It's more than likely that the NAD+ supplement craze has already crossed your path. The Biebers have infused it. Joe Rogan has podcasted about it. Gwyneth Paltrow swears by it and, of course, sells her own Youth-Boost NAD+ Peptide Rich Cream. NAD+ is the latest biohacker's darling. It's in longevity clinics and the wellness aisle, in your dietary supplements and your topical skin care.
NAD+ (short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme that your body makes naturally—it contributes to energy production and immune function, among other things. But the current obsession with supplementing NAD+ isn’t just about anti-aging. It reflects a broader shift in how people think about healthy aging and extending their healthspan overall. Instead of reacting to symptoms after they emerge, more people are trying to prevent the diagnosis from happening in the first place.
Some studies suggest that many of the biological changes associated with aging don’t suddenly emerge with old age; they begin much earlier, often in our thirties and forties, and are closely tied to chronic conditions like neurodegeneration, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease.
“Throughout any decade of life, people want to function at what they see as their optimal level,” board-certified internist and longevity specialist Amanda Khan tells WIRED. That desire has pushed attention toward compounds that support basic cellular processes. Like NAD+. “This feels like an easy lift,” says Rachele Pojednic, who investigates NAD and its precursors at Stanford. “It’s accessible, it seems safe, and it could potentially have long-term effects.”
What Is NAD+?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or NAD is a coenzyme found in all living cells. It is a dinucleotide, because it consists of two nucleotides joined through their phosphate groups. 3d illustration Illustration: Ollaweila/Getty Images
As we said, NAD+ is short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. Your body produces and replenishes NAD+ by converting precursor molecules into NAD+ inside cells, using multiple metabolic pathways fueled by nutrients from foods like whole grains, lean meats, and legumes. Its most critical role is helping convert nutrients into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the molecule cells use for energy.