It’s the buzzy wellness buy I see more than any other on my FYP, yet I’ve still been left asking, ‘What are NAD+ supplements?’ Some claim they boost cognitive function and energy levels, while others comment on their ability to delay signs of ageing, and even improve metabolic health. Even A-list celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber have endorsed a daily dose.
So, let’s break it down. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme that serves two crucial roles: fuelling your cells’ energy production and supporting cellular defence. Our bodies naturally produce NAD+, but like many nutrients and hormones, our natural NAD+ production declines as we age.
Hence why some health experts — not all, as testing is still ongoing — recommend supplementing with capsules, tablets, patches or at-home injections. It goes without saying to check in with your GP before heading to the checkout, but for those craving an energy boost without the help of coffee and/or energy drinks, this might be the answer.
Not all are for them. Some, such as Toby Amidor, a dietitian and partner with Tru Niagen, say that supplementing with the NAD+ molecule itself, whether through an IV drip or supplements, is ineffective in elevating NAD+ levels. “As a large molecule, NAD+ cannot pass through cell membranes and must first be broken down into its constituents.”
His advice if you do want to try dosing up? Take nicotinamide riboside (NR), a unique form of vitamin B3, not NAD+, to help boost your NAD+. “While there are natural food sources of vitamin B3, such as milk, salmon, peanuts, and avocados, you’d need to consume about 87 gallons of milk daily to get 300 mg of NR,” adds Amidor.
But for those keen to jump on the NAD+ supplement testing train, below are the best NAD+ supplements approved by registered dieticians and GLAMOUR editors who have spent the last seven months personally trialling a host. For me, they helped kick my three-coffee-a-day habit — a major win, both healthwise and monetarily. So, here are our honest thoughts, as well as answers to common supplement FAQs.
Disclaimer: Keep in mind that this article isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, and our recommendations won’t replace a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.
How we test the best NAD+ supplements:
Since March 2025, the GLAMOUR team has trialled countless NAD+ supplements — as well as sleep supplements, vitamin D supplements and collagen supplements — in a bid to only recommend the very best. We’ve tested one formulation each for a minimum of six weeks, making sure that everyone who participated in the reviewing process varied in terms of age, skin type and hair type.
At the end of their trial period, they were asked to rate it against the following criteria:
- Ease of use — Were the capsules easy to swallow? Did the powder mix well with water?
- Efficacy — How long into the four weeks did they notice a difference, if any?
- Taste — On a scale of one to five, how pleasurable was the taste?
- Value for money — Would they be happy to commit to the weekly, monthly or bi-monthly spend?
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