September is Healthy Aging Month—a time to focus on the habits, tools, and science-backed strategies that help us age not just longer, but better. One of the most exciting topics in the world of healthy aging is NAD+, a molecule that’s been called the “spark plug” for your cells.
What is NAD+?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every single cell in your body. Think of it as cellular fuel—it helps your mitochondria (your cells’ power plants) turn the food you eat into usable energy. Without NAD+, your body literally wouldn’t have the energy to function.
But here’s the catch: NAD+ levels decline as we age. By the time we reach our 40s and 50s, NAD+ stores are already significantly lower than in our younger years. This decline is linked to fatigue, brain fog, slower recovery, and even the visible signs of aging.
Why NAD+ Matters for Healthy Aging
Scientists are finding that maintaining optimal NAD+ levels supports many of the processes that keep us healthy as we age:
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Cellular Energy: Keeps your body and brain firing on all cylinders.
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DNA Repair: Helps fix damaged DNA, which is key for longevity.
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Metabolic Health: Supports insulin sensitivity and weight management.
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Cognitive Function: May improve focus, memory, and mood.
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Muscle Function & Recovery: Keeps you moving, exercising, and living actively.
How to Support NAD+ Naturally
While we can’t stop the clock, we can influence how gracefully we age. Lifestyle plays a huge role in maintaining NAD+ levels:
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Exercise: Movement stimulates NAD+ production.
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Nutrition: A whole-foods diet rich in antioxidants supports healthy cells.
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Sleep: Quality rest keeps your repair systems running smoothly.
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Supplements: NAD+ precursors (such as NMN or NR) can help replenish levels as they naturally decline with age.
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While there is hope for NAD+ supplementation and its benefits in the future, HUMAN data is actually very limited
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NAD+ orally does not enter the cell in a usable form. Taking precursors such as NR or NMN could potentially raise NAD+ levels
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NAD+ infusions could raise the overall levels, but it's half life is VERY short, questioning its use in humans
NAD+ & You
If September has you thinking about ways to invest in your future health, NAD+ could potentially be of benefit. By supporting energy, focus, and cellular repair, NAD+ may help you feel vibrant—not just today, but in the decades ahead.
After all, healthy aging isn’t about adding years to your life. It’s about adding life to your years.
