NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body. It plays a central role in two major processes:

Energy Production: NAD+ helps your mitochondria convert the food you eat into ATP—the fuel your cells run on. When NAD+ levels are higher, your metabolism works more efficiently and you have more available energy throughout the day.

Cellular Repair: NAD+ activates a family of enzymes called sirtuins, which are involved in DNA repair, inflammation control, and stress resistance. This is why NAD+ is often described as both a metabolic booster and a repair molecule—it helps your cells produce energy and maintain themselves over time.

Patients commonly use NAD+ supplementation for several reasons:

Increased energy and reduced fatigue. Many users report feeling more alert and energetic because their cells are producing energy more efficiently at the mitochondrial level.

Improved metabolism. NAD+ supports the metabolic processes that help your body burn fuel effectively.

Better mental clarity. NAD+ is linked to cognitive function, memory, and focus—likely due to its role in brain cell energy production.

Anti-aging and cellular repair. Higher NAD+ levels are associated with improved skin health, faster recovery, and reduced systemic inflammation.

Faster exercise recovery. Because NAD+ supports mitochondrial function, it can help reduce soreness and speed up recovery after physical activity.

Overall wellness. Many people use NAD+ as part of a broader approach to stress resilience, immune support, and longevity.

NAD+ pairs particularly well with GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide because they work through different—but complementary—metabolic pathways.

Energy and fatigue support. Many GLP-1 patients experience low energy, fatigue, or mild brain fog, especially early in treatment. NAD+ can help counteract these effects by improving mitochondrial energy production.

Muscle mass preservation. GLP-1s often reduce appetite significantly, which can lead to lower protein intake and potential muscle loss. NAD+ supports muscle recovery, metabolic function, and healthy body composition during weight loss.

Weight loss efficiency. Healthier mitochondria burn fat more efficiently. NAD+ can help optimize your body's ability to use stored energy.

Skin and tissue health during rapid weight loss. NAD+ aids cellular repair and may help reduce loose skin formation, inflammation, and oxidative stress—common concerns during significant weight loss.

Synergistic metabolic benefits. While GLP-1s slow digestion and reduce cravings, NAD+ boosts cellular energy and metabolism. Together, they create a dual-pathway approach to metabolic optimization.

NAD+ is generally considered safe, but should be avoided or used with caution in patients who are:

NAD+ is usually well tolerated, and most side effects are mild and temporary.

Oral NAD+ (pills or capsules): Upset stomach, mild nausea, bloating, or headache.

Injectable NAD+: Warm flushing, nausea (especially if injected too quickly), lightheadedness, or tenderness at the injection site.

Staying well hydrated and titrating the dose slowly will prevent most side effects.