9 Best NAD+ Supplements Review & Comparison (2024)

Every cell in your body requires ample quantities of an enzyme called NAD+ to thrive.

Without it, we’d die in seconds.

Sadly, it drops drastically as we get older. When it drops, all biological processes suffer. Problems arise like:

• Low energy
• DNA damage and genomic instability
• Impaired immunity
• Neurological problems & diseases
• Slow thinking
• Metabolic dysregulation
• Cellular communication impairments
• Muscle weakness
• Cardiovascular problems
• Hormone imbalance
• Digestive issues
• Worse sleep

Both directly and indirectly accelerate our rate of biological aging. Making us look, feel, and perform older than we are.

We have tons of ways to combat the natural NAD+ decline. Some of the best strategies are free. Others turn to supplement precursors like NMN or NR. Yet there’s a better option. One without the potential serious side effects. One that longevity scientists know, yet few others recognize. That’s using next-generation NAD+ boosters.

In a hurry? Jump to the best ones!

By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly why I quit using pure Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)—and what I now take instead to increase my NAD+ levels. This holistic approach works better, safer, and for longer than the previous options.

Now, on to our review & comparison of the best NAD+ supplements.

Why Use a Complete NAD+ Formula (Instead of Pure NMN or NR)

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) is a metabolic co-enzyme involved in cellular structure, repair (cell and DNA), and energy generation (mitochondrial function). The energy production process shouldn’t occur without it.

This molecule is responsible for activating and deactivating certain genes. It’s also key to maintaining optimal brain function and neurotransmitter balance.

We have three goals to increase NAD+:

• Increase its production
• Decrease its breakdown
• Activate downstream longevity pathways

Scientific research is extensively studying the potential drawbacks and cons of using popular NAD+ precursor supplements, such as NMN or NR.

Here are some of the findings so far:

1. Unknown long-term safety: NMN and NR so far appear safe. A recent November 2023 compilation of the research urged caution, “… a concern remains regarding the safety and physiological effects of NMN supplementation in the human population” [R]. Cell culture research often doesn’t translate to humans.
2. Sirtuin inactivity: Increasing NAD+ alone has some therapeutic benefits. The true power, however, comes from also activating a family of longevity proteins called sirtuins. Precursors alone don’t activate sirtuins nearly as powerfully as a holistic complex.
3. Instability. Both NMN and NR notoriously degrade quickly when exposed to real-life environments (light, heat, moisture). By the time it arrives at your door, you may be consuming entirely different substances like NAM, nicotinic acid, NMNAT, NADP, & NAR.
4. Insulin resistance: Large doses of nicotinamide riboside (NR) have been shown to generate body fat dysfunction and heightened insulin resistance in mice [R]
5. Metabolic dysfunction: NR, the best-studied precursor, can cause adverse effects like increased LDL cholesterol levels, and worse fatty liver [R, R]
6. Zombie cells: Prolonged high doses of vitamin B3 compounds, including NMN and NR, can worsen the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) generated by senescent cells in aged tissues [R]

That last one is especially important. We know that senescent cell accumulation is one of the twelve currently recognized hallmarks of aging.

If your body is already inflamed, adding high-dose precursors will only worsen the senescent “zombie” cell burden and accelerate the aging process. That’s why experts always recommend using a top senescent supplement stack first.

Over the last few years, I’ve moved more towards using a complete, well-formulated NAD+ stack.

These often address all three ways to increase its levels, without some of the side effects.

One such example is a patented NMN alternative ingredient called NAD3. Other companies stack lower dosages of multiple different precursors together.

These approaches offer greater targeted cellular health support for things like energy metabolism, DNA repair, inflammation, stress resilience, and more.

The Best Holistic NAD+ Support Supplements (Better Than Precursors)

I switched away from using NMN most days to the following products.

They are all great, with unique advantages and disadvantages.

I will review, compare, and contrast each of them to help you make the best decision for your goals and lifestyle.

Qualia NAD+

The Qualia supplement line is made by Neurohacker, one of the most respected names for comprehensive supplement formulations. Whenever they release a product, it’s all but guaranteed to be best in class.

They take a systems biology approach to formulating supplements making sure to provide your body with all the raw materials needed to powerfully (yet safely) increase NAD+. All the exact enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols you need to also activate sirtuins and other key longevity pathways.

