riboside chloride Dose: 2 capsules
Best NAD+ Supplement for Performance: THORNE NiaCel 400
Why We Love It: Thorne is one of the most reputable brands known in the supplement industry. Powered by a unique form of NR that's exclusive to Thorne, it's a great choice for athletes or those looking for more robust NAD+ support, because every batch is NSF Certified for Sport and made without ingredients banned by many major athletic organizations. One dose is only one capsule, so it's also incredibly easy to work into your supplement routine.
Thorne is one of the most reputable brands known in the supplement industry. Powered by a unique form of NR that's exclusive to Thorne, it's a great choice for athletes or those looking for more robust NAD+ support, because every batch is NSF Certified for Sport and made without ingredients banned by many major athletic organizations. One dose is only one capsule, so it's also incredibly easy to work into your supplement routine. Type: NR
NR Dose: 1 capsule
Best NAD+ Supplement With Polyphenols: Elysium Basis NAD Plus Supplement
Elysium
Basis NAD Plus Supplement
$60
AMAZON
Why We Love It: With both NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene (PT), a powerful plant polyphenol, this supplement helps boost your cellular energy to protect your cells from the wear and tear we experience from modern life. 'Alcohol, smoking, overeating, stress, environmental toxins are some things that can speed up the decline of NAD+,' says Hamdan. 'There are ways to rebuild those levels both naturally and with a little help.' Polyphenols are also said to help restore NAD+ levels, so we love that this capsule packs a two-for-one punch. The brand also offers a 30-day risk-free trial, so you can try the supplement and if you don't love it, you can get a full refund.
With both NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene (PT), a powerful plant polyphenol, this supplement helps boost your cellular energy to protect your cells from the wear and tear we experience from modern life. 'Alcohol, smoking, overeating, stress, environmental toxins are some things that can speed up the decline of NAD+,' says Hamdan. 'There are ways to rebuild those levels both naturally and with a little help.' Polyphenols are also said to help restore NAD+ levels, so we love that this capsule packs a two-for-one punch. The brand also offers a 30-day risk-free trial, so you can try the supplement and if you don't love it, you can get a full refund. Type: NR
NR Dose: 2 capsules
Best NADH NAD+ Supplement: ProHealth Longevity NADH Pro
ProHealth Longevity
Longevity NADH Pro Supplement $39
$37
AMAZON
Why We Love It: For mood, memory, energy, and focus support, these lozenges taste like lemon and easily dissolve under your tongue. It uses NADH—NAD+ is an oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine whereas NADH is a reduced form of nicotinamide adenine, meaning it gains the electron lost by NAD+— which is able to enter the cell via the membrane. Early research found that there is promise with oral NADH for treating chronic fatigue syndrome, with more clinical trials underway.
For mood, memory, energy, and focus support, these lozenges taste like lemon and easily dissolve under your tongue. It uses NADH—NAD+ is an oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine whereas NADH is a reduced form of nicotinamide adenine, meaning it gains the electron lost by NAD+— which is able to enter the cell via the membrane. Early research found that there is promise with oral NADH for treating chronic fatigue syndrome, with more clinical trials underway. Type: NADH
NADH Dose: 1 lozenge
Best NAD+ Supplement With Resveratrol: Omre Nicotinamide Riboside + Resveratrol NAD Supplement
Omre
Nicotinamide Riboside + Resveratrol NAD Supplement
$60
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Not only does this capsule help boost NAD+ production in cells, the secret molecule to your best skin ever, by using precursor NR, it adds even more benefits with resveratrol. Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant—found in grapes—best known for its research-backed health benefits (and the root of what we know as the 'French paradox.') 'I like NAD+ boosters stacked with other ingredients as I find that gives you the best results,' says Hamdan. The brilliance of the formula is not just what it's made with, but what it's made without—there are no fillers, artificial additives, or preservatives.
Not only does this capsule help boost NAD+ production in cells, the secret molecule to your best skin ever, by using precursor NR, it adds even more benefits with resveratrol. Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant—found in grapes—best known for its research-backed health benefits (and the root of what we know as the 'French paradox.') 'I like NAD+ boosters stacked with other ingredients as I find that gives you the best results,' says Hamdan. The brilliance of the formula is not just what it's made with, but what it's made without—there are no fillers, artificial additives, or preservatives. Type: NR
NR Dose: 2 capsules
Best Sublingual NAD+ Supplement: Renue by Science Nicotinamide Riboside Powder
Renue by Science
Nicotinamide Riboside Powder $109
$79
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Not only is this powder manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility, the brand also puts every supplement through stringent third-party testing for quality assurance. It's great for those who are wary of taking pills and prefer to customize their supplement routine. It comes in a powder format, so you can put the zesty, citrus-flavored dust directly under your tongue, mix it in water, or blend it with your favorite beverage. The brand also prominently lists their certificate of analysis on their website, a major bonus for users who appreciate transparency.
