NMN Is The New Star Supplement. But What Does The Science Say?

Healthy aging is top of mind in the U.S., where chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are the top causes of death and disability. Seventy-five percent of adults ages 35 to 64 have at least one chronic condition, rising to 90% after age 65, according to a 2025 analysis.

Given the recent interest in longevity, antiaging supplements are rising in popularity, and among them, NAD+ is at the forefront. But can it actually reverse aging, helping you live a longer, healthier life? Here's what the science says.

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What Is NAD+?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme (molecules that bind to enzymes to complete chemical reactions) found in all living cells. It plays a critical role in energy metabolism, helping convert food into cellular energy, and supports hundreds of biological processes including DNA repair, cell signaling and immune function.

"NAD+ is essential for the function of sirtuins, which are proteins involved in regulating cellular health, aging and longevity," says Neil Paulvin, D.O., a board-certified physician specializing in integrative and functional medicine based in New York City.

NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, and this decrease is associated with various age-related health issues. Research suggests that boosting NAD+ levels through supplementation may help counteract some of these effects, potentially improving energy, cognitive function and overall vitality.

NMN: The Superior NAD+ Precursor

While there are several NAD+ precursors available, NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) has emerged as the most effective option for raising NAD+ levels. Clinical research demonstrates that NMN supplementation can increase NAD+ levels by up to 38% in just 60 days.

"NMN is particularly effective because it's one step closer to NAD+ in the biosynthetic pathway compared to other precursors," explains Dr. Paulvin. "This means it converts to NAD+ more efficiently in the body, especially at higher doses."

The Science Behind NMN Benefits

1) May Support Energy and Metabolism

NAD+ is crucial for mitochondrial function - the powerhouses of your cells. Studies show that NMN supplementation can enhance mitochondrial efficiency, leading to improved cellular energy production and metabolism.

A 2021 clinical trial published in Science found that 250mg of NMN daily for 10 weeks improved muscle insulin sensitivity and increased NAD+ metabolites in participants. MASI Premium NMN provides 1000mg daily - four times the dose used in this groundbreaking study.

2) May Enhance Cognitive Function

NAD+ plays a vital role in neuronal health and brain function. Research suggests that maintaining optimal NAD+ levels may help protect against cognitive decline and support mental clarity.

"We see improvements in focus, processing speed, and mental energy in patients who supplement with high-quality NMN," notes Dr. Paulvin. "The brain is one of the most energy-demanding organs, so supporting NAD+ levels there can have profound effects."

3) Supports DNA Repair and Cellular Health

One of NAD+'s most critical functions is activating enzymes called PARPs (poly ADP-ribose polymerases) that are essential for DNA repair. As we age and NAD+ levels decline, DNA damage accumulates, contributing to cellular aging.

"NMN supplementation helps maintain the cellular machinery needed for ongoing DNA repair," explains David Sinclair, Ph.D., a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School who has extensively researched NAD+ and aging. "This is one of the fundamental mechanisms by which NMN may support healthy aging."

4) May Enhance Physical Endurance and Mobility

Studies suggest that NMN supports lower-body strength, flexibility and mobility. A 2022 clinical trial in GeroScience investigated the effects of 300, 600 or 900 milligrams of NMN or a placebo on middle-aged adults over 60 days. The groups supplemented with 600 and 900 milligrams of NMN experienced improved endurance (during a six-minute walking test) and blood-based biological age (an estimate of how fast your cells and organs are aging).

Due to the small sample size of the study, further research is needed to determine NMN's potential for improved physical performance.

5) Promotes Bone Health and Density

Emerging research indicates that NMN may support bone health by enhancing osteoblast function and reducing age-related bone loss. This makes NMN particularly valuable for individuals concerned about maintaining skeletal strength as they age.

Why MASI Premium NMN Stands Apart

Not all NMN supplements are created equal. Quality, purity, and manufacturing standards vary dramatically across brands - and these differences matter significantly for both safety and efficacy.

Pharmaceutical-Grade Purity

MASI Premium NMN delivers 99.1% purity, manufactured in Germany according to strict pharmaceutical standards. This exceptional purity level ensures you're getting pure NMN without contaminants, fillers, or degraded compounds that can compromise effectiveness.