Each ingredient in Qualia NAD+ is in their optimal (usually patented) form:

• 8 Fermented Vitamins
• 11 Mitochondrial Ingredients
• 3 NAD+ Precursors
• 9 Cell Energy Boosters
• 11 Brain Support Ingredients
• 2 Polyphenol Sources
• 70+ Trace Minerals

This Qualia product contains triple NAD support. Including, the patented Niagen NR because it is the best-studied of all the precursors. As well as Niacin and Niacinamide.

Best of all, however, Neurohacker runs actual trial studies on their formulations before releasing them to the public.

For this product, they had an even group of 50% men and women. 95% of participants reported good or excellent results.

Two members of their team, Dr. Greg, and Dr. Bitz reported Increased NAD+ levels by 150% and 50% respectively.

They are one of the only companies to actually prove the effects of their final product. Plus, the high-quality raw materials for this product cost them more than double what most manufacturers pay.

Plus, Neurohacker offers a massive 50% discount when you subscribe, and 100 day money-back guarantee to make sure that this product is best for you.

Qualia NAD+ is the ultimate next-generation booster ideal for anyone wanting the best and science-backed supplement.

Get Qualia NAD+

Use the exclusive Qualia promo code URBAN to save 15%

Biostack NAD Regen

Biostack (formerly called Biostack Labs), is a quickly growing longevity supplements vendor becoming popular in the biohacking community. They offer a nice variety of products designed to slow the biological aging process. Their most popular, however, is called NAD Regen.

NAD Regen contains the famous NAD3 among other great longevity ingredients:

• NAD3® (Wasabi Extract, Theacrine, Cuprous Niacin) – 311mg
• Niacinamide – 125mg
• Spermidine HCl (as Yüth™) – 5mg
• Resveratrol 50% (Polygonum cuspidatum) – 200mg
• Black Pepper Extract 95% Piperine (as BioPerine®) – 5mg

As you’ll notice, they chose to use the high-quality patented versions of many of the ingredients. Including BioPerine, Yüth Spermidine, and NAD3. In addition to the NAD3, you also get another precursor called Niacinamide (a Vitamin B3 derivative).

What’s special about NAD3 is that it actually helps fix the root causes of low NAD. The theacrine component of it confers additional energy and cognition benefits. Plus, NAD3 is clinically proven to help reduce cholesterol levels [R].

Then you also get other popular anti-aging supplements, spermidine, and resveratrol, all in one. Resveratrol activates DNA-protective sirtuins and helps preserve NAD+. Spermidine works as a senolytic. My only tweak to their formula would be to swap the resveratrol with the superior sirtuin activator, pterostilbene.

I have a bottle of this on my desk and plan to give it a thorough test after I finish my Qualia NAD+.

It’s not the cheapest, but remember that this can replace dedicated supplements like resveratrol or spermidine (since they’re included). Biostack doesn’t offer a subscription, but you can save 27% when buying in bulk, and another 15% if you use my code.

Choose Biostack NAD Regen for a NAD3-enhanced formula that also contains the ideal dosages of other longevity supplements.

Get Biostack NAD Regen

Use discount code URBAN to save 15% on Biostack Labs

NAD Max Ultra (Liposomal)

Mitozen is one of those great kept secrets of the supplement world. Founded by Dr. John Lieurance, this company offers many unique formulas you won’t find anywhere else on the internet. He’s one of the world’s top cellular medicine docs and has extensive knowledge of advanced supplements formulation. I personally have a bunch of Mitozen products and use them often.

NAD Max Ultra is no exception. Every serving contains:

• Liposomal NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) — 250mg
• Liposomal NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) — 125mg
• Methylene Blue
• Fisetin
• Lutein
• Quercetin
• Resveratrol
• Ginkgo Biloba
• Alpha Pinene
• Beta Pinene
• Delta 3 Carene
• Alpha Phellandrene
• Trimethyl Glycine (TMG)
• SRT Polysaccharide Complex

The precursors are highly bioavailability, maximumally absorbed thanks to their proprietary Nano Lipospheric Technology. Giving you greater benefits for longer, with less dosage required. The oral equivalent rivaling the potency of NAD+ IV therapy. Plus, the NAD+ molecule itself only works as a supplement when in its liposomal form.

