Key Takeaways: 

• Liposomal NAD+ lacks evidence: Oral liposomal NAD+ supplements have not been shown to reliably increase NAD+ levels in humans.

• Molecular and stability challenges: NAD+ and its precursors are unstable in aqueous liposomal formulations, and manufacturing difficulties often compromise product integrity.

• NR is science-backed: Nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplementation has consistently demonstrated efficacy in raising NAD+ levels across multiple tissues and biofluids.

• Choose supplements wisely: Prioritize products with clinical evidence, verified stability, transparent manufacturing, and third-party testing.

Liposomal supplements have gained significant attention in recent years, driven by claims that this delivery system enhances the absorption and bioavailability of certain nutrients. In some cases—such as with vitamin C and glutathione¹—liposomal formulations have demonstrated superior uptake compared to conventional forms.²

However, the use of liposomal delivery has recently expanded to include other compounds, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and its precursors.

Despite growing marketing interest, liposomal formulations are not universally advantageous. There are fundamental and molecular reasons why liposomal delivery is not the most effective approach for NAD+ or NAD+ precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR).

This article explores the science behind liposomes, how they function, and why liposomal delivery is not the best strategy for supporting NAD+ levels.

What Are Liposomal Supplements and How Do They Work? 

Liposomes are tiny, spherical vesicles—typically nano-sized—composed of one or more phospholipid bilayers surrounding an aqueous core.

Their structure is designed to enhance the absorption and delivery of certain compounds in the body.³ Phospholipids—the same fat-based molecules that make up our cell membranes—contain a hydrophilic ("water-loving") head and a hydrophobic ("water-repelling") tail. This amphiphilic nature allows them to form double-layered membranes that encapsulate active ingredients.

The lipid bilayer protects the encapsulated compound from degradation in the digestive tract and bloodstream, potentially improving its stability and absorption. Once the liposome reaches target tissues, it can interact with or fuse into cell membranes, releasing its contents into the intracellular environment.

The body is thought to recognize liposomal structures because they are composed of phospholipids similar to those in its own cell membranes, which can contribute to enhanced cellular uptake and bioavailability of certain compounds.

Liposomal delivery has become popular for ingredients that are unstable, degrade easily, or are sensitive to digestive conditions—such as vitamin C² and glutathione.¹ In these cases, liposomes can help protect fragile compounds from degradation by stomach acid⁴ and digestive enzymes, potentially improving their stability, absorption, and transport across cell membranes.

That said, liposomal formulations require careful temperature control, minimal oxygen exposure, and limited physical stress during manufacturing to maintain structural integrity, meaning they can be nearly as sensitive as the compounds they are designed to protect.

Although liposomes have been used successfully in the pharmaceutical industry—where strict manufacturing standards are maintained—dietary supplements marketed as “liposomal” often do not meet these rigorous requirements.

Consequently, such products may contain liposomes of inconsistent quality or stability, which can reduce the effectiveness of the encapsulated compound.

In addition, despite the potential advantages of liposomal technology for certain compounds, applying the same delivery system to NAD+ and its precursors introduces additional formulation challenges.

The Problem with Liposomal NAD+ Supplements

While some research has demonstrated that liposomal delivery can enhance the absorption of certain nutrients, such as vitamin C,² the same has not been shown for NAD+ or its precursors. Currently, there are no peer-reviewed human studies demonstrating that oral liposomal NAD+ supplements increase NAD+ levels in the body.

The primary challenge with liposomal NAD+ supplements stems from the molecular properties of NAD+ and its precursors. Liposomes have an aqueous core, and NAD+ and NR can be unstable in this environment. As a result, NAD+ or NR degrade over time, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the supplement within weeks. 

Some supplement manufacturers have attempted to address this issue by using dried liposomes—liposomes that have been dehydrated to create a more stable powder. However, dehydration can cause liposomes to collapse and lose structural integrity, thereby eliminating the protective barrier that shields the active ingredients.

