Skip to content

AboutNAD

USP monograph: A new quality standard for Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP), an independent, nonprofit organization that sets global quality standards for medicines, food ingredients, and supplements, has published an ingredient monograph for Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride—setting the bar for purity and potency.

New head-to-head clinical research: NR vs. NMN

Two recently published peer-reviewed studies are the first to compare orally supplemented NR and NMN head-to-head.

3D visualization of transparent cells with red nuclei representing NAD+ activity and cellular energy.

What is NAD+?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a crucial coenzyme found in every cell, powering the conversion of food into energy and supporting essential cellular processes. As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline, affecting how our cells function. Find out how this discovery is changing the way we think about aging and what it means for your health.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NAD+
3D molecular visualization illustrating nicotinamide riboside (NR) and its role in supporting cellular NAD+ metabolism.

Why NAD+ is important for whole-body health

As we age, NAD+ levels can drop by up to 65%, reducing the ability of cells to produce energy, repair DNA, and maintain overall function. This decline can weaken cellular resilience and increase vulnerability to age-related health challenges. Learn how maintaining NAD+ levels may support cellular energy, vitality, and long-term wellness.

EXPLORE NAD+ BENEFITS
Cross-section of cells symbolizing nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplementation and its association with NAD+ levels.

The science of NAD+ boosting

Since NAD+ molecules are too large to effectively enter cells when taken directly, your body requires smaller compounds called NAD+ "precursors": building blocks that can cross into cells and convert into NAD+. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a unique form of vitamin B3 that efficiently converts to NAD+ in your cells through a specialized pathway.

Unlike other precursors, NR bypasses rate-limiting steps and avoids potential side effects associated with NAD+ and niacin supplementation. Extensive research demonstrates NR's superior bioavailability and safety profile, making it one of the most studied and effective NAD+ precursors available, with clinical studies consistently showing its ability to significantly raise NAD+ levels in humans.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NR
Cell membrane illustration representing NAD+ pathways and nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplementation research.

How NAD+ supplementation can support your health

As we age, maintaining adequate NAD+ levels becomes increasingly important for cellular processes throughout the body. Studies on NAD+ supplementation show promising connections to positive benefits across multiple areas of health:

  • Neurological Health (e.g., Parkinson's disease)
  • Cardiovascular Health (e.g., Heart Failure)
  • Orphan Disease (e.g., Ataxia Telangiectasia)
  • Immune Function
  • Aging & Healthspan
  • Muscle Health
EXPLORE CLINICAL STUDIES

Expert-backed content

Every article, study summary, and educational resource undergoes rigorous expert review before publication.

Our educational content is created and reviewed by world-renowned experts in NAD+ research and cellular biology. From pioneering researchers who discovered NAD+ precursors to clinical investigators conducting cutting-edge trials, our expert network ensures the highest standards of scientific accuracy.

Portrait of Dr. Charles Brenner, researcher who discovered nicotinamide riboside (NR) as an NAD+ precursor.

Charles Brenner, Ph.D.

Dr. Charles Brenner is a leading global researcher in NAD+ metabolism, known for discovering the vitamin activity of nicotinamide riboside.

Portrait of Dr. Vilhelm Will Bohr, scientist studying nicotinamide riboside (NR) and its role in neurodegeneration and brain health.

Vilhelm (Will) Bohr, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc.

Dr. Vilhelm Bohr is a leading researcher in DNA repair, aging, and neurodegenerative disease with over 600 journal publications.

Portrait of Toby Amidor, registered dietitian contributing to AboutNAD educational content.

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND

Toby Amidor is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and leading culinary nutrition expert, recognized with the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics' Media Excellence Award.

Portrait of Dr. Philip Redpath, Director of Innovation R&D at Niagen Bioscience, expert in synthetic organic chemistry and NAD+ precursor development.

  Philip Redpath, Ph.D.

Dr. Philip Redpath, Director of Innovation R&D at Niagen Bioscience, is a synthetic organic chemistry expert specializing in NAD+ precursor development.

Portrait of Lauren Manaker, registered dietitian specializing in women's health and nutrition, focusing on evidence-based dietary recommendations.

Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, CLEC

Lauren Manaker is an award-winning registered dietitian and three-time author specializing in evidence-based women's health nutrition.

Portrait of Dr. Michael Sagner, physician and pioneer in preventative medicine, dedicated to promoting health and wellness through early intervention.

Michael Sagner, M.D.

Dr. Michael Sagner is a globally recognized physician and pioneer in preventive medicine, serving as Clinical Advisor at Ageing Research at King's (ARK) and founder of The Serena Clinic.

Methods of NAD+ Administration: Understanding Your Options

Modern science offers several approaches to increasing NAD+ levels, each with distinct advantages and applications:

Dish containing capsules symbolizing oral NAD+ and nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplementation.

Oral Supplementation

The most convenient and widely studied method, particularly with nicotinamide riboside (NR), offering proven bioavailability and safety.

Liposomal particles visualized to represent encapsulated delivery of NAD+ and nicotinamide riboside (NR).

Liposomal Delivery

A delivery system purported to enhance absorption and cellular uptake of NAD+ precursors, but lacks clinical research to support.

Intravenous Administration

Direct delivery for maximum bioavailability, typically used in clinical settings for specific therapeutic applications.

Syringe and vial representing NAD+ and nicotinamide riboside (NR) injections.

Injection

Targeted delivery via intramuscular or subcutaneous administration,
with the convenience of at-home or in-clinic administration.

Blog

Aging & Longevity

The 14 Hallmarks of Aging: How NAD+ Plays a Role in Every Hallmark

Aging is more than just getting older—it is a complex breakdown of 14 interconnected biological, cellular, and social processes. This article explores each hallmark of aging and highlights how NAD+ supports DNA repair, mitochondrial function, proteostasis, and more.

Read more

Pharmacokinetic/Safety

NR vs. NMN: What the Latest Human Research Actually Shows

Two newly published clinical studies tested NR and NMN head-to-head in humans for the first time. Explore what the latest clinical data reveals about which NAD+ precursor is more effective at increasing NAD+ levels, and the biochemistry behind each compound.

Read more

In the News

Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride Now Has a USP Monograph—Here’s What That Means

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) has published a compendial standard for nicotinamide riboside chloride (NRCl), making it one of the only NAD+ precursors to meet pharmacopeial quality benchmarks. Learn what that means, and why it matters.

Read more

In the News

What Is a Patent? Types, Uses, and Why They Matter for NAD+

Patents are the foundation of innovation, but understanding what they are and how they work is more nuanced than it may seem. This educational guide breaks down the types of patents, what each protects, and why they are especially relevant in the NAD+ space.

Read more