You may have heard about NAD or NAD+ in conversations about anti-aging, energy, or even brain health, but what exactly do these terms mean? Both are essential to your body, but they aren’t interchangeable. NAD is the general term for a vital coenzyme found in every living cell, while NAD+ is its oxidized form, responsible for kick-starting many of your body’s functions.
At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we believe in healing from the inside out by giving your body what it needs to thrive. NAD+ therapy is one of the cutting-edge treatments we offer to help restore energy, optimize cellular health, and improve overall vitality. Let’s break down the difference between NAD and NAD+ and explore the many benefits of NAD+ therapy.
NAD+ vs. NAD: what’s the difference?
NAD
NAD stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme found in all living cells. It plays a fundamental role in life itself by helping your body convert nutrients into usable energy, repair DNA, regulate circadian rhythms, and maintain cell health. However, the term “NAD” is broad. It can describe the entire family of related molecules, including:
- NAD+, which is the oxidized form
- NADH, which is the reduced form
NAD is an umbrella category. Within this category, NAD+ and NADH cycle back and forth, transporting electrons in a process called redox (reduction-oxidation). Without this, your cells would not be able to produce energy efficiently, and normal cellular function would break down.
NAD+
NAD+ is the oxidized form of NAD, meaning it is the “empty taxi” ready to pick up electrons. This is crucial because it initiates chemical reactions that drive metabolism and energy production. When NAD+ accepts electrons, it becomes NADH, which then delivers these electrons to the mitochondria, powering the production of ATP, the energy currency of your cells.
Beyond energy, NAD+ is critical for activating enzymes called sirtuins and PARPs, which play key roles in slowing cellular aging, repairing DNA, and maintaining resilience against stress. Unfortunately, your NAD+ levels naturally decline as you age, making supplementation and therapies designed to restore NAD+ so valuable for long-term health.
Benefits of NAD+ therapy
Anti-aging support
One of the most widely discussed benefits of NAD+ therapy is its potential to slow certain aspects of aging. As NAD+ levels fall with age, cellular repair becomes less efficient, telomeres shorten more quickly, and energy production decreases. By restoring NAD+ levels, you can help your cells better repair DNA damage, support healthy gene expression, and activate longevity-related proteins. This doesn’t mean reversing time, but it does mean supporting your body’s natural defenses against the visible and invisible effects of aging.
Enhanced energy and metabolism
If you often feel fatigued or notice that your stamina isn’t what it used to be, low NAD+ levels may be partly to blame. Since NAD+ is central to converting food into energy, higher levels lead to improved mitochondrial function and better energy production. Individuals who undergo NAD+ therapy often report feeling more energized, less sluggish, and better able to handle the physical demands of daily life. This boost in energy can also support a more active lifestyle, which is key to maintaining long-term health.
Improved brain health and cognition
NAD+ therapy has been linked to sharper mental clarity, improved concentration, and better memory. This is because your brain cells require a constant supply of energy and signaling to function optimally. NAD+ supports the repair of neuronal DNA, reduces oxidative stress, and enhances mitochondrial performance in brain cells. By replenishing NAD+, you may experience improved cognitive function, increased mental focus, and enhanced resilience against age-related decline, brain fog, or conditions associated with neurodegeneration.
Support for mood and mental well-being
Research suggests that NAD+ therapy can also positively impact mood regulation. Low NAD+ levels are associated with fatigue, irritability, and even symptoms of depression or anxiety. By restoring balance to cellular energy systems and supporting neurotransmitter activity, NAD+ therapy may improve your sense of well-being, helping you feel calmer, more balanced, and emotionally resilient. Many patients describe it as a natural “reset” that helps them feel more like themselves again.
Muscle strength and recovery
NAD+ is a key factor in repairing muscle tissue and supporting mitochondrial function, both of which are vital for athletic performance and recovery. By increasing NAD+ availability, your muscles can utilize oxygen and energy more efficiently, resulting in improved endurance and faster recovery after physical exertion. Whether you’re an athlete or simply someone who enjoys staying active, NAD+ therapy can help keep your body strong and capable.
DNA repair and cellular resilience
Every day, your cells face oxidative stress and DNA damage from environmental exposure, toxins, and normal metabolic processes. NAD+ activates enzymes such as PARPs that repair DNA and maintain genomic stability. With NAD+ therapy, you give your cells the resources they need to respond to stress and damage more effectively. Over time, this support helps maintain healthier tissues and reduces the risk of age-related conditions linked to cellular dysfunction.
Detox and addiction recovery support
NAD+ therapy is increasingly used to support individuals during detox from substance use disorders. It helps by restoring energy levels, reducing withdrawal symptoms, and promoting clarity of thought during recovery. By nourishing the nervous system and repairing cellular damage, NAD+ can ease the transition into sobriety and support long-term healing for individuals working to overcome dependency.
Basically, NAD is the overall molecule, while NAD+ is its oxidized, active form that drives energy production, cellular repair, and longevity. Because NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, replenishing them can have wide-ranging benefits for your body and mind.
At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we are committed to providing therapies that support your health from the inside out. NAD+ therapy is one of the ways we help you reclaim your energy, sharpen your mind, and achieve a healthier lifestyle. If you’re ready to experience the benefits of NAD+ therapy, our team of experts is here to guide you.
