What Does NAD Do in the Body?

What Is NAD?

NAD is a coenzyme—a compound that helps enzymes function properly. It's present in every living cell and exists in two main forms: NAD+ and NADH. These two forms shuttle electrons during metabolic processes, helping convert the food you eat into usable cellular energy.

In simpler terms, NAD is critical for energy production at the cellular level. Without it, your cells wouldn’t be able to function properly.

‍

Key Functions of NAD in the Body

1. Energy Metabolism

NAD is a central player in a process called cellular respiration—the way your body turns carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the primary energy currency of your cells.

During glycolysis and the Krebs cycle (both are energy production steps), NAD picks up electrons and hydrogen. It then carries them to the mitochondria—the powerhouse of the cell—where energy is finally produced.

Without enough NAD, this process slows down, which may contribute to feelings of fatigue or reduced physical performance. Maintaining adequate NAD levels is critical for keeping energy levels stable.

2. DNA Repair

Every day, your DNA experiences damage from environmental stressors like UV radiation, pollution, and even normal metabolic processes. NAD supports DNA repair enzymes, especially a family of proteins called PARPs (poly ADP ribose polymerases), which depend on NAD+ to function.

When NAD levels are depleted, these repair systems may become less efficient. Supporting NAD availability can help maintain cellular integrity, especially as we age.

3. Mitochondrial Function

Your mitochondria—the energy factories of your cells—depend on NAD+ for efficient operation. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with the natural aging process and lower cellular performance.

NAD helps regulate mitochondrial biogenesis (the creation of new mitochondria) and supports their ability to generate ATP. In this way, NAD isn’t just supporting energy—it’s helping your cells produce the machinery that creates energy.

4. Cellular Stress Response

NAD supports enzymes called sirtuins, which are responsible for regulating cellular stress responses, inflammation control, and metabolic adaptation. These proteins are activated by NAD+ and play a role in how cells respond to challenges, including oxidative stress and nutrient scarcity.

Supporting optimal NAD levels ensures these systems stay more responsive and adaptive, especially under environmental or metabolic stress.

5. Metabolic Regulation

NAD acts as a regulator for a wide range of metabolic processes. This includes fat metabolism, glucose processing, and insulin sensitivity. While NAD isn’t a magic bullet for weight control or blood sugar, it plays a supporting role in the overall machinery that keeps metabolism running efficiently.

NAD+ also acts as a signal to the body about its current energy state, helping the body shift between fuel sources depending on availability.

6. Neurological Function

NAD is essential in maintaining neuronal health and function. The brain requires a massive amount of energy to function—using up over 20% of the body’s energy supply. NAD’s role in mitochondrial energy production directly supports healthy cognitive function.

Additionally, NAD helps regulate calcium signaling in neurons and supports nerve cell repair processes.

‍

{{primary-cta}}

‍

Why NAD Levels Decline Over Time

While NAD is critical to so many biological systems, NAD levels decline naturally with age. Beginning around the age of 30, NAD availability begins to drop, potentially contributing to reduced energy, slower metabolism, and diminished cellular repair efficiency.

Other factors that may reduce NAD levels include:

• Chronic stress
  
• Poor sleep
  
• Excessive alcohol consumption
  
• Inflammatory diets
  
• Exposure to toxins
  
• Sedentary lifestyle
  
  

These factors don’t just deplete NAD—they may also increase the demand for it, creating a supply-demand mismatch at the cellular level.

‍

Supporting NAD Levels Naturally

While NAD is not available directly through diet, your body creates it from precursors—nutrients that can be converted into NAD+. These include:

• Niacin (Vitamin B3)
  
• Nicotinamide riboside (NR)
  
• Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
  
• Tryptophan (in small amounts)
  
  

You can support natural NAD production by including NAD precursors in your routine, improving your sleep, managing stress, and engaging in regular physical activity. Fasting and calorie restriction have also been associated with elevated NAD+ activity in the body.

‍

How NAD May Support a Healthy Lifestyle

While NAD is not a drug or treatment, optimizing NAD levels may support the systems that help you feel, look, and perform at your best.

Many individuals report that NAD optimization aligns with their wellness goals, such as:

• Supporting consistent energy throughout the day
  
• Enhancing exercise recovery
  
• Improving focus and mental clarity
  
• Supporting healthy aging processes
  
  

It's important to note that individual responses vary. NAD is a fundamental part of cellular health, but optimizing its levels should be seen as part of a broader wellness strategy—not a standalone solution.

‍

The Rise of NAD Optimization Programs

As awareness of NAD’s role has grown, so has interest in NAD optimization programs offered through licensed medical providers. These programs do not claim to treat or cure any medical condition. Instead, they aim to support cellular energy production and metabolic resilience by helping patients explore whether NAD-precursor supplementation may fit into their individual care plan.

At Eden, we connect you with licensed providers who can evaluate your wellness goals and discuss treatment options—including NAD precursor protocols—if clinically appropriate. You’ll work with a licensed provider who can help determine if NAD support is aligned with your overall metabolic strategy.

‍

{{primary-cta}}

‍

Why NAD Support May Be Right for You

If you're a busy professional, an active parent, or someone focused on maximizing your energy and performance as you age, NAD may already be playing a more central role in your body than you realize.

While you can’t see it or feel it directly, NAD is a molecule working behind the scenes every second of the day—supporting your metabolism, brain, heart, and energy systems.

If you’ve noticed:

• Midday energy crashes
  
• Slower recovery after workouts
  
• Brain fog or dips in concentration
  
• An interest in proactive healthy aging strategies

 … it may be time to talk to a provider about NAD optimization as part of a broader wellness protocol.

‍

Take the First Step Toward Supporting Cellular Energy

Eden helps connect you with educated, licensed health professionals who understand the role of NAD in metabolic health and overall wellness. We’re not a pharmacy, and we don’t sell or produce NAD products. Instead, we focus on delivering access to clinical experts who can help you explore the potential benefits of NAD precursor supplementation—tailored to your unique goals.

Your journey starts with a virtual consultation. If NAD support is a fit for your wellness plan, your licensed provider may prescribe a treatment protocol and coordinate with a state-licensed pharmacy to deliver it directly to your door.

Ready to support your cellular energy?

Connect with a provider through Eden and learn how NAD precursors may fit into your metabolic health journey.

‍