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If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem to keep their “spark” (glowing skin, overflowing with energy) well into their Forties, Fifties, and beyond, the answer often comes down to a little something called cellular resilience. This is where NAD enters the conversation.
Hitting health-conscious celebs in Hollywood harder than the Ozempic craze, NAD has quickly become the quiet star of modern longevity as of late. From lab benches at Harvard and the Buck Institute, to the living rooms of wellness influencers filled with foam rollers and blue‑light glasses, you may have first heard about it from the episode of the The Kardashians where Hailey Bieber told Kendall Jenner, “I’m going to NAD for the rest of my life, and I’m never going to age.” Or perhaps it piqued your interest during an episode of Joe Rogan’s podcast where he discusses his supplement routine, or heard when Jennifer Aniston called these boosters “the future“.
Either way, this is no longer some sort of secret substance relegated via IV to the arms of the most-followed people on the planet. Google searches for NAD are predicted to soar 10% within the next year according to a Vogue Business report, and top-shelf NAD supplements are becoming more accessible (and affordable) than ever. As biohacker Dave Asprey once put it, “If you can control your NAD levels, you can control one of the most important pathways of aging.”
But what’s fueling the buzz is some serious biological research. NAD (short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is involved in hundreds of cellular reactions that keep you alive and thriving. Harvard-trained physician‑scientist Dr. Andrew Salzman refers to it as the centerpiece of biology. “NAD is a small molecule, it’s the centerpiece of biology, and it really does three things in our body,” he tells Rolling Stone. “First of all, NAD is absolutely essential for energy. NAD controls the production of ATP, which is the currency we use in order to think, to move our muscles, to have our digestion work, to metabolize.”
Functional medicine leader Dr. Mark Hyman also states the NADs can help regulate inflammation and activate our whole DNA repair system, helping a whole host of other processes that tend to falter as we age. “NAD regulates the production of mitochondria and their activity, and regulates our antioxidant status. [It also] improves our insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation, and it’s just such a powerful strategy for helping improve health and longevity.”
So why would you take these supplements now? Here’s the rub: NAD levels start sliding as early as our Twenties and may drop to roughly half by age 50. That decline is accelerated by a lot of different factors, but can include stress, toxins, inflammation, poor diet, and alcohol. Enzymes like CD38 even chew through our remaining supply as we get older. The result? Slower post-exertion recovery, and that “why am I so tired?” mystery that no extra coffee can fix.
The modern solution is to replenish NAD using precursors — most notably NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) — that the body converts into NAD inside the cell. In fact, Dr. Salzman notes that NMN appears to have its own cellular “shuttle,” making it a particularly efficient pathway. So if you’re looking to dive in and try these supplements for yourself, below is our export‑informed guide to the best NAD supplements for longevity, skin health, energy, and more (along with an explainer on how these supplements work).
The Best NAD Supplements of 2025
Wonderfeel
Wonderfeel Youngr NMN
Pros: Potent 900 mg NMN dose aligned with expert guidance, Antioxidant support to mirror NAD’s real‑world biology, Developed with a Harvard‑trained physician‑scientist
Cons: Direct‑to‑consumer availability only
If you want a formula that reflects the state of the science, Wonderfeel Youngr NMN sits at the front of the pack. It centers around an actually, clinically meaningful 900 mg of NMN per serving, right in the sweet spot discussed by longevity experts. It’s also packed with layers of thoughtful antioxidants (like resveratrol and hydroxytyrosol) that complement NAD’s roles in DNA repair and inflammation balance. That synergy echoes Dr. Salzman’s three‑pillar view of NAD: energy, antioxidant defense, and DNA integrity.
I tried out Youngr NMN myself for two weeks taking the recommended dose of two capsules a day, and while I’d like to get a bit of a longer feel for it to see more skin and hair benefits, my initial reaction was how much it immediately changed my relationship to sleep. Usually I fall asleep pretty quickly, but have a hard time waking up, and this was the first time in a while that I was consistently, every day, rising right before my alarm was set to go off. The 3 o’clock slump hasn’t hit me as hard in the second week, and I rarely need a second cup of coffee anymore.
Developed by Harvard‑trained Dr. Salzman, Wonderfeel Youngr NMN also stands out for its quality controls and minimalist excipient profile. The experience I felt even after just two weeks (caffeine-free daytime energy and a subtle “evenness” to focus) tracks with what the literature suggests when NAD levels rise. If you’re new to NAD, or simply want the one‑and‑done choice, this is the most comprehensive capsule we’ve seen.
