NAD+ a Lower Cost

William Faloon

NAD+ is a coenzyme found in all living cells that is essential to sustain life.¹

Notable NAD+ effects include promoting cell energy, DNA repair, and fueling beneficial longevity proteins.^2-4

As we grow older, NAD+ levels plummet. Observational evidence suggests that by age 50, NAD+ levels may decline by about 50% compared to younger participants.⁵

In 2014, we introduced readers to a form of vitamin B3 (nicotinamide riboside) that boosted NAD+ levels in the body.⁶

So compelling was the health data on NAD+ that it became subject to substantial clinical investigations.^7-10 An investigational drug application was submitted to the FDA.¹¹

The application sought approval for another NAD+ precursor called nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) to treat aging-related conditions. Some effects reported in clinical studies related to NMN supplementation include improved walking distance,¹² gait speed,^12-14 and sleep metrics.¹⁴

Upon recognition of this new drug application, the FDA excluded the sale of NMN as a dietary supplement.^11,15

The FDA's position was that if an ingredient was not sold before a new drug application is filed, then that ingredient cannot be simultaneously sold as a dietary supplement.¹¹

In November 2022, the FDA determined that NMN was excluded from the definition of a dietary supplement under the drug‑preclusion clause."¹¹

The FDA Reverses Its Position

In letters dated September 29, 2025, the FDA changed its position and concluded NMN is not excluded from the dietary supplement definition. They said that because evidence shows NMN was marketed in the U.S. before being authorized for investigation as a new drug.¹⁶

In a December 2, 2025 letter, the FDA reaffirmed the September 29 determination confirming NMN may be marketed in dietary supplements, subject to compliance.¹⁷

Consumers Can Now Choose NR or NMN

We at Life Extension® have reviewed data on the NAD+ boosting effects of nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Both significantly increase NAD+ in whole blood, but comparative efficacy is not yet well established for specific cells in the body.

The major difference is consumer cost. NMN supplements are less expensive than NR.

For longer life,

William Faloon, Co-Founder, Life Extension®

References

1. Chini CCS, Tarrago MG, Chini EN. NAD and the aging process: Role in life, death and everything in between. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2017 Nov 5;455:62-74.
2. Braidy N, Berg J, Clement J, et al. Role of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide and Related Precursors as Therapeutic Targets for Age-Related Degenerative Diseases: Rationale, Biochemistry, Pharmacokinetics, and Outcomes. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2019 Jan 10;30(2):251-94.
3. Covarrubias AJ, Perrone R, Grozio A, et al. NAD(+) metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2021 Feb;22(2):119-41.
4. Stromland O, Diab J, Ferrario E, et al. The balance between NAD(+) biosynthesis and consumption in ageing. Mech Ageing Dev. 2021 Oct;199:111569.
5. Yang F, Deng X, Yu Y, et al. Association of Human Whole Blood NAD(+) Contents With Aging. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022;13:829658.
6. Available at: https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2014/11/the-youth-restoring-benefits-of-nad. Accessed May 14, 2026.
7. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=NAD&filter=years.2002-2022&timeline=expanded. Accessed May 15, 2026.
8. Imai S, Guarente L. NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. Trends Cell Biol. 2014 Aug;24(8):464-71.
9. Massudi H, Grant R, Braidy N, et al. Age-associated changes in oxidative stress and NAD+ metabolism in human tissue. PLoS One. 2012;7(7):e42357.
10. Cerutti R, Pirinen E, Lamperti C, et al. NAD(+)-dependent activation of Sirt1 corrects the phenotype in a mouse model of mitochondrial disease. Cell Metab. 2014 Jun 3;19(6):1042-9.
11. Available at: https://www.nmn.com/news/fda-bans-labeling-nmn-as-a-supplement. Accessed May 15, 2026.
12. Yi L, Maier AB, Tao R, et al. The efficacy and safety of beta-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation in healthy middle-aged adults: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-dependent clinical trial. Geroscience. 2023 Feb;45(1):29-43.
13. Wang JP, Wang L, Wang T, et al. Effects of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Supplementation on Muscle and Liver Functions Among the Middle-aged and Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2025;26(13):2141-52.
14. Morifuji M, Higashi S, Ebihara S, et al. Ingestion of beta-nicotinamide mononucleotide increased blood NAD levels, maintained walking speed, and improved sleep quality in older adults in a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled study. Geroscience. 2024 Oct;46(5):4671-88.
15. Available at: https://www.regulations.gov/search?filter=ndi%201247. Accessed May 14, 2026.
16. Available at. Accessed May 15, 2026.
17. Available at: https://www.regulations.gov/document/FDA-2022-S-0023-0067. Accessed May 15, 2026.
18. Life Extension. New Resveratrol and NAD+ Suggestions. Life Extension,2017.