Not only is this powder manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility, the brand also puts every supplement through stringent third-party testing for quality assurance. It's great for those who are wary of taking pills and prefer to customize their supplement routine. It comes in a powder format, so you can put the zesty, citrus-flavored dust directly under your tongue, mix it in water, or blend it with your favorite beverage. The brand also prominently lists their certificate of analysis on their website, a major bonus for users who appreciate transparency. Type: NRC
NRC Dose: 2 scoops
Best Liposomal NAD+ Supplement: Rho Nutrition Liposomal NAD+
Rho Nutrition
Liposomal NAD+ Supplement
$56
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Rho's liquid NAD+ is the ingestible answer to those who want a vitamin B3 boost without getting an expensive IV drip. With a tangy lemon flavor and a vegan, sugar-free, keto-friendly, non-GMO, gluten, dairy-free, and soy-free formulation, customers reported loving the ability to customize their daily dosage and beat the afternoon slump.
Rho's liquid NAD+ is the ingestible answer to those who want a vitamin B3 boost without getting an expensive IV drip. With a tangy lemon flavor and a vegan, sugar-free, keto-friendly, non-GMO, gluten, dairy-free, and soy-free formulation, customers reported loving the ability to customize their daily dosage and beat the afternoon slump. Type: NAD
NAD Dose: 4 milliliters
Best Powder NAD+ Supplement: Timebeam Beauty Bounce Mode Healthy Pixie
Timebeam Beauty
Bounce Mode Healthy Pixie Supplement
$49
TIMEBEAM BEAUTY
Why We Love It: While NAD+ is the ingredient everyone is obsessing over, the truth is that NAD+ does not work by itself. Hamdan formulated this powder with NAD+ 'friends' like vitamin C, ribose, and rhodiola. 'This helps increase the efficacy and bioavailability of the NAD+,' says Hamdan. Hamdan also sought out an incredibly powerful and innovative NAD+ booster for this formula (we found it's a trademarked complex called RiaGev-WS), which she says is superior to NMN and NR. 'It's a direct source of NAD+, meaning it boosts not only NAD+ but two other longevity molecules in the cells called ATP and glutathione, while also decreasing cortisol levels,' says Hamdan. 'It's also easily absorbed by your body—remember if you don't absorb it, you can't use it.' The sprinkle-able, fast-melting powder melts right onto your tongue or can be mixed into hot or cold drinks which makes it one of the easiest ways to get your daily boost of NAD+.
While NAD+ is the ingredient everyone is obsessing over, the truth is that NAD+ does not work by itself. Hamdan formulated this powder with NAD+ 'friends' like vitamin C, ribose, and rhodiola. 'This helps increase the efficacy and bioavailability of the NAD+,' says Hamdan. Hamdan also sought out an incredibly powerful and innovative NAD+ booster for this formula (we found it's a trademarked complex called RiaGev-WS), which she says is superior to NMN and NR. 'It's a direct source of NAD+, meaning it boosts not only NAD+ but two other longevity molecules in the cells called ATP and glutathione, while also decreasing cortisol levels,' says Hamdan. 'It's also easily absorbed by your body—remember if you don't absorb it, you can't use it.' The sprinkle-able, fast-melting powder melts right onto your tongue or can be mixed into hot or cold drinks which makes it one of the easiest ways to get your daily boost of NAD+. Type: RiaGev-WS
RiaGev-WS Dose: 1 packet
Best NMN NAD+ Supplement: Wonderfeel Youngr NMN
Wonderfeel
Youngr NMN Supplement
$88
WONDERFEEL
Why We Love It: With a patented blend of NMN, vitamin D, resveratrol, and olive antioxidant super ingredient hydroxytyrosol, this NAD+ supplement is ranked among the best of the best according to longevity experts. 'Oral precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), are more easily absorbed and efficiently converted to NAD+ within cells,' says Kahn. There's also promising pre-clinical research that NMN has beneficial effects on cognitive function. The brand has an impressive list of medical advisors and scientific experts on board, including Harvard-, Yale-, and Columbia-trained Dr. Andrew Salzman, MD, who helped develop the formula.
With a patented blend of NMN, vitamin D, resveratrol, and olive antioxidant super ingredient hydroxytyrosol, this NAD+ supplement is ranked among the best of the best according to longevity experts. 'Oral precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), are more easily absorbed and efficiently converted to NAD+ within cells,' says Kahn. There's also promising pre-clinical research that NMN has beneficial effects on cognitive function. The brand has an impressive list of medical advisors and scientific experts on board, including Harvard-, Yale-, and Columbia-trained Dr. Andrew Salzman, MD, who helped develop the formula. Type: NMN
NMN Dose: 2 capsules
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