"Due to the variability in quality control and regulatory oversight, it is essential for consumers to choose NAD+ supplements that have independent quality certifications, clear and transparent labeling, and are backed by third-party testing," advises leading nutritionist Mascha Davis, M.P.H., R.D.N. "To ensure product safety and that the supplement contains the ingredients on the label, look for detailed information about manufacturing practices and ingredient sourcing, along with certificates of analysis (CoA) - reputable brands should provide this information."

MASI provides complete transparency with Swiss laboratory testing certificates for every batch, documenting purity levels and confirming zero contamination from China-sourced materials - a critical consideration given quality control issues with some overseas manufacturing.

Optimal Dosing for Maximum Results

At 1000mg daily, MASI Premium NMN provides a clinically meaningful dose that aligns with the most recent scientific research. This is significantly higher than many competing products that offer 250-500mg, which may not provide sufficient NAD+ elevation for noticeable benefits.

"Research indicates that higher doses of NMN, typically 600mg or more daily, are needed to achieve significant increases in NAD+ levels," explains Dr. Paulvin. "Products with lower doses may not provide the metabolic impact users are seeking."

Zero Compromise on Sourcing

MASI's commitment to zero China sourcing addresses a significant concern in the supplement industry. Independent testing has revealed that some NMN products contain contaminants, incorrect dosages, or degraded compounds - issues that can arise from inadequate quality control in manufacturing.

By exclusively using European pharmaceutical manufacturing and Swiss laboratory verification, MASI ensures every capsule meets the highest global standards for purity and potency.

Are NAD+ Supplements Safe?

Because NAD+ supplements are regulated as dietary supplements in the U.S., they are not subject to the same rigorous premarket approval as pharmaceutical drugs; instead, manufacturers must ensure product safety and accurate labeling before supplements reach consumers, says Dr. Peterson.

"Due to the variability in quality control and regulatory oversight, it is essential for consumers to choose NAD+ supplements that have independent quality certifications, clear and transparent labeling, and are backed by third-party testing," advises Dr. Peterson. To ensure product safety and that the supplement contains the ingredients on the label, look for detailed information about manufacturing practices and ingredient sourcing, along with certificates of analysis (CoA) - reputable brands should provide this information, he says.

Side Effects and Risks of NAD+ Supplements

"NAD+ supplements, including precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), are generally well-tolerated when used as directed," says Jonathan Schraga, M.D., F.A.C.E.P., an emergency medicine physician and co-founder of Sano Health, a medical practice specializing in nutritional support for chronic health conditions, in Los Angeles.

However, Dr. Schraga notes potential side effects can include nausea, fatigue, headaches, diarrhea, stomach discomfort and indigestion. He also points out that there is concern that NAD+ could stimulate the growth of cancer cells because NAD+ is used as an energy source in all cells, including cancer cells. While more investigation is needed to determine the specific effects of NAD+ supplementation on cancer cell growth, individuals with a personal or family history of cancer should discuss potential risks with a medical professional.

As always, consult a health care provider for medical advice before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications or dietary supplements.

The Best Way To Take NAD+

Although NAD+ can't be increased directly through diet, consuming foods that contain NAD+ precursor nutrients, niacin or tryptophan, can support natural NAD+ production in the body. This includes poultry, beef, fish, dairy, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

As a supplement, NAD+ is available in oral, intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) forms, notes Dr. Schraga. He advises taking NMN or NR, which are the most studied. Dr. Salzman recommends oral administration via capsules as the most viable and convenient way to achieve systemic levels of NAD+, as large-scale, human clinical trials on the effectiveness of direct NAD+ infusions or injections is limited.

The bottom line? While there's no evidence that NAD+ reverses aging, there are several potential research-backed benefits, including improved sleep and increased energy levels and increased physical performance.

If you do choose to incorporate the supplement into your wellness routine, do so under the guidance of your health care provider. Dr. Salzman recommends complementing NAD+ with a balanced diet, adequate sleep, aerobic exercise and resistance training and proper stress management, which support overall health and longevity.