NAD+
What is NAD+
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every living cell in the human body. It plays a critical role in hundreds of metabolic processes, most notably energy production, DNA repair, and cellular communication. NAD+ exists in two forms - NAD+ (oxidized) and NADH (reduced) — and cycles between the two as it carries electrons during metabolic reactions. This cycling process is fundamental to how your cells generate energy from the food you eat. Often referred to as a "master regulator" of cellular health, NAD+ activates proteins called sirtuins, which are directly linked to longevity, inflammation control, and cellular repair.  The problem is that NAD+ levels decline significantly with age, by middle age, most people have roughly half the NAD+ they had in their twenties. This decline is associated with fatigue, cognitive fog, slower recovery, and an increased susceptibility to age-related disease. Supplementing with NAD+ is aimed at restoring those levels and supporting the cellular processes that depend on them.
History & Discovery
NAD+ was first discovered in 1906 by British biochemists Arthur Harden and William John Young while studying fermentation in yeast. They identified a substance that accelerated the fermentation process, which they called a "coferment", what we now know as NAD+. Over the following decades, the structure and function of NAD+ were gradually pieced together by a series of landmark discoveries. In 1936, German scientist Otto Warburg, a Nobel Prize winner, identified NAD+ as a critical carrier of electrons in metabolic reactions, establishing its fundamental role in cellular energy production. The full chemical structure of NAD+ was determined in 1950 by Arthur Kornberg, who later won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1959 for his work on DNA synthesis. For much of the 20th century, NAD+ research was largely confined to its role in metabolism. It wasn't until the late 1990s and early 2000s that scientists began to understand its broader significance in aging and longevity. The discovery that NAD+ activates sirtuins, a family of proteins linked to lifespan extension, sparked a surge of research that continues to this day. Today NAD+ is one of the most actively studied molecules in longevity science, with research spanning everything from neurodegenerative disease and metabolic health to athletic performance and healthy aging.
How it Works
NAD+ works primarily as an electron carrier and a signaling molecule at the cellular level. As an electron carrier, NAD+ plays a central role in cellular respiration, the process by which your cells convert nutrients into usable energy (ATP). It accepts electrons during the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids, shuttling them through the mitochondria to drive energy production. Without adequate NAD+, this process becomes inefficient, leading to fatigue and reduced cellular output. Beyond energy production, NAD+ serves as a critical signaling molecule that activates key proteins involved in cellular health:
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— Sirtuins (SIRT1–SIRT7): A family of proteins that regulate inflammation, DNA repair, metabolism, and longevity. Sirtuins are entirely dependent on NAD+ to function.
— PARP enzymes: Proteins that detect and repair damaged DNA. High oxidative stress and DNA damage rapidly consume NAD+, which is why maintaining adequate levels is critical for genomic stability.
— CD38: An enzyme that consumes NAD+ as part of immune signaling and calcium regulation. CD38 activity increases with age and is one of the primary drivers of age-related NAD+ decline.
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In short, NAD+ sits at the intersection of energy, repair, and longevity. When levels are optimal, your cells are better equipped to produce energy, repair damage, and resist the effects of aging. When levels decline, nearly every system in the body feels it.
Safety & Considerations
NAD+ and its precursors are generally well-tolerated by healthy adults. That said, the following side effects have been documented in clinical studies:
— Mild flushing or warmth, particularly at higher doses
— Nausea or mild gastrointestinal discomfort, most commonly when taken on an empty stomach
— Headache or mild dizziness reported in some users during initial use
— Fatigue or a temporary "adjustment" period in the first one to two weeks as cellular energy pathways recalibrate
— Mild itching or skin tingling reported in some cases
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Who should use caution or avoid NAD+:
— Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to limited safety data
— Those with active cancer should consult their healthcare provider before use, as NAD+ supports cellular energy production in all cells
— Individuals on blood pressure medications or anticoagulants should consult their healthcare provider before starting
— If you have an existing health condition or are currently on medication, consult your healthcare provider before starting
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​If any adverse reactions occur, discontinue use immediately. As with any supplement, individual responses can vary. Resilience EQ recommends doing your own research and consulting with a qualified healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Sources
1. Gindri, I. et al. (2024). Evaluation of safety and effectiveness of NAD in different clinical conditions: a systematic review. American Journal of Physiology — Endocrinology and Metabolism, 326(4), E417–E427. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpendo.00242.2023
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2. Martens, C.R. et al. (2018). Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD+ in healthy middle-aged and older adults. Nature Communications, 9, 1286. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29569561/
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3. Yoshino, M. et al. (2021). Nicotinamide mononucleotide increases muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women. Science, 372, 1224–1229. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34078707/
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4. Brakedal, B. et al. (2022). The NADPARK study: a randomized phase I trial of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in Parkinson's disease. Cell Metabolism, 34, 396–407. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35235774/
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5. Covarrubias, A.J. et al. (2021). NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 22, 119–141. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33353981/
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6. Rajman, L., Chwalek, K. & Sinclair, D.A. (2018). Therapeutic potential of NAD-boosting molecules: the in vivo evidence. Cell Metabolism, 27, 529–547. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29514064/
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7. Conze, D. et al. (2019). Safety and metabolism of long-term administration of NIAGEN (nicotinamide riboside chloride) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of healthy overweight adults. Scientific Reports, 9, 9772. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31278280/
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8. Lautrup, S. et al. (2019). NAD+ in brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Cell Metabolism, 30, 630–655. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31577933/
The following information is based on published third-party research and is provided for educational purposes only. It does not represent the effects of any Resilience EQ product. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.