NAD+, NMN & Co.: What Effect Do Longevity Supplements Actually Have?
The relationship between cellular energy, anti-aging promises and scientific reality
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NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a central molecule in human cell biology. It plays a key role in energy production in the mitochondria, in repairing DNA damage and regulating enzymes such as sirtuins, which are associated with longevity. With increasing age, NAD+ levels in the body fall — in some cases by up to 50% from the age of 40. This is exactly where many so-called “longevity supplements” come in: They promise to increase NAD+ levels and thus bring back cellular vitality.
The best-known substances are NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) — both precursors that the body can convert into NAD+. But what is it really about? And what do European experts think of this trend?
What precursors of NAD+ are there?
While NAD+ itself is a large molecule and is barely absorbed into cells via the digestive tract, smaller precursors such as NMN and NR are considered to be more effective ways to increase cellular NAD+ levels. Both are available in the form of capsules or powders. There are also NAD+ infusions, for example in Longevity clinics or in “anti-aging therapies,” but their effect is disputed — not least because it is questionable whether NAD+ actually reaches the cells efficiently in this form.
What do clinical studies say?
Initial human studies show that both NR and NMN can significantly increase NAD+ levels in the blood. Studies involving older adults suggest potential improvements in vascular health, muscle strength, or glucose tolerance. In a placebo-controlled study of 125 healthy adults, NR improved arterial stiffness — a risk marker for cardiovascular disease. NMN also showed potential benefits for muscle health and physical performance in smaller studies.
What is missing, however, is long-term data. So far, there is no evidence that NAD+ precursors actually reduce biological age or extend life span in humans. And the dosage issues have also not been finally clarified.
What do the experts say?
In Europe in particular, the NAD+ trend is assessed more cautiously than in the USA. Prof. Gareth Lavery from Nottingham Trent University points out:
“NAD+ is essential — but there is no data to suggest that a decline in this molecule in humans is directly responsible for aging. ”
Lavery particularly criticizes the fact that many of the popular statements about NAD+ come from animal models or are based on speculative mechanisms.
Dr. Michael Sagner from the European Society of Preventive Medicine. Despite years of research, there is no convincing clinical evidence for the anti-aging effect of NAD+ boosters. Rather, he warns against the “transfiguration” of intravenous NAD+ infusions, which are not recognized by authorities (such as MHRA or NHS) in Europe. His recommendation: differentiate when it comes to nutritional supplements — and give priority to lifestyle.
What should you look for when buying?
If you are still interested in NAD+ precursors, you should pay attention to the following criteria:
- Purity and proven quality: Clinically tested brands such as TrunIaGen (NR), MoleQlar or Thorne rely on transparency and laboratory controls.
- bioavailability: NMN appears to have better oral absorption than NR — even though research here is still ambiguous.
- Amount of active ingredient: Many providers recommend 250—500 mg daily. Studies often use doses between 300 and 900 mg.
- Certification and origin: Ideally, the products come from EU-regulated countries and are free from contamination.
Is a supplement really necessary?
An often overlooked point: NAD+ levels can also be increased naturally through lifestyle measures. Exercise, in particular endurance training, intermittent fasting, adequate sleep and a plant-rich diet, increase the body's own enzymes such as NAMPT, which rebuild NAD+. Studies show that regular physical activity in healthy adults can have similar effects on NAD+ levels as moderate supplementation. Phases of fasting, such as 16:8 or 5:2, can also measurably influence NAD+ synthesis.
Conclusion
NAD+ supplements aren't a miracle cure — but they're also not a pointless trend. They can be an interesting component of a scientifically based longevity approach — particularly for certain risk groups or with medical support. However, there is still no clear evidence of its widespread use in the healthy population.
European experts urge caution and recommend: Think about exercise, diet and sleep first — then about supplements. If you still want to try out NMN or NR, you should pay attention to quality, moderate dosage and realistic expectations.
If you want to take a closer look at NAD+ precursors such as NMN or NR, you will find Gain product range carefully selected providers based on Use drug purity, scientific traceability and good manufacturing practice.