Then you have the complex of plant-based polyphenols and natural terpenes. These synergize with the precursors to powerfully activate sirtuins, clear out harmful senescent cells, and further enhance the effects.

NAD Max Ultra is also the only product in this category that also includes a great brain-enhancing (and energizing without stimulating) substance called methylene blue. Check out my ultimate guide to methylene blue supplements to learn more about this fascinating substance.

I usually don’t recommend supplements with proprietary blends/dosages, but the Mitozen lines are a beloved exception.

This one is a berry-flavored liquid, lightly sweetened with stevia.

Choose NAD Max Ultra for the highest-absorbing, and most thorough liposomal and natural liquid supplement.

Get MitoZen NAD Max Ultra

Use the MitoZen exclusive promo code URBAN to save 5%

AEON NAD+ Liposomal Anti-Aging Supplement Complex

I first came across the brand Perpetua Life several years ago when multiple Outliyrs commented on my ultimate guide to NMN supplement article. I looked into the company and was immediately skeptical. They offered larger doses of NMN plus other ingredients for less than most vendors sold a (low dosage) NMN product.

I exchanged dozens of emails with the Founder, and he even shared some private info with me. Supplement brands rarely divulge any information, and this man shared it all. AEON is the real deal and I’ve since stocked up on their flagship product: Liposomal Anti Aging Supplement Complex with Nicotinamide DUO.

The formula itself has gone through multiple iterations. A two-capsule serving of the AEON complex currently contains:

• Nicotinamide DUO™ (as 400mg NMN + 100mg NR)
• Quercetin – 250mg
• Trans-Resveratrol – 150mg
• L-Theanine – 100mg
• Fisetin – 100mg
• Astragalus – 100mg
• TMG – 85mg
• Spermidine – 10mg
• Piperine – 10mg
• Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) – 100mg

This checks multiple boxes. You get two precursors, NR and NMN. Multiple different sirtuin-activating polyphenols, senescent-cell clearing spermidine, and a whole lot more.

Dr. Morgan chose the dosage of each ingredient so that you can easily titrate how many capsules you take to match your needs and goals. So I could safely take three capsules (1.5 servings), and you could take one (half serving) and still enjoy benefits from each of the 11 substances in the product.

This company has great customer service and works hard to make things right. You can save 20% by subscribing, and an extra 10% on top of that by using my code.

In my experience, this is the best overall all-in-one anti-aging supplement complex.

AEON NAD+ Liposomal Anti Aging Supplement Complex is a budget-friendly, liposomal all-in-one longevity supplement.

Get AEON NAD+

Use the exclusive Perpetua.Life code URBAN for 10% off

Nuchido Time+

Years ago, Nuchido was among the first companies to sell an NMN-free and NR-free NAD+ boosting supplement. You’d often hear their Lead Scientist, Dr Nichola Conlon, appear on podcasts explaining the advantages over the more common precursors.

Nuchido’s TIME+ contains a host of natural and highly beneficial ingredients. It has substances that target dysfunctional senolytic cells, improve NAD+ recycling, and enhance the effects of the precursor used.

The bioactive ingredients within Nuchido TIME+ include:

• Zinc — 5mg
• Nicotinamide — 250mg
• Vitamin C — 10mg
• ALA — 300mg
• Green Tea Leaf Extract (EGCG)
• Parsley Leaf
• Rutin
• Black Pepper Extract

I don’t love that they hide the dosage of most things behind proprietary blends. Other than that. it contains additives and fillers under the “other ingredients”.

TIME+, however, is also one of the only products in this list that underwent a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial [R].

It’s a bit more expensive than some of the other options, with the serving price ranging from $1.83 up to $2.17, depending on quantity and subscription.

Nuchido TIME+ is ideal if you demand a product backed by a clinical trial and that lacks NR & NMN.

Ge Nuchido TIME+

NeuroNAD Nasal Mist

Mitozen, the same company I mentioned before, is best known for carrying products with all kinds of unique delivery mechanisms. As implied by the name, NeuroNAD Nasal Mist is a spray inhaled via the nasal passageway.

