Can special vitamins slow aging?
NAD⁺ supplementation for anti-aging and wellness: a PRISMA-guided systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Scientists looked at lots of studies to see if taking NAD⁺ supplements like NR or NMN helps people stay healthy as they age. These pills do raise levels of a chemical called NAD⁺ in the blood, but we don’t know if that actually helps muscles, brain, or heart work better.
Surprising Findings
Even though NAD+ levels go up in humans, health outcomes don’t consistently improve.
Most assume that if a supplement hits its biological target (like raising NAD+), it should lead to health benefits—this study shows that’s not necessarily true.
Practical Takeaways
If you’re taking NR or NMN, know that it likely raises your NAD+ levels but may not improve your energy, brain, or heart health based on current evidence.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Scientists looked at lots of studies to see if taking NAD⁺ supplements like NR or NMN helps people stay healthy as they age. These pills do raise levels of a chemical called NAD⁺ in the blood, but we don’t know if that actually helps muscles, brain, or heart work better.
Surprising Findings
Even though NAD+ levels go up in humans, health outcomes don’t consistently improve.
Most assume that if a supplement hits its biological target (like raising NAD+), it should lead to health benefits—this study shows that’s not necessarily true.
Practical Takeaways
If you’re taking NR or NMN, know that it likely raises your NAD+ levels but may not improve your energy, brain, or heart health based on current evidence.
Publication
Journal
Ageing research reviews
Year
2026
Authors
Cory Gallagher, Owoturo Oluwaseun Emmanuel
Related Content
Claims (6)
Even though taking NR or NMN boosts a molecule called NAD+ in the blood, we don’t actually have solid proof it makes people stronger, healthier, sharper, or more energetic.
Taking NR or NMN supplements by mouth seems to boost a key molecule called NAD+ in your blood, which scientists think might be good for aging, but we don’t know yet if it actually makes a real difference to health.
Giving older mice supplements like NR or NMN might help their energy levels, reduce inflammation, and improve how well their bodies work—but the results aren't the same in every study.
Taking NR or NMN by mouth seems to be safe for people over several weeks or months, with no serious side effects seen so far in studies.
We're not sure if boosting NAD+ actually helps people feel younger or healthier — studies have mixed or unclear results.