References
- Elhassan YS, Kluckova K, Fletcher RS, Schmidt MS, Garden A, Doig CL, Cartwright DM, Oakey L, Burley CV, Jenkinson N, Wilson M, Lucas SJE, Akerman I, Seabright A, Lai YC, Tennant DA, Nightingale P, Wallis GA, Manolopoulos KN, Brenner C, Philp A, Lavery GG. Nicotinamide Riboside Augments the Aged Human Skeletal Muscle NAD+ Metabolome and Induces Transcriptomic and Anti-Inflammatory Signatures. Cell Rep. 2019 Aug 13; 28 (7) :1717-1728.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.07.043. PMID: 31412242; PMCID: PMC6702140.
- https://www.ft.com/content/68e07256-4b8c-4e12-a96e-8ad646d6a7fb
- https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/23/its-not-ethical-and-its-not-medical-how-uk-rehab-clinics-are-cashing-in-on-nad
- Doig CL, Zielinska AE, Fletcher RS, Oakey LA, Elhassan YS, Garden A, Cartwright D, Heising S, Alsheri A, Watson DG, Prehn C, Adamski J, Tennant DA, Lavery GG Induction of the Nicotinamide Riboside Kinase NAD+ Salvage Pathway in a Model of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Dysfunction. Skelet Muscle. 2020 Feb 19; 10 (1) :5. doi:10.1186/s13395-019-0216-z. PMID: 32075690; PMCID: PMC7031948.
Publiziert
16.6.2025
Kategorie
Lifestyle
Experte
Scientific Terms
Mitochondrion
Mitochondria are often referred to as the cell's powerhouse and break down nutrients to generate energy in a process called cellular respiration. They contain their own circular genome.
DNA
Abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that encodes the information that a cell needs to function or a virus needs to replicate. Forms a double helix that resembles a twisted ladder, similar to a zipper. The bases, abbreviated as A, C, T, and G, are on either side of the ladder or strand that run in opposite directions. The bases exert an attraction on each other so that A sticks to T and C to G. The sequence of these letters is known as the genetic code.
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a central molecule in human cell biology. It plays a key role in energy production in the mitochondria, in repairing DNA damage and regulating enzymes such as sirtuins, which are associated with longevity. With increasing age, NAD+ levels in the body fall — in some cases by up to 50% from the age of 40. This is exactly where many so-called “longevity supplements” come in: They promise to increase NAD+ levels and thus bring back cellular vitality.
The best-known substances are NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) — both precursors that the body can convert into NAD+. But what is it really about? And what do European experts think of this trend?
What precursors of NAD+ are there?
While NAD+ itself is a large molecule and is barely absorbed into cells via the digestive tract, smaller precursors such as NMN and NR are considered to be more effective ways to increase cellular NAD+ levels. Both are available in the form of capsules or powders. There are also NAD+ infusions, for example in Longevity clinics or in “anti-aging therapies,” but their effect is disputed — not least because it is questionable whether NAD+ actually reaches the cells efficiently in this form.
What do clinical studies say?
Initial human studies show that both NR and NMN can significantly increase NAD+ levels in the blood. Studies involving older adults suggest potential improvements in vascular health, muscle strength, or glucose tolerance. In a placebo-controlled study of 125 healthy adults, NR improved arterial stiffness — a risk marker for cardiovascular disease. NMN also showed potential benefits for muscle health and physical performance in smaller studies.
What is missing, however, is long-term data. So far, there is no evidence that NAD+ precursors actually reduce biological age or extend life span in humans. And the dosage issues have also not been finally clarified.
What do the experts say?
In Europe in particular, the NAD+ trend is assessed more cautiously than in the USA. Prof. Gareth Lavery from Nottingham Trent University points out:
“NAD+ is essential — but there is no data to suggest that a decline in this molecule in humans is directly responsible for aging. ”
Lavery particularly criticizes the fact that many of the popular statements about NAD+ come from animal models or are based on speculative mechanisms.