Nasal sprays have the unique ability to bypass the blood-brain barrier. Where it most beneficially impacts brain energetics and chemicals (neurotransmitters).

Due to the vastly higher potency than oral substances, near-instant effects, and targeted effects, medications often use this route of administration.

Few supplement companies offer these intra-nasal products, mostly because they’re afraid of one day potentially getting classified as a “drug”. Mitozen has solved this issue by only offering it to their Private Members Association.

NeuroNAD™ NAD+ Nasal Mist has the most impressive and highest absorption formula of all nasal sprays:

• Pure NAD+ Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide 100g/ml
• Bio Ocean minerals
• Terpenes: Eucalyptol
• Saline

Each bottle contains a total of 2,000 mg NAD+. Nasal sprays already have great bioavailability. Powered by GelTech ™ Technology, NeuroNAD gives you the strongest effects of any spray.

Plus, you get to enjoy the added benefits of high-potency ocean minerals and plant-based terpenes.

Those looking for a powerful NAD+ product specifically to optimize brain health & function should strongly consider NeuroNAD™ NAD+ Nasal Mist.

Get MitoZen NeuroNAD Spray

Use the MitoZen exclusive promo code URBAN to save 5%

Codeage NAD+ Ultra

Codeage is a newer supplement company that’s sprouted up with a wide variety of innovative liposomal formulas. They carry many of the popular supplement complexes, as well as hard-to-find single ingredients.

Codeage NAD+ Ultra is a newer product of theirs, designed to support the entire cellular energy generation process.

The ingredients within each three-capsule serving of Codeage NAD+ Ultra include:

• NAD+ — 500mg
• Quercetin Extract (Sophora japonica derived) — 300mg
• Trans-Resveratrol (Japanese Knotweed Extract) — 180mg
• Betaine Anhydrous (TMG) — 102.5mg
• Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) — 250mcg
• Riboflavin (P5P) — 1mg

They added betaine anhydrous and methylated vitamins to ensure that the NAD+ doesn’t deplete your methyl groups.

Plus, the inclusion of antioxidants and sirtuin activators should nicely complement the formula.

It’s definitely pricey, at about $3 per three-capsule serving. But if you want a paired-down version of this same product, their simple NAD+ with betaine version comes out to about $2.33 per serving.

While you’re at it, you can also grab other great ingredients all at once from this vendor.

Choose Codeage NAD+ Ultra for a liposomal product that includes methylation support, a sirtuin activator, and a generous dose of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide.

Get Codeage NAD+ Ultra

Use Codeage exclusive code URBAN for 10% off

NAD+ Complete

Renue by Science (RBS) is one of the more popular supplement vendors, known for their catalog of max-absorption liposomal longevity products. You can enjoy liposomal delivery technology for all of their supplements. This allows it to bypass harsh stomach acid, last longer, and have greater effects.

While best known for their NMN, my personal favorite product of theirs combines three different precursors into one.

Each two-capsule serving of NAD⁺ Complete contains the following:

• Liposomal NMN — 250mg
• Liposomal Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) — 190mg
• Nicotinamide Riboside — 160mg

This product doesn’t contain a bunch of hidden additives or other junk. Just the active ingredients and what they need for liposomes.

Over the last few years, I’ve taken hundreds of servings of this one. It’s a good product, but lacks the complimentary ingredients that support overall cellular health and make NAD+ even more effective. RBS also has great customer support.

It is a bit more expensive, coming in at about $1.90 per serving.

NAD+ Complete is ideal for those looking for a liposomal booster that contains NAD+ itself, NMN, and NR all in one.

Get RBS NAD+ Complete

HPN NAD+ Booster (NAD3)

HPN is another newer supplement company best known for its NAD3-infused cellular health products. It’s a fairly inexpensive no-frills NAD3 product.

Each two-capsule serving of HPN NAD+ Booster contains:

• 325mg NAD3

And that NAD3 contains 810mcg of Niacin and 192mcg of Copper.

Unlike some of the others listed above that put sirtuin activators in the same pills, their “Cell Restoration Bundle” is just a bottle of their NAD3 product along with another bottle of Trans-Resveratrol.

HPN claims to have a rigorous testing process (for each ingredient, the formula, each batch, BSCG accreditation, and then 2-year stability testing). Although I couldn’t find any CoAs or other proof of lab testing.