Wonderfeel
best for focus
Wonderfeel NMN Capsuls
Pros: Streamlined, pure NMN formula,
Third‑party tested with a transparent label, Easy to stack with other essentials
Cons: Lower total actives than Youngr (aka no added polyphenols)
Prefer a simpler, single‑ingredient approach? Wonderfeel’s NMN Capsuls deliver NMN without distraction, ideally if you want to build a daily routine and dial in your own stack (e.g., adding on top of vitamin D, magnesium, omega‑3s, or others). Dr. Salzman’s framing is helpful here: because NAD underpins mitochondrial ATP production, many people feel the difference first as steadier daytime energy and mental clarity.
This pick is especially good for professionals or parents who value predictability, pairing well with everyday lifestyle basics that also nudge NAD in the right direction: diet and strength-based physical activity, along with quality sleep. There’s transparent dosing information (and no odd aftertastes), with each serving providing 1000mg pure NMN, aligning with leading longevity research and dosage recommendations from experts like Dr. David Sinclair.
best budget-friendly
Double Wood NMN (250 mg)
Pros: Friendly price point, Simple ingredient profile, Flexible dosing to find your sweet spot
Cons: Lower per‑capsule potency, Requires more capsules to reach 600–900 mg/day
If you’re NAD‑curious and cost‑conscious, Double Wood’s NMN supplement offers an approachable on‑ramp. Dosing is flexible (you can scale capsule count to reach your target), and the formula keeps excipients to a minimum. For many folks, this is the “start here, see how you feel, and then step up” option.
Because your results may vary depending on the mg per serving you take, you may need multiple capsules to hit the effective range discussed by experts. That said, it’s hard to beat this level of accessibility, especially if you’re already building a routine that includes other longevity basics (high-protein meals, movement, sleep) and want to watch your monthly spend.
best for skin
Elysium Basis NAD Supplement
Pros: NR paired with a smart polyphenol (pterostilbene), Minimalist presentation, subscription available for restocking
Cons: Uses NR rather than NMN, Pricey for the potency
Elysium’s Basis supplement combines NR with pterostilbene, a polyphenol (compound known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties) cousin of resveratrol, in a sleek, subscription‑friendly package. Although NMN supplements may have a more direct cellular “shuttle,” NR is well studied and remains a valid path to raising your NAD. Where Basis often shines is with the beauty- and brain-focused crowd: reviews frequently report subtle energy normalization alongside skin perks.
Why skin, though? Well, NAD status directly intersects with barrier function and hydration. Research suggests NAD precursors can increase hyaluronic acid and ceramide production and help repair UV‑induced damage, which may translate to better skin elasticity and firmness over time. If you’re the “SPF and serums” type who wants an inside‑out companion, Basis is a polished pick.
best for immune support
Tru Niagen (300 mg)
Pros: Research‑forward NR brand with strong safety data, Straightforward, no‑frills dosing, Widely recommended by clinicians familiar with NR
Cons: NR may be less direct than NMN, You may need higher capsule counts to match NMN‑style dosing goals
Tru Niagen is the standard‑bearer for NR supplements, backed by multiple safety and biomarker studies. If you prefer to stay squarely within the NR literature (or your clinician recommends NR for personal reasons), this is the brand you might want to reach for. Dr. Hyman’s observation that NAD helps regulate inflammation and mitochondrial activity resonates here: a steadier immune‑metabolic baseline is often what people who take this version of NR are after.
Tru Niagen makes sense for those who want a predictable, single‑pathway protocol with long‑standing brand oversight. It’s the best fit for keeping your regimen simple (one capsule, same time daily) and still helping your immune system along the way.
best high-purity
ProHealth Longevity NMN Pro (500 mg)
Pros: Emphasis on data and batch testing, Suitable potencies for expert‑level dosing
Cons: Typically higher cost per gram, Number of capsules you take per day can add up at target doses
ProHealth has long cultivated a reputation for its rigorous third‑party testing, which matters in a category where label claims can vary wildly. Their NMN Pro line is designed for those who prioritize verifiable purity and want to titrate confidently toward the 600–1,000 mg/day window discussed by experts like Dr. Verdin and Dr. Sinclair.
It’s a good fit if you’re already doing some basic health tracking (like sleep insights with a fitness wearable), or if you’re the full-blown spreadsheet type who’s into data on HRV, training blocks, and subjective energy. ProHealth’s transparency also makes it easy to correlate dose with how you feel over a few months.
Best Polyphenol Stack
Thorne ResveraCel
Pros: Thoughtful bundle of NR and polyphenols, Respected brand with clinician adoption, One‑and‑done convenience
Cons: Less flexible if you want to adjust each component, NR‑based rather than NMN‑centric
Thorne’s take on NAD support fuses NR with anti-inflammatory ingredients like quercetin, resveratrol, and niacinamide. The idea: pair a precursor with polyphenols known to influence pathways tied to mitochondrial health and cellular stress responses. If you’re already on some of Thorne’s other basic supplements (vitamin D, magnesium), ResveraCel slots neatly into your daily ecosystem.
