What is NAD+?

Could Hollywood's favorite anti-aging molecule become the antidote to our chronic fatigue?

Dec 28, 2024

Everyone I talk to seems tired. Like, next level tired.

It’s no surprise at this time of year — we are all racing toward the finish line with little left in the tank.

But fatigue feels less like a seasonal hurdle and more like a chronic issue these days, challenging many of us on a daily basis.

Are our cells simply overtaxed by the demands of our toxic modern world? Or are we suffering from the inevitable effects of aging? Likely, it’s a little bit of both.

Enter NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and, its precursor, NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide).

Popular among biohackers, elite athletes and celebrities looking to optimize everything from cognition to complexion, these energy-boosting molecules are being hailed as game-changers by longevity doctors and scientists alike.1

Could NAD+ treatments be the remedy for our collective fatigue?

Curious whether they live up to the hype (and justify the expense), I explored the latest research on NAD+, including the ongoing debate on the efficacy of the IVs, injections and supplements designed to replenish it.

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What are the major causes of fatigue?

When we think about “being tired,” there is often an underlying cause that drains energy at a cellular level, disrupts circadian rhythms, and throws hormonal balance off course. While aging plays a role, many other factors contribute to persistent low energy.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction: As the cell’s energy powerhouse, mitochondria generate ATP. When they function poorly or face excessive free radical damage, energy production declines.

Hormone Imbalances: Hypothyroidism and menopause can disrupt hormones causing low energy availability.
Inflammation and Immune Response: Chronic inflammation can lead to autoimmune disorders and persistent fatigue.
Sleep Disorders: Poor, inconsistent sleep or sleep apnea, can impact rest and recovery.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Common culprits are low magnesium, B12, iron and CoQ10, which are needed in energy metabolism.
Aging and Cellular Senescence: The speed of our cellular repair slows as we age, reducing mitochondrial function and energy output.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ is an essential coenzyme found in every cell of your body which is vital in over 500 biochemical reactions. Our natural levels decline as we age (as early as age 25), which is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and damage to our DNA — all reasons for cellular aging and fatigue.

What is it good for?

Because NAD+ plays a critical role in our cellular health, longevity scientists have been researching it as an anti-aging protocol — working from the inside out. It has been shown to:

Fuel mitochondrial health and boost energy production
Reduce oxidative stress by improving antioxidant defenses
Enhance metabolic efficiency including glucose balance and healthy weight
Improve cognitive and physical performance by speeding up recovery
Reduce signs of aging by improving skin elasticity, hydration and pigmentation

How does it work?

Here’s a comparison of some popular NAD+ therapies including IVs, injections, nasal sprays and NMN supplements. (read on desktop to expand this chart)

Worth taking?

Due to its critical role in cellular energy production, NAD+ is being studied for a wide range of age-related conditions ranging from autoimmune to metabolic disorders including prediabetes2 and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. While there’s promising clinical data supporting the anti-aging benefits of NAD+ and NMN supplementation, the research is still in its early stages.

However, performance and longevity doctors such as Dr. Craig Koniver have been offering advanced NAD+ protocols in private practice for years. Patients frequently report anecdotal benefits such as increased energy and faster recovery.

My Recommendations

NAD+ IV Therapy ($$$$): Use sparingly for severe symptoms or acute issues. IVs rapidly raises NAD+ levels for significant impact. Can cause mild discomfort during the IV.
NAD+ Injections ($$): Cycle proactively before or during periods of high energy demand for sustained support. Perfect before a big trip.
NAD+ Nasal Sprays ($$): An alternative to needles for daily use. Not seeing much data to support the efficacy.
NMN Daily Supplementation ($): Incorporate into your routine for ongoing longevity and anti-aging benefits. Helps to mitigate effects of lifestyle stressors.

In my research, youngr NMN by Wonderfeel stands out as the most innovative formula3, as it combines NMN with synergistic ingredients like resveratrol and ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant derived from mushrooms that protects cells from oxidative stress, supports mitochondria, and reduces inflammation.

After 30 days of youngr by Wonderfeel, I noticed consistently high energy during a challenging period of work and travel, clear skin and very healthy hair*

“Wonderfeel’s formula takes a multi-ingredient approach designed not only to stabilize NAD levels that decline with age but also to alleviate oxidative stress, dramatically preventing aging. This dual action ensures sustained energy metabolism, cellular health, and overall longevity benefits.”
— Founder Baran Dilaver

Slowing down the aging process (and age-related symptoms like fatigue) requires a holistic approach from improved nutrition, quality sleep and effective stress management. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t also leverage cutting-edge longevity science to support our tired mitochondria.