The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
Our editors have taken and written about clean supplements for a decade — these are our favorite NAD supplements that are free of unnecessary fillers, third-party tested, and backed by experts.
People are calling them the fountain of youth — which is a tall order for one little coenzyme! But with all the benefits NAD supplements can offer, we can’t help but be impressed by its purported capabilities. While research is still being done, the main idea is that boosting NAD can help slow down aging. To be a bit more specific, NAD’s benefits are a result of how it supports your general metabolic health, gene repair and expression, and stress response. Taken together, this can help improve energy levels, cognitive function, immunity, and even ward off certain diseases.
Since NAD supplementation is a fairly new idea, deciding which one to take involves a few very important factors. You’ll want to find the right fit for your lifestyle, your budget, and your body — and make sure it’s safe and backed by experts too.
What exactly is a NAD supplement?
NAD stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which is a coenzyme that’s naturally found in the body and is central to the metabolism. It’s considered to be a helper molecule that binds to enzymes, assisting them in the production of cellular energy. When you supplement this coenzyme in your diet, it can assist you in rebuilding your NAD stores, which can begin declining as soon as young adulthood.
The supplements on this list are a mix of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), and other natural precursors to the production of NAD. In short, increase these coenzymes and you’ll increase your NAD supply, too. Some of the supplements on this list also include additional superpowered ingredients too — especially those not in pill form — so be sure to check all the ingredients before you buy.
Although the research on NAD supplementation is relatively new, it tends to support the benefits of supplementing NAD. A meta-analysis from 2023 reported that studies “have reported improvements in cardiovascular, metabolic, and physical function, primarily in groups with chronic disorders or those with reduced baseline function, though these data come from small sample sizes and need to be confirmed.” The research is still quite young, but there are other studies that suggest NAD supplementation may also assist with reducing skin aging and psoriasis, preventing Parkinson’s disease, and supporting cardiovascular health.
Our criteria:
We’ve personally taken, researched, and corresponded with the top clean supplement brands — these are our picks for NAD supplements. We’ve chosen brands that use high-quality and effective clean ingredients, are verified by third-party testing, and have been formulated or endorsed by medical experts. We regularly update this list with new options that meet the following criteria:
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS | The brands on this list are all third-party tested for any harmful or unnecessary additives so you can be sure you’re getting the most effective and safe supplement out there.
- EXPERT BACKED | We’ve chosen brands that are endorsed by scientists, doctors, and other medical experts, either because they formulated the supplements themselves or they suggest it to their patients.
If you’re interested in building out your supplement routine, take a look at our favorite women’s multivitamins and longevity supplements.
*This review is not health advice. Please consult your healthcare provider when adding any supplements to your diet.*
1. Thorne
Best For | Grocery store grabs
Price for month supply | $34 (with a two-month subscription)
Thorne is the basic, high-quality vitamin and supplement brand that many of us know and love, and their NiaCel 400 capsules are a fan favorite. Their primary ingredient is Nicotinamide Riboside, which can help boost the body’s levels of NAD. Like many NAD supplements, they boost NAD production to help you physically and cognitively fight the effects of chronological aging in addition to supporting healthy cellular repair and metabolic function. These vitamins are great, because they’re high-quality and trustworthy, and you can find them at Target and other retail stores, so you can grab them on a regular grocery run. They’re also certified vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, and derived from natural flavors and natural colors, so you know they’re safe for a number of dietary and lifestyle needs!
Customer Review | “I have used this for about a month now. It is my first time taking this type of supplement and I feel amazing.” – Jaime N (Read more reviews.)
2. Novos
Best For | A full supplement profile
Price for month supply | $32 (with annual subscription)
Boost are the NAD supplements made by the anti-aging supplement company Novos, which is all about keeping you younger for longer. Backed by the world’s top aging experts from Harvard Medical School, MIT, and others, Novos Boost contains high-purity (>99%) nicotinamide mononucleotide, which is a powerful longevity ingredient that boosts energy, metabolism, and DNA repair by boosting NAD. While a bottle on its own is $44, they also have a subscription model where you can sign up to receive your vitamins monthly, semi-annually, or annually, which can save you up to $12 per month supply. You can also combine this with their other vitamins, and Novos recommends taking them in combination with their foundational formula, Novos Core for the best possible health and anti-aging results.
Customer Review | “I’ve taken this only for few months now but I already feel less tired and having more energy throughout the day. Also, my skin looks better and my metabolism is better as I feel that I can stay at the same weight easier than before taking it. Maybe there is not a lot of science behind it yet but I don’t have 10-20 years to wait since I’m going to be 50 soon so I’m just going to continue taking this since I’m experiencing only positive ‘side effects.’” – Paul W (Read more reviews.)
3. Happy Aging
Best For | Wellness shot lovers
Price for month supply | $54 (with subscription)
If you’re not a fan of swallowing pills but wellness shots go down like honey for you, Happy Aging is exactly how you need to get your NAD boost. Happy Aging comes in the form of two weekly shots powered by resveratrol and NR, in addition to a superblend of eight key anti-aging ingredients like ceramides and blood orange extract. The shots also have a delicious berry taste that’s easy to get down the hatch. Co-founded by Harvard-educated doctor and renowned longevity expert Dr. Daniel Yadegar, Happy Aging is science and holistic-health-based. While a one-time purchase is $60 for 10 bottles, they also offer a subscription model in monthly, three-month, or six-month supplies, which can save you up to 33% on your purchase.
