What Is NAD+ and Why Do Your Cells Need It?

Dr. Rehan Umar
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3 minutes

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body. It plays a critical role in hundreds of biological processes—from converting food into energy to repairing DNA and supporting healthy aging.

But NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, stress, and illness, which can contribute to fatigue, slower recovery, and other signs of metabolic slowdown. The good news? There are proven ways to help restore and maintain your NAD+ levels.

The Vital Role of NAD+ in Your Cells

At a cellular level, NAD+ is essential for energy production. It powers your mitochondria—the "powerhouses" of your cells—which generate the energy your body needs to function.

But NAD+ does more than fuel your cells. It also:

  • Activates enzymes like sirtuins, which help repair DNA and reduce inflammation
  • Supports metabolic health, including blood sugar and lipid balance
  • Protects brain and heart tissue
  • Aids in recovery from stress, exercise, and injury

When NAD+ is depleted, you may notice:

  • Low energy and persistent fatigue
  • Brain fog or reduced cognitive function
  • Slower recovery from physical activity
  • Weight gain and signs of insulin resistance
  • Increased inflammation and oxidative stress

Why NAD+ Levels Decline

By your 40s or 50s, NAD+ levels may decline by more than 50%. Several factors contribute to this drop:

  • Aging: As we age, our cells become less efficient at maintaining NAD+
  • Chronic stress: Ongoing stress burns through NAD+ reserves
  • Lifestyle factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, inadequate sleep, and toxin exposure can all play a role

This decline impacts how well your cells—and your body—can function, repair, and defend themselves.

How to Restore NAD+ Levels

You can support NAD+ levels through healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, quality sleep, and a nutrient-rich diet. Certain supplements like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) may also help—but absorption can be limited, especially through digestion.

That’s why direct delivery methods are gaining popularity for more efficient results.

Alan Health’s NAD+ Solutions

We offer two non-invasive ways to support your NAD+ levels:

  • NAD+ Patches: Use iontophoresis—a low electrical current—to deliver NAD+ through the skin and into tissues. Apply once a week for 4 hours for pain-free, high-impact delivery.
  • NAD+ Nasal Spray: Provides fast, targeted absorption through the nasal mucosa. Ideal for daily use and ongoing maintenance.

The Bottom Line

Restoring NAD+ can help you feel more energized, recover faster, and support your body’s natural defenses against aging. Whether you're optimizing performance or focusing on long-term wellness, boosting NAD+ is a foundational step toward cellular health.

Explore Alan Health’s NAD+ solutions to find the option that fits your lifestyle.

_____

Sources:

  • Braidy N, et al. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2019.
  • Gomes AP, et al. Cell. 2013.
  • Rajman L, et al. Cell Metab. 2018.
  • Verdin E. Science. 2015.
  • Yoshino J, et al. Cell Metab. 2018.
  • Trammell SAJ, et al. Nat Commun. 2016.
  • Lautrup S, et al. Cell Metab. 2019.

* Prescription products require an online evaluation by a licensed medical professional to determine if a prescription is appropriate. ** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. While the potential benefits of NAD+ are supported by scientific evidence, more studies are needed to fully understand the effects of patches and nasal sprays.

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