NAD+: The Molecule Behind The Energy Conversation
NAD+ is foundational to how your cells produce energy — and it declines with age. Here's what supplementation can and can't do.
NAD+ — nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide — is a coenzyme present in every cell of your body. It powers the mitochondrial reactions that turn food into ATP, the currency your cells run on. NAD+ levels decline with age, and that decline maps closely onto many of the symptoms we associate with getting older: lower energy, slower recovery, foggier cognition.
What supplementation actually does
Direct NAD+ injections bypass the digestive breakdown that limits oral precursors. Patients commonly report sharper focus, better sleep, and faster post-workout recovery within a few weeks. The mechanism is plausible, the felt experience is real, and ongoing research continues to map the long-term effects.
How we use it at Valora
NAD+ is most effective as part of a broader protocol — not a standalone fix. We typically pair it with sleep optimization, targeted training, and where appropriate, hormone or peptide support. The goal isn't to chase a feeling. The goal is durable function.
Sources & references
Peer-reviewed studies, clinical guidelines, and regulatory documents used to write this article.
- 1.Martens CR et al. Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD+ in healthy middle-aged and older adults. Nat Commun. 2018;9:1286.— Nature Communications, 2018.
- 2.Yoshino M et al. Nicotinamide mononucleotide increases muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women. Science. 2021;372(6547):1224-1229.— Science, 2021.
- 3.Rajman L, Chwalek K, Sinclair DA. Therapeutic Potential of NAD-Boosting Molecules: The In Vivo Evidence. Cell Metab. 2018;27(3):529-547.— Cell Metabolism, 2018.
How this article was written: Researched and drafted by the Valora Rx editorial team using current peer-reviewed literature and clinical practice guidelines from bodies including the Endocrine Society, AUA, NAMS, ACOG, and FDA. This article is informational and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice from your physician. Read our editorial standards →
