NAD+ food sources: Foods that help boost NAD+

As we age, our energy dips, recovery slows, and the resilience we had back in our younger years begins to fade. One of the culprits: Declining levels of NAD⁺ as we age. This decline is closely linked to the aging process, as lower NAD⁺ levels can impair the body's ability to repair DNA, reduce stress resistance, and negatively impact overall health. 

What is Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide NAD⁺ and why does it matter?  

NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a molecule found in every living cell. It plays a vital role in fueling our energy, supporting cellular repair, and supporting healthy aging at the cellular level. NAD+ is essential for cell metabolism and participates in key metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, where it facilitates redox reactions and is crucial for ATP production during cellular respiration. It also helps regulate metabolic processes and maintain overall cellular function. 

As we age, NAD+ levels naturally start to decline. Our bodies start to use more and more of it but replenish less. When NAD⁺ levels are low, everything from energy, recovery, and mental clarity can be impacted. NAD+ also plays a role in preventing mitochondrial dysfunction, which can impact cellular energy. That’s why scientists and wellness experts are turning to NAD⁺ as a key player in healthy aging.  

NAD+ is involved in cellular repair and signaling through enzymes involved such as sirtuins and PARPs, which act on target proteins to regulate gene expression, DNA repair, and stress response. It also supports the cellular stress response, helping cells adapt to and recover from various stressors. 

You’ve probably heard of NAD+ supplements with ingredients like NMN, NR, or our product, MitoQ NAD+ Dual Action. But did you know there are also everyday foods that can help support your body’s natural NAD⁺ production?  

The below guide outlines so great dietary addition to help support NAD⁺ Production  

While NAD itself isn’t found naturally in foods, certain foods contain precursors (like niacin, tryptophan, and more) that help your body convert the nutrients into NAD⁺. You can help increase your body’s NAD production by eating foods rich in these precursors.  

Look for food rich in Niacin (Vitamin B3):   

Niacin (vitamin B3) is essential for converting food into energy and is a key building block your body uses to produce NAD⁺, supporting metabolism, brain function, and cellular repair.  

Foods considered a good source of Niacin include:   

The body's ability to use niacin and its derivatives, such as nicotinic acid and nicotinic acid riboside, enables the production of NAD+ through various metabolic pathways. These compounds, collectively referred to as niacin equivalents, are present in a variety of foods and play a crucial role in maintaining NAD+ levels. 

In addition to niacin and its derivatives, the amino acid tryptophan is another important dietary precursor for NAD+ biosynthesis. 

Look for food rich in Tryptophan:  

When you think of tryptophan, many of us think of Thanksgiving --> turkey --> helping us fall asleep! And for food reasons, tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, which the body then uses to make melatonin. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that your body can’t produce on its own, making it vital to get from your diet. Beyond its reputation for promoting relaxation, tryptophan is a key precursor for NAD⁺ production, supporting cellular energy production and overall metabolic health. Through the kynurenine pathway, tryptophan is converted into NAD⁺, fueling various cellular processes that keep your body running smoothly. 

Foods considered a good source of Tryptophan include: