NAD+ For Dummies
NAD+ for Dummies
What It Is, Why People Care, and If It’s Worth Thinking About
If you’ve seen NAD+ pop up in conversations about energy, aging, or longevity and thought, “Cool… but what is that?” you’re not alone. NAD+ sounds fancy and science-y, but the basic idea is actually pretty simple.
Let’s break it down in real-people language.
First Things First: What Is NAD+?
NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. Yes, that’s a mouthful. The important part is this:
NAD+ is something your body already makes and uses every single day.
Your cells need NAD+ to:
Turn food into energy
Repair DNA
Keep cells functioning properly
Support normal aging processes
Think of NAD+ like a battery charger for your cells. Without enough of it, things slow down.
Why Do People Talk About NAD+ So Much?
Because NAD+ levels naturally decline as we age.
Lower NAD+ levels have been associated with things like:
Low energy
Brain fog
Slower recovery
Feeling “off” even when labs look normal
This is why NAD+ has become popular in the wellness and longevity space. People are looking for ways to support their bodies as NAD+ levels drop over time.
Important note: This is about supporting normal cellular function, not stopping aging or promising miracles. Anyone selling it as a magic fountain of youth is overselling it.
How Do People Increase NAD+ Levels?
There are a few common ways people try to support NAD+ in the body.
1. Lifestyle Basics
Your body makes NAD+ on its own, but it needs the right conditions:
Adequate sleep
Balanced nutrition
Regular movement
Managing stress
Not exciting, but very real.
2. NAD+ Precursors (Supplements)
These are compounds your body converts into NAD+:
NMN
NR (nicotinamide riboside)
These are usually oral supplements and are often where people start.
3. Prescription NAD+ Therapies
Some providers offer NAD+ in medical settings, including:
Injections
Nasal sprays
IV therapy
These options are typically overseen by licensed medical providers and are not over-the-counter supplements.
What Does NAD+ Actually Help With?
People commonly use NAD+ as part of a wellness routine to support:
Energy levels
Mental clarity
Recovery from physical or mental stress
Metabolic health
Everyone responds differently. Some people feel noticeable benefits, others feel subtle changes, and some feel none at all. That’s normal.
Is NAD+ Safe?
In general, NAD+ therapies are considered well-tolerated when appropriately prescribed. Possible side effects can include:
Mild nausea
Headache
Flushing
Fatigue, especially at higher doses
This is why dosing and form matter, and why working with a qualified provider is important.
NAD+ is not for everyone. Certain medical conditions or medications may make it inappropriate.
Who Might Be Interested in NAD+?
NAD+ often appeals to people who:
Feel chronically tired despite doing “everything right”
Are interested in longevity and healthy aging
Want to support metabolic or cellular health
Are already focused on wellness and prevention
It is not a replacement for medical care, medications, or healthy habits.
The Bottom Line
NAD+ isn’t hype, but it’s also not magic.
It’s a naturally occurring molecule your body needs to function well. As levels decline with age, some people choose to support NAD+ as part of a broader wellness plan that includes nutrition, movement, sleep, and medical guidance.
If you’re curious, the smartest next step is education and a conversation with a qualified provider, not jumping into the highest dose you can find online.
Your body is complex. Supporting it should be thoughtful, not trendy.
How Do You Get a Prescription For NAD+?
Here are two fabulous resources for NAD+ that I highly recommend.
Goby Meds- Injectable NAD+ available through high quality compounding pharmacies- $199/month with additional savings offer with the discount code- BETTERLIFE at checkout to save $50.
Elara- They have NAD+ in multiple forms including a cream, injection, and nasal spray starting at $175/month. Elara also has discounts for purchasing multi-month packages which can save you alot of money if you intend to stay on therapy for awhile.