New research on NAD⁺ tablets reveals benefits in aging, metabolic health, and disease prevention

By Sacred Leaves Global Medical News | July 2025

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is a crucial coenzyme involved in cellular energy production, DNA repair, and metabolic regulation. As levels decline with age, oral NAD⁺ precursor supplements—like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)—are being studied for potential benefits in aging, metabolic health, and disease prevention. Here’s an overview of the latest research on tablets containing these compounds.

1. Safety & Efficacy of NAD⁺ Boosters

• A 2015–2024 clinical trial showed that 500 mg twice daily of NR is safe and well tolerated in older adults (ages 55–79), increasing NAD⁺ levels in immune cells by ~60%, and doubling whole-blood NAD⁺. It also showed modest reductions in systolic blood pressure and arterial stiffness, particularly in those with elevated baseline readings News-Medical+15PMC+15NAD.com+15CU Anschutz News+1Wikipedia+1.
  
  
• A separate crossover study (70–80 years old) found 500 mg NR increased muscle NAD-related metabolites (e.g., NAAD doubled), and decreased inflammatory markers IL-6, IL-5, and IL-2 by 50–70%, though mitochondrial function remained unchanged PMC.
  
  

2. Enhanced Formulations & Cellular Effects

• The nutraceutical Qualia NAD+® increased blood NAD⁺ by an average of 74% in healthy middle-aged participants Nature+3MedRxiv+3MedRxiv+3.
  
  
• A systems-based supplement Nuchido TIME+® raised whole blood NAD⁺ levels by ~26% after 4 weeks in a double-blind study, showing improved aging biomarkers like SIRT1 protein and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines Nature.
  
  

3. Age-Related Cellular Benefits

• NAD⁺ tablets support cell repair and mitochondrial energy. Early studies indicate improved mitochondrial Krebs cycle activity and upregulation of antioxidant gene expression, although potential DNA replication stress has been noted in vitro Nature.
  
  
• Intravenous NAD⁺ delivery in small cohorts increased cellular NAD⁺ levels and antioxidant responses in both healthy and elderly subjects, supporting oral tablet findings Nature.
  
  

4. Limited Clinical Outcomes & Ongoing Trials

• In overweight/obese individuals, high-dose NR (1000 mg twice daily) increased blood NAD⁺ by up to 139%, reduced fat mass (–4%), increased lean mass (+2%), and raised sleep metabolic rate (+4%), though no significant changes in insulin sensitivity or mitochondrial function were detected PMC.
  
  
• A first clinical trial in Huntington’s disease (NAD‑HD) is expected in 2025, assessing whether NAD⁺ tablets can modify disease progression ScienceDirect.
  
  

5. Inflammation & Longevity Potential

• NAD⁺ boosters show consistent anti-inflammatory effects, with reductions in IL-6 and other cytokines, important markers for chronic age-related diseases .
  
  
• While lifestyle factors remain primary, emerging evidence suggests tablets may help slow aging and improve resilience to metabolic stress.
  
  

Key Takeaways

Next Steps for Research

• Large-scale, placebo-controlled studies to confirm benefits on metabolism, cognition, and disease prevention.
  
  
• Disease-specific trials, such as in neurodegeneration (Huntington's) and cardiovascular health.
  
  
• Exploration of tablet formulations targeting dosage, absorption, and long-term safety.
  
  

NAD⁺ tablet supplementation represents a promising, evidence-based approach to enhancing cellular resilience and healthy aging. While not a miracle, early clinical results support continued investigation and cautious optimism.

Sources:

• Martens et al. NR safety and NAD⁺ elevation trials MDPI
  
  
• Qualia NAD+® study
  
  
• Nuchido TIME+® trial
  
  
• Intravenous NAD⁺ findings PMC+1nypost.com+1
  
  
• Upcoming Huntington’s disease trial