Claimed effect · NAD+ and precursors

Does NAD+ and precursors help with raising NAD+ levels?

B
Grade B — probable, not settledMultiple RCTs (NR, NMN) · effect size: moderate
Short answerProbable, not settled. Human data exist (Multiple RCTs (NR, NMN)) and mostly agree, showing a moderate effect — but too few, too small, or not yet peer-reviewed for a firm answer. Oral nicotinamide riboside and NMN reliably and safely increase blood NAD+ in randomised trials — the one thing that is well established.

What the studies show

Oral nicotinamide riboside and NMN reliably and safely increase blood NAD+ in randomised trials — the one thing that is well established.

“chronic supplementation with the NAD+ precursor vitamin, nicotinamide riboside (NR), is well tolerated and effectively stimulates NAD+ metabolism in healthy middle-aged and older adults.”

Verbatim, from the abstractMartens CR, et al. Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD+ in healthy middle-aged and older adults. Nat Commun, 2018;9:1286

Human trials exist and mostly agree, but there are too few of them, they are too small, or one big one is still reading out. Expect the grade to move.

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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 raising NAD+ levels?
Not yet settled. Multiple RCTs (NR, NMN) — LYO grades it B, meaning probable but liable to change as trials read out.
What studies are behind the grade?
Oral nicotinamide riboside and NMN reliably and safely increase blood NAD+ in randomised trials — the one thing that is well established.
Is NAD+ and precursors approved for this?
No. NAD+ and precursors is sold as supplement (NR/NMN); IV NAD+ unlicensed; it is not an approved medicine for any indication in the jurisdictions LYO covers.

Other outcomes for NAD+ and precursors

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 →