How NAD Supports Energy and Healthy Aging

What You Need to Know About NAD Benefits

A woman in her 50s is standing in her kitchen, taking her supplements  and enjoying Nad benefits
A closer look at NAD benefits and healthy aging.

The science around aging is evolving fast, and with it comes a wave of new supplements and claims. One that keeps coming up is the question around NAD benefits. NAD is a molecule tied to energy, DNA repair, and the aging process. I had heard about NAD⁺ benefits and the fact that it may help with energy and healthy aging, but I did not know much about it, so when this video by SciShow came up in my feed, I watched and it brought a little more clarity.

Here is a short summary of the video and a cheat sheet with the points I found most useful. The video is embedded at the bottom of the page so you can watch it without leaving this site. Below that, you’ll find links to related articles.

This video by SciShow explains what NAD⁺ is, how it supports cellular health, and why its decline with age has become a focus in longevity research. It introduces two supplements (NR and NMN) that may help restore NAD⁺ levels, potentially improving insulin sensitivity, inflammation markers, and overall metabolic function. The video also discusses natural ways to maintain NAD⁺, including exercise and calorie restriction, and critiques the growing wellness trend of costly NAD⁺ infusions. Rather than promising longer life, the focus is on improving healthspan, the years you remain healthy and independent.

Based on a video by SciShow

What Is NAD⁺?

NAD⁺, also known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a coenzyme found in all living cells. It supports DNA repair, mitochondrial function, and inflammation control. Levels naturally decline with age which may contribute to fatigue, reduced cell repair, and age related disease.

What NAD⁺ Does in the Body

NAD⁺ supports energy production, DNA repair, inflammation control, and overall metabolic function. These NAD benefits matter because higher levels help cells stay resilient while lower levels are linked with fatigue and age related decline.

Why Boost NAD⁺?

Scientists believe that restoring NAD⁺ levels may help slow cellular aging. The goal is not simply to live longer but to stay healthy longer and extend your healthspan.

How to Boost It:

Supplements (Precursors):

NR, known as Nicotinamide Riboside, and NMN, known as Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, are easier for the body to absorb than NAD⁺ itself. Research into the benefits of NAD⁺ supplements focuses on how these precursors may support healthier aging by helping the body restore NAD⁺ levels. NR has been shown to raise NAD⁺ levels in older adults without major side effects. NMN has been studied in postmenopausal women with pre diabetes and showed improvements in insulin sensitivity. A 2022 meta analysis also suggested potential benefits for cholesterol and inflammation although the effects were modest.

Natural Methods to Boost NAD

NAD can also be supported through regular exercise, calorie restriction, and intermittent fasting. Avoiding smoking and managing chronic stress further support natural NAD production.

Industry Trends & Cautions

NAD IV drips are now promoted in luxury wellness centers and among celebrities although they are costly and not supported by strong clinical evidence. Nad supplements are widely available yet not regulated by the FDA which means quality can vary.

Bottom Line

NAD boosters show promise but the field is still early stage. The most reliable improvements come from proven strategies that include diet, movement, and stress management. Supplements may support healthy aging but they cannot replace consistent lifestyle choices.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may include curated or personal content. It is not medical advice. Please consult a licensed provider before making health decisions.



If you’re exploring more ways to stay healthy, you may also like:

To be notified when new content is published, please join our mailing list below.

What NAD Does and How It May Support Healthy Aging

Video by SciShow. All rights belong to the original creator.
To watch on YouTube click here