We tried every NAD+ supplement so you don't have to — here are our top-rated
The best NAD+ supplements have been buzzed about for years, famously used in IV form by A-list celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber. But why the hype? Experts have praised it for boosting mental clarity and cognitive function, raising energy levels, and delaying signs of ageing.
Sadly, for mere mortals without a personal IV practitioner on hand, NAD was — until recently — an expensive and out-of-reach supplement. That was until it became more readily available in a capsule at a fraction of the price.
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But while NAD+ is becoming more commonplace in many people's supplement lineup, you may be wondering what on earth NAD+ actually is. 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 production declines as we age.
FYI, testing into NAD+ supplementation is still ongoing, and it goes without saying to check with your GP before heading to the checkout. But, for those craving a boost to their metabolic health and energy levels without the help of coffee or energy drinks, this might be the answer.
It’s important to note that some health experts, like dietitian and partner with Tru Niagen, Toby Amidor, believe that supplementing with the NAD+ molecule itself, whether by IV drip or with 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+. “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."
But for those keen to test the potential benefits for themselves, below are the best NAD+ supplements approved by registered dieticians and Glamour editors who have spent the last seven months personally trialling a host.
Read on for our honest thoughts, as well as answers to common supplement FAQs.
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?
Why you can trust me: Freelance contributor, Cat Hufton
I'm an experienced lifestyle journalist who has tested hundreds of products in my quest to find the best products worthy of your hard-earned money. I became particularly interested in wellness and health products after having children seven years ago, and I needed a little extra helping hand in feeling my best. Finding supplements to help me manage the everyday stresses of work and family life has also become a personal passion project of mine.
As such, I've spoken to countless industry experts, tested a wide variety of supplements and wellness products, and become pretty astute at knowing what really makes a difference.
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.
Ahead, the best NAD+ supplements for 2026, according to Glamour editors and experts:
NAD+ supplements FAQs, answered:
What are the benefits of NAD+ supplements?
NAD+ plays a role in energy production and cellular repair to support the ageing process. While more research needs to be done to understand the long-term effects of NAD+ supplements, below are some findings from current studies on its benefits.
- Lower inflammation: Research shows that boosting NAD with supplements like NR may help reduce inflammation, especially in older adults or people with inflammatory conditions.
- Brain health: Some research suggests that supplementing with NR can help with age-related cognitive decline, but more studies are needed to solidify these findings. Research shows that supplementing with NR increases levels of NAD in the brain, and a small study gave 30 people with Parkinson’s disease (a brain disorder) 1,000 mg of NR or a placebo for 30 days and found that those who took the NR had less inflammation in the blood and brain.
- Muscle health and recovery: Your skeletal muscles are rife with mitochondria, and they need NAD+ to make energy for movement. NAD+ helps your muscles generate ATP, the fuel for contractions. “Your cells also need to repair themselves from any damage, and cellular repair requires NAD+,” Amidor says.
- Fertility: Most of the research around NR and fertility is preclinical, meaning studies are conducted in the early stages, typically in labs using cells or animal models. But the data is promising and suggests that elevating NAD+ may support ovarian cell health, Amidor says.
What is the best form of NAD+ to take?
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is a NAD+ precursor that has shown promise in animal studies — but the most efficient and effective way to elevate NAD+ is with the precursor nicotinamide riboside (NR), which is a unique form of vitamin B3 (niacin).
“Unlike the NAD+ molecule itself, NR is the most efficient because it crosses the cell wall directly and requires fewer steps to convert into NAD+,” says Amidor. Finding the best dosage depends on different factors like age and your overall health. “People experiencing digestive absorption challenges and inflammatory conditions typically need elevated doses, as their bodies struggle with absorption while consuming more NAD,” Dr Singh says.
Since NAD is regenerated in the liver, people who drink too much alcohol, take medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), or have liver issues often have lower NAD levels. They can benefit from higher oral NAD supplementation.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with NAD+?
NR is the only NAD+ booster that has no known interactions or adverse effects. Other B3 precursors, such as nicotinic acid (NA) and nicotinamide, do have side effects. At high doses, NA causes intense flushing, and nicotinamide may cause GI issues.
“Oral NR supplementation is the most well studied form of NAD+ and is well tolerated up to one gram per day,” explains ARTAH founder, nutritionist and naturopath, Rhian Stephenson. “Like most supplements, safety concerns come into play when people decide to mega dose, so it's always best to ere on the side of caution and not exceed recommended dosing.”
Stephenson adds that NAD+ IV's have the risk — like any IV — of IV site pain, phlebitis, infection risk, vasovagal reactions etc. “So if you are getting NAD+ infusions, make sure you feel comfortable with the clinic's hygiene and safety procedures."
In short, NR supplements are generally well-tolerated, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe for everyone. People with pre-existing cardiac rhythm disorders, particularly atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias, should check with their doctor before taking NR due to potential heart palpitations. What’s more, NR supplements haven’t been studied in people with cancer or in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you fall into any of these camps, check with your doctor before starting an NR supplement.
Meet the experts:
| Toby Amidor | Dietitian and partner with Tru Niagen. |
| Dr Raj Singh | Internal medicine doctor with years of experience working with NAD+. |
| Lauren Manaker | Dietitian. |
| Rhian Stephenson | ARTAH founder, Nutritionist and Naturopath. |






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