The Story of NAD Supplements: Origins, Science, and Why I Recommend Nuchido TIME+
By Dr Caroline Warden, Skin & Aesthetic Clinic, Hale, Cheshire
NAD+ supplementation has gone from scientific obscurity to one of the most discussed topics in longevity and cellular health. But to understand why NAD+ boosters matter and why I personally recommend Nuchido TIME+ it helps to go back to where the science began.
Important note: supplements are not medicines. This article is educational and not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
A Brief History of NAD⁺ (and How Supplements Came About)
NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) was first identified in the early 1900s during research into fermentation. Scientists studying how yeast converts sugar into alcohol noticed that certain enzymes could not function without a mysterious “helper” molecule. That helper was later identified as NAD.
By the 1930s–40s, researchers discovered that NAD⁺ is closely linked to vitamin B3 (niacin). This connection became clear when niacin deficiency was shown to cause pellagra, a serious condition affecting the skin, gut and nervous system. Scientists realised the body uses vitamin B3–derived compounds as building blocks to produce NAD⁺, placing NAD at the centre of human metabolism.
Why NAD⁺ Matters in the Body
NAD⁺ exists in every living cell and plays two critical roles:
Cellular energy production – it helps convert food into ATP inside the mitochondria
Cellular repair and maintenance – it is required by enzymes involved in DNA repair, inflammation control and cellular stress responses
As we age, NAD⁺ levels naturally decline. This decline is now thought to contribute to reduced energy production, slower cellular repair, and reduced resilience to stress.
The Study That Put NAD⁺ in the Spotlight
Interest in NAD⁺ supplements accelerated after a series of high-profile animal studies led by David Sinclair and colleagues.
In a widely discussed mouse experiment, older mice (equivalent to humans in later life) were given NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) a direct precursor the body uses to make NAD⁺. The researchers observed that increasing NAD⁺ levels led to improvements in mitochondrial function, cellular energy markers, and biochemical features associated with ageing.
Importantly, the study showed that ageing-related cellular changes could be influenced, at least in mice, by restoring NAD⁺ availability. While this did not suddenly make old mice young, it demonstrated that ageing biology is dynamic rather than fixed, a key shift in scientific thinking.
From Lab Research to Supplements
Following these findings, interest grew in compounds that help the body support its own NAD⁺ production, rather than NAD⁺ itself (which cannot be absorbed directly).
This led to the development of NAD⁺ precursors, including:
NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide)
NR (nicotinamide riboside)
These compounds are converted by the body into NAD⁺ through established biochemical pathways. They are now commonly referred to as NAD⁺ support supplements.
Important Context: What This Does (and Doesn’t) Mean
While animal research has been compelling, it’s important to be clear:
Mouse studies do not automatically translate to humans
Human ageing is complex and influenced by genetics, lifestyle, sleep, nutrition and stress
NAD⁺ support is best viewed as one part of a broader longevity and metabolic health strategy, not a miracle cure
Current human research is ongoing, with studies exploring energy levels, metabolic health, cellular resilience and recovery rather than dramatic anti-ageing claims.
From Cofactor to Longevity Molecule
In more recent decades, our understanding of ageing biology deepened. Researchers found NAD+ is more than a metabolic coenzyme — it’s also involved in:
DNA repair
Cellular signalling
Mitochondrial function and resilience
Immune and inflammatory pathways
A key observation is that NAD+ levels tend to decline with age, with evidence across multiple tissues and study types (though the degree of decline varies). (PMC)
This is one reason NAD+ became a target in longevity research.
Why Boosting NAD+ Matters (What It Actually Does)
NAD+ supports several high-level cellular functions:
Energy metabolism
NAD+ is central to how mitochondria generate ATP (cellular energy).
Sirtuin activity
Sirtuins are a family of proteins linked to stress resistance and metabolic regulation, and they require NAD+ to function.
DNA repair
NAD+ is used by repair enzymes (including PARPs) involved in identifying and responding to DNA damage.
Because NAD+ is used constantly, the body relies heavily on “recycling” pathways to maintain it.
Why We Don’t Supplement NAD+ Directly (And What We Use Instead)
In practice, oral NAD+ itself is not the most effective strategy for raising intracellular NAD+.
