NAD+ Precursors
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) precursors — primarily NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) — are orally bioavailable compounds that raise intracellular NAD+ levels. NAD+ declines ~50% between age 40–60, implicating it in aging-related metabolic dysfunction. NAD+ is the essential cofactor for sirtuins (SIRT1–7), PARP enzymes, and the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Multiple Phase I/II human trials confirm oral NMN and NR significantly increase blood NAD+ levels. NR (Tru Niagen) has the most published human data. Benefits demonstrated in humans include improved muscle function in older adults, improved exercise capacity, and metabolic parameters. The longevity narrative is largely extrapolated from animal data showing remarkable effects; human trials are younger. Safe and well-tolerated.
Evidence
Moderate evidence
Safety
Unknown safety profile
Clinical Status
Phase II
Research Sync
Feb 19, 2026
Dosing
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Pharmacology
Evidence Score
Scores estimated from study counts. Exact breakdown computed after research sync.
Plain-English Snapshot
NAD+ Precursors is currently categorized as a supplement compound.
Evidence is moderate (70/100): promising signal from 238 indexed studies, but context and population still matter.
Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.
Core mechanism
Orally bioavailable NAD+ precursors; NR converts to NMN then NAD+; NMN converts directly to NAD+; elevates NAD+ for sirtuin activation, PARP DNA repair, and mitochondrial biogenesis
Practical Context
Strongest current signals
- Level B: Evaluation of Nicotinamide Riboside in Prevention of Small Nerve Fiber Axon Degeneration and Promotion of Nerve Regeneration.
- Level B: The differential impact of three different NAD
- Level C: Mitochondrial Health Through Nicotinamide Riboside and Berberine: Shared Pathways and Therapeutic Potential.