What the studies show
Despite the marketing, no trial has shown NAD+ or its precursors slow ageing or improve hard clinical outcomes in people. Some trials found no effect on muscle mitochondrial function.
Animal studies, cell studies, or anecdotes only. This is where almost every viral peptide sits. Promising and proven are different words for a reason.
- 1Dollerup OL, et al. Nicotinamide riboside does not alter mitochondrial respiration, content or morphology in skeletal muscle from obese and insulin-resistant men.J Physiol, 2020;598:731–754A representative null metabolic result.
In context
NAD+ is a coenzyme every cell uses for energy metabolism; it is not a peptide, but its precursors (NMN and NR) and intravenous NAD+ itself are sold across the same anti-ageing market. Randomised trials show the oral precursors reliably raise NAD+ levels and are well tolerated. What they have not yet shown is a clear clinical benefit — trials of metabolism, muscle and ageing are small, mixed and contested. Intravenous NAD+ has essentially no controlled evidence.
NAD+ and precursors is sold as supplement (nr/nmn); iv nad+ unlicensed. Legal status differs by country — see the regulation section or the jurisdiction pages.
Questions
Is NAD+ and precursors proven to help with anti-ageing / physical function?
What studies are behind the grade?
Is NAD+ and precursors approved for this?
Other outcomes for NAD+ and precursors
- BRaising NAD+ levelsMultiple RCTs (NR, NMN)
- CInsulin sensitivity / metabolic health1 small RCT (n=25), contested
- BSafety (oral precursors)adverseMultiple RCTs
Written and maintained by LYO Research — how pages are written and checked. Reviewed 3 September 2026. Grades count human evidence only; see how LYO grades. Not medical advice. Correct this page →