‘Fountain of youth’ molecule could promote healthy aging and curb disease

It has been hailed that a small molecule could promote longevity and combat certain diseases, but experts also call for more research.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), often nicknamed the “fountain of youth,” is a coenzyme essential for cell survival, which naturally declines with age. In recent years, supplements designed to increase NAD+ levels have gained popularity.

Last month, researchers led by the University of Oslo reviewed preclinical and clinical studies investigating the link between NAD+ and aging.

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The review, which was published in the journal Nature Aging, concluded that restoring NAD+ levels could help promote healthy aging and potentially slow or treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Every cell in the body contains NAD+, which plays a “critical role” in bodily functions that are essential for survival.

Previous research has shown that patients with Alzheimer’s disease exhibit “remarkably low levels” of NAD+, the researchers noted, consistent with the fact that NAD+ declines with age.

“NAD+ may be the key to healthier aging and could protect us against diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s,” said Evandro Fei Fang-Stavem, associate professor at the University of Oslo, in a press release. “However, we need more research on how to use NAD+ effectively in treating patients.”

NAD+ Benefits

Research has shown that increasing NAD+ can improve mitochondrial and stem cell function, improve energy metabolism, improve focus and mood, and promote tissue repair, according to Dr. Amanda Kahn, a board-certified internist and longevity expert in New York City.

“From a longevity standpoint, NAD+ is one of the most important molecules for maintaining youthful cellular function,” he told News Digital. “It activates… longevity pathways that protect against DNA damage and inflammation.”

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Boosting NAD+ also supports neuroprotection against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, improves insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, repairs the skin, increases immune defense, and improves symptoms in long COVID patients, Kahn added.

Dr. Halland Chen, a double-certified New York physician who specializes in longevity, reiterated that studies in both animals and early human models show that maintaining healthy levels of NAD+ can improve energy metabolism, cognitive function, and overall vitality.

“Restoring NAD+ is ultimately about cellular repair and mitochondrial optimization, not just an increase in energy,” he told News Digital. “Clinical experience shows that NAD+ therapy improves energy, focus and endurance, while supporting detoxification and reducing oxidative stress from daily life, travel or lack of sleep.”

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NAD+ also activates sirtuins, a group of longevity-related proteins that regulate DNA repair, cellular stress responses and gene expression, Chen said, although he noted that larger studies in humans are still needed.

Methods to boost NAD+

In clinical studies, patients with age-related diseases have taken compounds designed to stimulate NAD+.

While NAD+ itself is a large molecule that cannot cross into cells, NAD+ “precursors” can enter cells and then work to create NAD+, experts confirm.

These precursors include nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Most people take these NAD+ precursors in the form of pills, capsules, or powders.

“Clinical experience shows that NAD+ therapy improves energy, focus and endurance while promoting detoxification.”

“Oral NAD precursors can modestly increase NAD+ levels and are convenient for daily maintenance,” Khan said. “In contrast, intravenous injections or infusions bypass the gut and deliver NAD+ directly into the circulation, resulting in faster, more noticeable effects on energy, focus, and recovery.”

Khan also prescribes a weaker NAD+ nasal spray for patients who cannot tolerate needles, although he said the benefits are typically less pronounced.

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“In general, I find that combining daily oral precursors with weekly NAD+ injections offers the most complete support for both intracellular and extracellular NAD stores,” he advised.

Chen noted that oral supplements are better for maintenance, while intravenous therapy is often chosen for “rapid cellular reboot, recovery after travel, or better performance.”

“Sessions typically last two to four hours and are administered in a series of three infusions over seven to 10 days, followed by monthly maintenance.”

NAD+ therapy tends to have the most benefit for those managing fatigue, metabolic dysfunction or neurological impairment, as well as anyone looking to improve energy, focus and recovery, Chen said.

“In healthy adults, the benefits are usually modest, but can be amplified when combined with optimized nutrition, exercise and sleep,” he added.

Risks and warnings

While NAD+ therapy is generally safe and well tolerated, it can cause some mild side effects, according to Chen.

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“Headache, nausea or chest tightness can occur, especially during faster IV infusions, and typically resolve when the pace is reduced,” Chen, who is also director of medical innovation at digital wellness platform Eden, told News Digital.

“Most reactions are transient and self-limiting, and the therapy is considered safe under medical supervision,” the doctor added.

Advises caution in people with active liver or kidney disease, those with a personal or family history of cancer, and pregnant or breast-feeding women.

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Kahn noted that common side effects include mild redness, itching or tenderness at the injection site, “which is harmless and dissipates quickly.”

“Some patients notice a transient high, lasting no more than 10 minutes, after receiving an NAD+ injection due to a brief release of adrenaline and mitochondrial ATP,” he continues. “While it is not dangerous, it can be uncomfortable if not anticipated.”

“If the fundamental pillars (sleep, movement, nutrition, metabolic balance and stress regulation) are not in place, NAD+ therapy will not reach its full potential.”

When choosing an NAD+ product, quality matters more than quantity, according to several experts.

“Patients should look for clinically validated and third-party tested formulations and start with lower doses to gauge tolerance,” Chen said.

According to the expert, NAD+ therapy is not a shortcut to health and longevity in itself, but rather a layer on a much larger foundation.

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“If the fundamental pillars (sleep, movement, nutrition, metabolic balance and stress regulation) are not in place, NAD+ therapy will not reach its full potential,” he said. “It’s like pouring premium fuel into an engine that hasn’t been maintained: the energy source is there, but the system isn’t optimized to use it.”

It’s important to talk to a doctor before starting an NAD+ regimen, experts agree.

“Your doctor needs to know about all the supplements you plan to take, including NAD+, because it has strong biological effects,” Chen said. “Your doctor will evaluate your personal health risks and review your medications for potential interactions with NAD+ supplements.”

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Khan noted that because NAD+ interacts with metabolic and cellular pathways, dosage and timing should be individualized, “especially for those with a history of cancer, metabolic conditions, or multiple medications.”

“A physician should help determine the appropriate administration method, duration, and monitor response and tolerance,” he said.