I’ve personally never used them, but they came recommended by friends.

If budget’s your main concern, HPN NAD+ Booster is an affordable plain NAD3+ enhanced product.

Get HPN NAD+

How We Chose the Best NAD+ Supplements

When choosing between the best all-in-one NAD+ supplement, you must consider several key features.

Keep the following factors in mind.

Purity

Using a contaminated supplement virtually always does more harm than good. Quality supplements are always tested by third-party labs, and many of the best products proudly display their Certificates of Analysis (CoA) on their website. Scams among NAD boosters are notoriously common.

Generation

NMN, NR, and other precursors were the first generation of NAD boosters. In addition to the mediocre efficacy, they have some issues and potential drawbacks. NAD3 and other combinations of synergistic ingredients are the future and far better options.

Technology

Most herbs, botanicals, and supplements are well known to absorb poorly. Harsh stomach acid breaks them down. Advanced supplements use liposomes, phytosomes, or special ingredient stacks to ensure you maximally absorb and utilize the formula.

Synergies

Beyond NAD+, the best supplements also contain other powerful ingredients that complement and enhance the effects. Good formulas also slow the breakdown of NAD+ and activate sirtuins to maximize your benefits.

Dose

NAD+ supplement dosages vary tremendously. The ideal dosage depends on the delivery technology as well as your goals. Many of the products I reviewed didn’t make this list because each serving had a tiny and ineffective dose.

Form

You can buy NAD+ products in many different forms. Ranging from capsules (most popular) to powders, to liquids, to nasal sprays, even to suppositories. Each have distinct pros and cons. Liquids, nasal sprays, and suppositories absorb best and last the longest. Capsules and powders are cheaper and easier to find. Choose whichever is ideal for your situation.

Value

Most people consider the price of their NAD+ product. But when it comes to these cellular health supplements, there’s a huge variation. You can’t simply compare dosages of active ingredients. The best formulas often stack lower dosages with complimentary ingredients to yield better results (with fewer drawbacks). The products I’ve mentioned in this list tend to have greater value.

Boost the Effects of Your NAD+ Supplements

If you’re looking to get the maximum benefits out of your purchase, you may want to consider these potent additions that most people overlook.

Upgrade your NAD+ with the following:

1. Resveratrol: The best-known sirtuin activator, increases NAD+ up to 170% in certain organs, often already added to high-quality products [R]
2. Pterostilbene: Similar to resveratrol but stronger and lasts longer (may impact cholesterol levels)
3. Ginseng: A powerful adaptogen when combined with precursors like NMN, can improve NAD+ in some organs up to 200% [R]
4. Quercetin: Stacks nicely with the above to amplify the cellular health benefits of NAD+ precursors, especially when exposed to stress [R]
5. Polyphenols: These natural substances found within produce activated sirtuins and help protect cells when combined with a precursor [R].
6. Milk Thistle Extract: Silibinin, one of the active ingredients in this, appears to help protect tissues with combined with NAD+ boosters

The first three are my favorite, with the latter few still needing more NAD+ data.

Then we have a unique technology called Infopathy. This platform uses the information-carrying capacity of water to “imprint” it with the molecular signature of NAD+ precursors. As explained in my Infopathy review, this is as close as you can get to “digital drugs”.

The Best Way to Increase Your NAD+ Levels FAST

Dr. David Sinclair’s epic longevity book Lifespan introduced the power of NMN to the world.

It’s been most of his life’s work so far.

Several years ago, NAD+ boosting supplements blew up. They became the primary focus of the anti-aging industry.

At the same time, many of the world’s leading experts pointed out that the top strategies to improve your cellular health are natural and free.

Once you master the basics, you may want to consider supplementation.

But they’re not all equal. As I proved in my other articles, most of the NAD+ products on the market are fake. Or, worse, adulterated and contaminated.

NMN and NR are popular but both have their drawbacks. The next-generation boosters in this list are the future. Better results, from lower dosages, and without the potentially serious drawbacks.

In 2023, I switched over and haven’t looked back.

If you found this helpful, please send it to a friend or share it on social media.

Now, what about you? What’s your strategy? Drop a comment below and let me know!