As a result, liposomal NR supplements have not been shown to reliably increase NAD+ levels in humans. In a quantitative analysis conducted by Niagen Bioscience’s ISO/IEC 17025:2017 A2LA-accredited lab, 12 NAD+ supplements marketed as liposomal were tested. Notably, among these, eight softgel products contained no detectable NAD+. 

Moreover, although three liposomal NAD+ capsule products contained NAD+, their claims of enhanced liposomal bioavailability are not supported by the evidence. These formulations contained only sunflower oil or sunflower lecithin—components used in liposome production—but did not contain liposomal structures.

Another analysis examined 11 NR products advertised as liposomal delivery, finding that five contained less than 1% of the labeled NR amount, and the remaining six contained NR levels well below their stated label claims. 

Overall, due to issues with stability and structural integrity, liposomal encapsulation is not currently a viable or effective delivery system for NAD+ or NR.

What Is the Most Effective NAD+ Delivery Method? Science Explains

In contrast, oral supplementation with NR has been extensively studied and shown to be effective, making it a more practical approach for raising NAD+ levels. 

Research has shown that NAD+ precursors—such as NR—increase NAD+ levels and/or NAD+ flux (the rate at which cells are making and using NAD+) across multiple tissues and biofluids, including whole blood,⁵ white blood cells,⁶ muscle,⁷ and even the brain,⁸ demonstrating both bioavailability and efficacy.

Another method of increasing NAD+ is via NR intravenous (IV) therapy, which bypasses digestion and delivers NR directly into the bloodstream. In a head-to-head acute dose pilot study, this approach elevated NAD+ levels more rapidly than direct NAD+ IV administration and is associated with fewer side effects.⁹

Compared to liposomal delivery, oral NR supplementation remains one of the most scientifically supported and practical strategies for supporting NAD+ levels, while NR IV therapy may serve as an adjunct option for individuals seeking a potent, short-term intervention.

What to Look for in a High-Quality NAD+ Supplement

As the supplement industry can be prone to variability in quality and credibility, it is important for consumers to make informed choices. Here are key factors to consider when evaluating NAD+ supplements:

Scientific Research:

• Does the product or its core ingredient have peer-reviewed human clinical studies demonstrating it increases NAD+ levels?

• Does the supplement provide an effective dose of NR or other NAD+ precursors as supported by clinical studies?

Verified Stability: 

• Has the manufacturer verified that the active ingredients remain stable throughout the product’s stated shelf life?
• Keep in mind that NAD+ and its precursors are sensitive molecules, and proper formulation and packaging are essential.

Manufacturing Transparency:

• Does the brand disclose its manufacturing methods and explain how it ensures ingredient integrity?
• Are they forthcoming about the sourcing, purity, and stability testing of their raw materials?
• Has the product been tested for heavy metals, microbial contamination, or other impurities?

Third-Party Verification: 

• Has the product been independently verified by reputable testing organizations, such as NSF International, with full traceability through lot number verification?

Conclusion: Liposomal NAD+ Is an Ineffective Way to Boost NAD+ Levels

Despite growing market interest—and numerous buzzword-laden packaging claims—liposomal NAD+ supplements and NAD+ precursor supplements lack credible scientific evidence demonstrating that they increase NAD+ levels in humans.

The molecular instability of NAD+ and its precursors, combined with challenges in maintaining liposome integrity during manufacturing, often results in these products failing to deliver on their promises. In many cases, the “liposomal” label represents a marketing claim rather than a scientifically validated delivery method.

Consumers seeking to support NAD+ levels should focus on clinically researched and stable delivery methods, such as oral NR. Oral supplementation with nicotinamide riboside (NR) has consistently demonstrated efficacy across multiple tissues and biofluids, making it a practical and science-backed option.

Ultimately, informed decisions about NAD+ supplementation should prioritize evidence, transparency, and verified quality. Effective NAD+ support begins with products grounded in rigorous research, not marketing buzzwords.

 

References

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