NAD+ and Energy: Can NAD+ Supplements Boost Your Energy?

If you've been feeling tired or like your energy isn't what it used to be, you may have heard about NAD+ supplements.

NAD+ has become popular in the wellness and longevity world, with claims that it can improve energy, support healthy ageing and help your cells work better.

But what is NAD+, and do you actually need a supplement?

Let's take a look at what the science says.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ is a molecule found in every cell in your body.

One of its important jobs is helping your cells turn the food you eat into energy. It's also involved in other processes that help your cells function and repair themselves.

NAD+ levels can change as we age, which is one reason researchers are interested in whether increasing NAD+ could support healthy ageing.

But there's an important difference between NAD+ being involved in energy production and taking a supplement actually making you feel more energetic.

Can NAD+ supplements increase energy?

This is where the research gets interesting.

Some supplements can increase NAD+ levels in the body. However, we don't yet have strong evidence that this consistently translates into more energy, better exercise performance or noticeable improvements in how people feel.

So while NAD+ is important for energy production, taking an NAD+ supplement isn't guaranteed to give you an energy boost.

What are the best NAD+ supplements?

When you look at NAD+ supplements, you'll usually come across three names:

• NAD+

• NR

• NMN

NR and NMN are substances your body can use to make NAD+.

NR

NR stands for nicotinamide riboside.

Human studies have shown that NR can increase NAD+ levels in the body.

It's one of the more well-studied NAD+ supplements available.

NMN

NMN stands for nicotinamide mononucleotide.

Like NR, it's a building block your body can use to make NAD+.

Human studies have also shown that NMN can increase NAD+ levels, although research into its longer-term benefits is still developing.

NR vs NMN: which is better?

At the moment, there isn't a clear winner.

Both NR and NMN can increase NAD+ levels, but we don't have enough evidence to say that one is definitely better for energy, ageing or overall health.

If you're considering an NAD+ supplement, I'd be more interested in a quality NR or NMN product than simply choosing something because it has "NAD+" written on the label.

What about NAD+ IV therapy?

NAD+ IV treatments are often marketed for energy, recovery and anti-ageing.

However, there isn't currently enough high-quality human research to say that NAD+ IV therapy provides these benefits.

The science simply hasn't caught up with the marketing yet.

Can you support NAD+ naturally?

Before spending money on an expensive supplement, remember that your body naturally makes NAD+.

Supporting your overall health is still the foundation for healthy energy production.

This includes:

• Eating enough food

• Getting enough protein

• Eating a nutrient-rich diet

• Exercising regularly

• Getting enough sleep

• Managing stress

• Correcting nutritional deficiencies

• Avoiding chronic under-eating

If you're constantly tired, don't automatically assume you need an NAD+ supplement.

Low energy can have many causes, including inadequate calorie intake, low iron or B12, poor sleep, stress, thyroid problems and overtraining.

Finding the underlying cause is often more useful than simply taking a supplement.

So, should you take an NAD+ supplement?

If your goal is to increase NAD+ levels, NR and NMN are the two main options to know about.

NR has more established human research, while NMN is also showing promising results.

But if your goal is to have more energy, the evidence isn't strong enough to say that either supplement will reliably make you feel more energetic.

NAD+ is an exciting area of research, but it's important to separate what's scientifically proven from what's being promised by the supplement industry.