Instead, supplements typically use precursors (building blocks) that the body can convert into NAD+, such as:
Niacin (vitamin B3)
Nicotinamide (NAM)
Nicotinamide riboside (NR)
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
Human studies show oral NR can raise NAD-related measures, and NMN has also been shown in human trials to increase blood NAD concentrations. (Science)
The Rise of NAD+ Supplements
As the science developed, NAD+ supplements expanded from single-ingredient formulas (like NR-only products) to more complex blends designed to support multiple parts of NAD metabolism.
This matters because NAD decline isn’t driven by just one thing it involves enzymes, recycling capacity, inflammation, oxidative stress, and lifestyle factors.
So Why Nuchido TIME+?
There are many NAD+ boosters on the market. I recommend Nuchido TIME+ because it’s designed as a whole-system approach not simply “one precursor and hope for the best”.
1) Evidence-informed, systems-based formulation
Nuchido TIME+ was formulated to support multiple points in NAD+ metabolism (including the salvage/recycling pathway), rather than relying on a single precursor alone. (PMC)
2) Human clinical trial data showing increased NAD+ in whole blood
A peer-reviewed, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled crossover trial reported that Nuchido TIME+ increased NAD+ concentration in whole blood compared with placebo. (PMC)
3) Designed for daily, practical use
Unlike expensive IV “wellness drips,” TIME+ is intended for consistent daily use, which fits the long-game approach I prefer for longevity habits.
4) Fits a bigger “longevity foundations” plan
In clinic, supplements work best when they sit on top of the basics:
Quality nutrition
Regular movement
Sleep consistency
Stress regulation
NAD support can be a thoughtful addition — but it’s not a magic bullet.
NAD Supplements vs NAD IV Drips (My Clinical View)
There’s growing marketing around NAD IV infusions. The issue is that strong, outcome-based clinical evidence for these drips (particularly bold claims about “detox” or rapid rejuvenation) is limited, and regulators have raised concerns about unsubstantiated claims in this area. (PMC)
In contrast, oral precursors work with the body’s own NAD-generating machinery, and there’s a clearer base of peer-reviewed human research for oral precursor strategies. (Science)
How I Suggest Using NAD Support in Real Life
Start with the foundations
Eat in a way that supports stable energy (protein + fibre + colour)
Move regularly (even brisk walking counts)
Protect sleep (a consistent wake time is often the biggest lever)
Then consider targeted supplementation
Choose products with transparent formulation and human data
Be consistent for a meaningful trial period (weeks, not days)
If you have medical conditions or take regular medication, check with your GP/pharmacist first
FAQ
What does NAD+ stand for?
NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism, signalling, and DNA repair. (PMC)
Why does NAD+ decline with age?
NAD+ levels appear to decline with ageing across multiple tissues and contexts, although the degree varies between studies. (PMC)
Can you take NAD+ directly as a supplement?
Most approaches focus on precursors (like NR/NMN/NAM/niacin) that the body converts into NAD+. (ScienceDirect)
Does Nuchido TIME+ increase NAD+?
A peer-reviewed crossover trial reported increased whole-blood NAD+ versus placebo. (PMC)
Who should be cautious with NAD supplements?
If you’re pregnant/breastfeeding, under active oncology care, have complex medical conditions, or take multiple medications — check with your medical team first.
Final Thoughts
NAD+ science spans more than a century — from early fermentation research to modern work on cellular resilience and ageing biology. While the field is still evolving (especially when it comes to long-term clinical outcomes), the rationale for supporting NAD biology is scientifically plausible, and human studies show that certain strategies can raise NAD-related measures. (ScienceDirect)
Among the many products available, Nuchido TIME+ stands out to me because it’s systems-based, has peer-reviewed human trial data, and fits into a realistic daily routine — alongside nutrition, movement and sleep.
Evidence notes
Peer-reviewed TIME+ trial (design, participants, outcomes): (PMC)
NAD decline with age (overview and human-associated data): (PMC)
Oral NR/NMN human evidence (examples): (Science)
Caution around strong IV NAD marketing claims / limited robust evidence in some use-cases: (PMC)
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