NAD+ is used daily by your body for a range of processes that keep you functioning and feeling well; but with one catch, NAD+ declines as you age. How do you increase NAD+? Via it's precursor, NMN.

Read on to learn how NMN boosts NAD+ levels and the benefits increasing NAD levels for anti-ageing. Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. You should always consult your GP before commencing any new supplement regime.

What is NAD+?

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, aka NAD+, is a molecule found in every living cell. As a coenzyme, it gives your body's enzymes what they need to do their job properly in DNA repair, cell regulation, and managing inflammation.

Your body makes NAD+ from vitamin B3 nutrients and converts them into usable cellular energy. NAD+ assists in cellular energy production by carrying electrons where they're needed.

Why NAD+ Levels Drop As We Age

As we get older, our bodies produce less NAD+ while burning through more of our reserves to fight DNA damage and naturally occurring oxidative stress.

Chronic inflammation and immune system changes tip the scales out of favour of NAD+.

Other enzymes within your body will become more active as you age, and some (particularly CD38), actively break down NAD+.

Once NAD+ levels fall, mitochondria can work less efficiently, generating more cellular stress signals, which can further promote inflammation and NAD-consuming enzymes, creating a cycle of degradation [1].

What is NMN?

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide NMN is a naturally occurring molecule in your body that is used to rebuild NAD+.

Your body is constantly using NAD+, then using NMN from within your body's tissues to recycle the breakdown products back into usable NAD+.

How NMN Boosts NAD+ Levels

By providing the body with more NMN, the body may be able to rebuild and restore NAD+ more effectively. Research indicates that there is a positive correlation between NMN supplementation and higher NAD+ levels in blood and tissues of a study from 2024 [2].

NMN Vs NAD+: What is the Difference?

Essentially, NAD+ is an active coenzyme used by the body, and NMN is a building block in order to make it.

NMN is converted into NAD+ by the body to maintain cellular health, where as NAD+ is used up or 'consumed' by certain enzymes, before remaining components can be reconstructed into NAD+ by NMN.

NAD+ levels are hard to raise directly with oral supplements, whereas NMN supplementation may increase NAD+ availability by feeding the recycling pathway.

Why NMN and NAD+ Go Beyond CoQ10

CoQ10 works in one particular place; the mitochondria's energy chain. It acts as an electron carrier, transporting electrons so that cells can produce energy.

NMN and NAD+ go even further; not only do they influence energy production but they are also needed in cell repair, signalling, and supporting cellular function as a whole.

The Science Behind NAD+ for Anti-Ageing

NAD+ serves as fuel for enzymes involved in DNA repair and cellular stress responses like inflammation; processes that tend to increase with a person's age. Because NAD+ is continually used up and rebuilt, research has focused on whether age-related changes to NAD+ metabolism contribute to declining cellular function and whether raising NMN precursors can impact some of the effects of ageing [3].

Recent studies have fund that while there are strong correlations found in lab models, human evidence is still emerging. More research is needed to establish definitive, long-term anti-ageing outcomes, though evidence of precursors raising NAD+ levels in blood and some tissues is promising [3].

Key Benefits: Energy, Repair and Longevity

1. Energy: NAD+ (and its precursor NMN) is essential for energy metabolism and production. It helps key metabolic steps to run efficiently and supports mitochondrial function.

2. Repair: NAD+ fuels enzymes involved in DNA repair processes and cellular maintenance systems that respond to stress. Keeping NAD+ levels optimal can potentially help support these processes.

3. Longevity: In animal studies, boosting NAD+ levels can improve markers of inflammation, metabolism and physical function, closely linked to ageing. While human evidence is still being verified, early results are promising [1].

How to Choose Quality NAD NMN Supplements

There are high quality NAD+ and NMN supplements in Australia; look for:

• Independent quality testing (third party verification)

• Batch specific certificate of analysis (CoA)

• An AUST L or AUST R number on the label, then verify it on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods

Best NAD+ Options in Australia

• Tru Niagen (NAD+ Precursor) 300mg - Contains 300mg per capsule of NAD+ precursor to assist with NAD production in the body. Take one capsule every morning with or without food. Contains no caffeine and is manufactured using no animal by-products or artificial flavours or colours. Click on the product to read more.
• Melrose FutureLab NAD+ Booster - A premium formula that contains NAD precursors nicotinamide riboside chloride and dimethylglycine to raise NAD levels in ageing individuals. Take one capsule with water daily. Click on the product to read more.
• The Age Hack NAD+ | Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide - NAD in an easy-to-take powder form. Take one scoop twice daily to support healthy NAD production in the body and support DNA repair. Vegan, unflavoured and 100% natural. Click on the product to read more.

Best NMN Options in Australia

• Switch Nutrition NMN Powder - Contains 99.9% Pure Beta-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide
• Switch Nutrition NMN Capsules - Contains 99.9% Pure Beta-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, 500mg per Capsule (Vegetable Cellulose)
• The Age Hack NMN Powder 

FAQs on NAD+ and NMN for Anti-Ageing

Q: Are NAD+ Injections the Same as NAD+ Supplements?

A: No. NAD+ injectables are treated differently to oral supplements and may be subject to prescription controls.

Q: Who Should Avoid NAD NMN Supplements?

A: As a general safety rule, those under 18 years of age and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, who have kidney or liver disease, or those undergoing cancer treatment, should avoid NAD+ NMN supplements.

Q: Are There Any Potential Interactions with Medications?

A: If you're taking warfarin, blood thinners, diabetes medication, statins or have liver disease, consult your healthcare provider prior to use, as there are potential interactions.

Conclusion

NAD supplements may help support healthy ageing by boosting NAD+ levels, giving more fuel to enzymes that manage the body's inflammation and cellular repair processes.

While research on human participants is still in it's early stages, studies on lab models have shown promising results in promoting health span in fighting inflammation, promoting metabolism and supporting DNA repair. Further research is needed to solidify long-term anti-ageing benefits on humans.

References

[1] Shi, C., Wen, Z., et al. (2024) NAD+ Metabolism and Therapeutic Strategies in Cardiovascular Diseases. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667089524000142

[2] Morifuji, M., Higashi, S., Ebihara, S. et al., (2024) Ingestion of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide increased blood NAD levels, maintained walking speed, and improved sleep quality in older adults in a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled study. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11357-024-01204-1?

[3] Vinten, Kasper T.; Trętowicz, Maria M.; Coskun, Evrim; van Weeghel, Michel; Cantó, Carles; Zapata-Pérez, Rubén; Janssens, Georges E.; Houtkooper, Riekelt H. (2025). NAD+ precursor supplementation in human ageing: clinical evidence and challenges. Nature Metabolism. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41083806