Customer Review | “I’m on week two and I have noticed a significant energy boost. I used to drink 3 big cups of coffee a day to keep up with my kids, now I might have a tiny espresso midday simply because I like the taste. I’m more focused and efficient at the gym, I’m more patient with my children, and I wake up feeling rested. I don’t know how this works but it does!! I love it!” – Erika T (Read more reviews.)
4. Qualia
Best For | In-depth science
Price for month supply | $59 (with subscription)
Formulated with 3 NAD+ precursor ingredients and supported by ingredients like Aquamin, organic coffeeberry, and B vitamins from saccharomyces cerevisiae culture, Qualia NAD+ are powerful. In fact, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have clinically proven that Qualia NAD+ increases NAD+ levels by as much as 67%. While a one-time purchase is $69, there are many ways to find savings with Qualia. If you subscribe, your first shipment drops down to only $29, and prices lift to $59 thereafter. Formulated holistically with unique ingredients, these supplements are vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free. With its added ingredients, Qualia is particularly helpful when it comes to energy, muscle recovery, and mental performance.
Customer Review | “After three months using Qualia NAD+ and Qualia Senolitic I have the energy to make it through my very demanding work and family responsibilities. Energy level has improved since I incorporated Qualia into my routine.” – Marcus B (Read more reviews.)
5. Elysium Health
Best For | Sports performance
Price | $60
Developed by Elysium chief scientist and renowned aging researcher Leonard Guarente, Ph.D, Elysium Basis has been clinically proven to boost NAD by 40% in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the peer-reviewed journal “Nature Partner Journals: Aging and Mechanisms of Disease.” Its two main ingredients to combat cellular aging and support metabolic health are Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Pterostilbene. Like many of the other brands on this list, you can purchase them by the bottle, or in a subscription model with monthly, semi-annual, or annual supplies, which can save you up to 33% on your order. Elysium Health supplements are also gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free, and contain no artificial colors or flavors. They’re also NSF Certified for Sport, which is the only independent third-party certification program recognized by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
Customer Review | “I ordered Basis about 3 years ago, took it for about 6 months, and didn’t feel that it helped me in any way. However, this year I decided to try it again based on the research (and the fact I’m getting older). I took it for 2 months, then took a month off. That’s when I really did feel a difference. Basis is subtle but I definitely feel better overall and more energetic by taking it. I will keep taking it this time.” – Caren M (Read more reviews.)
6. Renue by Science
Best For | Unique delivery methods like sprays and topicals
Price for month supply | $20 (with purchase of 90 capsules)
If you’re looking for a plethora of options to boost your NAD levels, Renue by Science is worth checking out. They have a wide variety of consumable capsules including NAD precursors, NAD overall support, and delayed-release boosters. But that’s only the start of what they offer. They also have a number of novel ways to boost your NAD levels including oral spray, nasal spray, sublingual powder, sublingual gel, tablets, and more. If you’re someone who prefers options like powders in order to supplement your diet so you can toss it in your daily smoothie as opposed to taking a pill, Renue by Science could be your best bet. They also have a variety of forms of NAD support like Nicotinamide Riboside, Trigonelline, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, and more, so if you already know which ingredients work best for you, you can locate your ideal product that way. They even offer NAD skincare products if you’d rather try out a topical method of delivery.
7. Life Extension
Best For | NAD on a budget
Price for month supply | $15 (with subscription)
Life Extension offers quality supplements at affordable prices, so if you’re looking to boost those NAD stores on a budget, this is the perfect place to turn. They offer two main NAD supplements, their Cell Regenerator, which contains nicotinamide riboside, and their combination capsule, Cell Regenerator and Resveratrol Elite, which contains both nicotinamide riboside and a bioavailable trans-resveratrol (in addition to bioavailability-enhanced forms of the phytonutrients quercetin and fisetin). Resveratrol is the healthy chemical found in red wine grapes, which can promote healthy aging — even (and especially!) when it doesn’t come in the form of a red wine buzz. Whichever option you choose, Life Extension offers a subscription model, which gives you their lowest prices, plus free shipping. They also have frequent sales, which can save you money even if you purchase just one bottle.
Customer Review | “I originally bought a four month supply. I took it daily as recommended. After several weeks I began to notice feeling much better. Less muscle soreness and faster recovery after a workout and a general feeling of well being. When my original order ran out, I wanted to check if feeling better was the result of taking the Optimized NAD. So I didn’t reorder for a couple of months. After a few weeks, there was a noticeable decline of the good feelings in my body. I reordered and after a couple of weeks the feelings of well being have returned. I am 66 and will use this supplement forever.” – Thomas (Read more reviews.)
Jamie Kahn is a writer and yoga teacher based in New York. Her work has been featured in Glamour, Brooklyn Magazine, Epiphany, The Evergreen Review, and others.