For those who prefer comprehensive blends over separate bottles this “stack in a capsule” can simplify your routine, especially if your goals include healthy aging and exercise recovery.
best high dose
Renue by Science NMN Powder
Pros: Cost‑efficient at higher daily intakes, Flexible micro‑titration (great if you’re sensitive), Easy to pair with coffee/smoothies
Cons: Requires measuring and mixing, Less travel‑friendly than capsules
If you’re targeting the ~1 gram/day range discussed by experts, bulk powder can be the most economical and customizable path. Renue by Science’s positioning emphasizes purity and value at scale, letting you split doses (morning/evening) and adjust in 100–250 mg increments as you learn how your body responds.
Powder isn’t for everyone; you’ll need a mini scale or scoop discipline, and it’s not exactly easy to bring with you on-the-go (although flavor‑masking in a smoothie or yogurt helps). But this format is hard to beat if you love dialing things in and want to take the fewest capsules per day possible.
What Is NAD and How Do NAD Supplements Work?
NAD is a universal cellular cofactor present in all living things. Dr. Andrew Salzman describes it as a “small molecule [at] the centerpiece of [our] biology,” involved in over 500 enzymatic reactions. In everyday terms, without NAD, there’s no cellular energy, no effective defense against oxidative stress, and no robust repair of our DNA.
How Does NAD+ Work in the Body?
Dr. Salzman breaks it into three jobs: “First of all, NAD is absolutely essential for energy. NAD controls the production of ATP, which is the currency we use in order to think, to move our muscles, to have our digestion work, to metabolize.”
The second fuction is NAD’s essential role in the production of an antioxidant defense. “We are bombarded continuously by the environment, by cosmic rays, by oxidants we make. We’re in a bath, in a world of oxidants. We must have an efficient and effective antioxidant defense. So we need NAD to survive in an oxygen-rich environment.”
Thirdly, NAD fuels our DNA repair. “NAD is used by PARP, the second most abundant protein in the nucleus and a key player in DNA repair. PARP detects and fixes constant DNA damage caused by environmental stressors, helping prevent mutations that could lead to cancer.”
What Are the Benefits of Taking NAD?
Rising NAD levels can support the systems most tied to how we feel and age. Studies have associated NMN with everything from better aerobic capacity, to healthier metabolic markers, enhanced neuronal function, and even skin benefits like improved hydration, elasticity, and UV‑damage repair (thanks in part to boosted hyaluronic acid and ceramide production).
As Dr. Hyman sums it up, “NAD regulates inflammation…regulates the production of mitochondria and their activity…activates our whole DNA repair system.” That’s a powerful trifecta for covering both your everyday performance and long‑term health.
Are There Any Dangers to Taking NAD Supplements?
To date, clinical data show a strong safety profile for oral NMN and NR across a wide range of doses. For example, a 2022 safety evaluation of multiple clinical trials looked at the effects of taking 1,250 mg of NMN daily for four weeks on a group of healthy adult men and women. The results showed that this amount of NMN was safe to consume and did not cause any side effects or unwanted changes in their health.
That said, IV NAD, injections, and some liposomal or sublingual formats come with more question marks (from stability to side effects) and far less published evidence. If you’re managing a medical condition or taking prescription medications, talk with your healthcare provider first —especially around surgery, or if you have a complex metabolic disorder.
How Much NAD Should You Take Each Day?
For most adults looking to feel a real difference, 600–900 mg/day of NMN is a smart starting lane — many practitioners and researchers discuss ~1,000 mg/day as a target for robust support. If you’re sensitive to supplements, start lower (e.g., 250–300 mg) and build up over 2–4 weeks. Consistency matters here, because most of the benefits compound over time. NAD status shifts gradually: think weeks to months, not days.
How We Chose the Best NAD Supplements
When researching for this guide, there were a variety of factors we considered, from dosing, to the form of NAD being supplies, along with purity and proof. Editorial consensus from longevity experts we talked to points toward ~600–1,000 mg/day of NMN for meaningful effect, although we provided a wide range of products starting as low as 250 mg a day if you want to titrate and build up your tolerance. Our list includes supplements that are both NMN- and NR-based, although NMN may enjoy a more direct cellular shuttle. We avoided gimmicks (unproven nasal sprays, trendy add‑ons) without solid data, and sought out brands with third‑party testing for identity, potency, and contaminants. We also compared the mg per serving and servings per bottle to determine the value per dose (which is multiplied by quality, not label flair).