Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceLongevity & antioxidants

NAD+ (Oral/Liposomal)

Products selling NAD+ itself rather than a precursor. NAD+ is too large and unstable to be absorbed intact, and even the precursors that do raise blood NAD+ have not delivered convincing clinical benefits.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Raising NAD+ levels Limited evidence

    Oral nicotinamide mononucleotide has been shown to be safe and to raise blood NAD+ levels in healthy subjects, which is why most credible products use a precursor. Direct oral or liposomal NAD+ has no published human pharmacokinetic trial demonstrating intact absorption; the molecule is broken down to nicotinamide and ribose before uptake.

  • Muscle mass and function Limited evidence

    A systematic review and meta-analysis of nicotinamide mononucleotide and nicotinamide riboside trials found no meaningful improvement in skeletal muscle mass and only inconsistent effects on function, despite the precursors reliably raising NAD+. Raising NAD+ and improving outcomes are clearly not the same thing.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo dose is supported for NAD+ itself. Precursor trials used 250–1,000 mg/day of nicotinamide mononucleotide or 250–1,000 mg/day of nicotinamide riboside. Liposomal NAD+ products typically list 100–500 mg with no bioavailability data.
SafetyPrecursor trials report good short-term tolerability, with occasional nausea, flushing and headache. Long-term safety beyond about a year is unknown, and there is an unresolved theoretical concern about NAD+ boosting in people with existing cancer. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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