Dr. Michael Sagner from the European Society of Preventive Medicine. Despite years of research, there is no convincing clinical evidence for the anti-aging effect of NAD+ boosters. Rather, he warns against the “transfiguration” of intravenous NAD+ infusions, which are not recognized by authorities (such as MHRA or NHS) in Europe. His recommendation: differentiate when it comes to nutritional supplements — and give priority to lifestyle.
What should you look for when buying?
If you are still interested in NAD+ precursors, you should pay attention to the following criteria:
- Purity and proven quality: Clinically tested brands such as TrunIaGen (NR), MoleQlar or Thorne rely on transparency and laboratory controls.
- bioavailability: NMN appears to have better oral absorption than NR — even though research here is still ambiguous.
- Amount of active ingredient: Many providers recommend 250—500 mg daily. Studies often use doses between 300 and 900 mg.
- Certification and origin: Ideally, the products come from EU-regulated countries and are free from contamination.
Is a supplement really necessary?
An often overlooked point: NAD+ levels can also be increased naturally through lifestyle measures. Exercise, in particular endurance training, intermittent fasting, adequate sleep and a plant-rich diet, increase the body's own enzymes such as NAMPT, which rebuild NAD+. Studies show that regular physical activity in healthy adults can have similar effects on NAD+ levels as moderate supplementation. Phases of fasting, such as 16:8 or 5:2, can also measurably influence NAD+ synthesis.
Conclusion
NAD+ supplements aren't a miracle cure — but they're also not a pointless trend. They can be an interesting component of a scientifically based longevity approach — particularly for certain risk groups or with medical support. However, there is still no clear evidence of its widespread use in the healthy population.
European experts urge caution and recommend: Think about exercise, diet and sleep first — then about supplements. If you still want to try out NMN or NR, you should pay attention to quality, moderate dosage and realistic expectations.
If you want to take a closer look at NAD+ precursors such as NMN or NR, you will find Gain product range carefully selected providers based on Use drug purity, scientific traceability and good manufacturing practice.
Experte
Referenzen
- Elhassan YS, Kluckova K, Fletcher RS, Schmidt MS, Garden A, Doig CL, Cartwright DM, Oakey L, Burley CV, Jenkinson N, Wilson M, Lucas SJE, Akerman I, Seabright A, Lai YC, Tennant DA, Nightingale P, Wallis GA, Manolopoulos KN, Brenner C, Philp A, Lavery GG. Nicotinamide Riboside Augments the Aged Human Skeletal Muscle NAD+ Metabolome and Induces Transcriptomic and Anti-Inflammatory Signatures. Cell Rep. 2019 Aug 13; 28 (7) :1717-1728.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.07.043. PMID: 31412242; PMCID: PMC6702140.
- https://www.ft.com/content/68e07256-4b8c-4e12-a96e-8ad646d6a7fb
- https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/23/its-not-ethical-and-its-not-medical-how-uk-rehab-clinics-are-cashing-in-on-nad
- Doig CL, Zielinska AE, Fletcher RS, Oakey LA, Elhassan YS, Garden A, Cartwright D, Heising S, Alsheri A, Watson DG, Prehn C, Adamski J, Tennant DA, Lavery GG Induction of the Nicotinamide Riboside Kinase NAD+ Salvage Pathway in a Model of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Dysfunction. Skelet Muscle. 2020 Feb 19; 10 (1) :5. doi:10.1186/s13395-019-0216-z. PMID: 32075690; PMCID: PMC7031948.
Publiziert
16.6.2025
Kategorie
Lifestyle
Wissenschaftliche Begriffe
Mitochondrion
Mitochondria are often referred to as the cell's powerhouse and break down nutrients to generate energy in a process called cellular respiration. They contain their own circular genome.
DNA
Abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that encodes the information that a cell needs to function or a virus needs to replicate. Forms a double helix that resembles a twisted ladder, similar to a zipper. The bases, abbreviated as A, C, T, and G, are on either side of the ladder or strand that run in opposite directions. The bases exert an attraction on each other so that A sticks to T and C to G. The sequence of these letters is known as the genetic code.
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