The first time I heard about NAD+ boosters, I rolled my eyes so hard I saw my brain. “Another
longevity fad,” I thought. But when my 42-year-old triathlete friend started outpacing me in every workout, I had to ask – what changed?
“NAD+ precursors,” he said, handing me a vial of NMN powder. “I feel 25 again.”
Skeptical but desperate (my recovery time had become embarrassing), I launched a 6-month self-experiment with before/after lab tests. Here’s what no one tells you about these so-called “fountain of youth” supplements.
The NAD+ Crash Course (For Normal People)
NAD+ is like your cells’ battery charger. It powers:
– DNA repair
– Energy production
– Longevity pathways (sirtuins)
Problem? NAD+ levels drop 50% by age 50*. The science shows this decline is directly linked to:
☠️ Wrinkles
☠️ Muscle loss
☠️ Brain fog
☠️ Metabolic slowdown
My Starting Stats (Age 35):
– Fasting glucose: 102 (prediabetic range)
– VO2 max: 28 (below average for my age)
– Recovery HR: Took 90 minutes to return to baseline after moderate cycling
The Protocol (What Actually Worked)
1. Choosing My NAD+ Booster
After comparing:
– Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): Most researched (Tru Niagen)
– NMN: Popular but FDA recently blocked sales
– Mitolyn: NR + PQQ + CoQ10
I went with Mitolyn because:
✅ Contains TMG (prevents methyl depletion)
✅ Added mitochondrial support
✅ Third-party tested (many NMN brands are fake)
Dose: 300mg NR equivalent daily (2 capsules), taken fasted with green tea
2. Supporting Stack
– Morning: Mitolyn + 500mg quercetin (boosts NAD+ by 50% in studies)
– Post-workout: 1g creatine (improves cellular energy)
– Night: 400mg magnesium glycinate (helps NAD+ recycling)
3. Lifestyle Tweaks
– Red light therapy 3x/week (boosts mitochondrial function)
– Time-restricted eating (14-hour fasts)
– Sauna sessions (increases NAD+ via heat shock proteins)
The 6-Month Transformation
Physical Changes
– Skin: Crow’s feet visibly reduced by month 4 (my dermatologist asked if I got Botox)
– Hair: Gray regrowth slowed dramatically
– Muscle: Could finally do pull-ups again (after 5 years of failed attempts)
Performance Metrics
– VO2 max: 28 → 34 (now above average)
– Fasting glucose: 102 → 89 (normal range)
– Blood pressure: 128/85 → 112/72
Cognitive Wins
– Memory: Could recall phone numbers again (haven’t done that since college)
– Focus: Wrote an entire book chapter in one sitting (previously maxed out at 30 minutes)
– Sleep: Deep sleep increased from 45 to 90 minutes/night
The Ugly Truth Nobody Talks About
1. It’s Expensive AF
– $60/month for Mitolyn
– $200 for quarterly blood tests
– $500 for red light panel
2. Side Effects Happen
– Week 2: Intense brain fog (“NAD+ flu”)
– Month 3: Vivid nightmares (common with NR)
– Month 5: Joint pain (fixed by adding TMG)
3. Results Vary Wildly
My friend saw changes in 2 weeks. Took me 3 months to notice anything.
Expert Verdict
Interview Clip: Dr. Elena Sinclair, Longevity Researcher
“NAD+ boosters show promise, but they’re not magic. In our clinical trials, the biggest benefits go to those over 40 with metabolic issues. Healthy 25-year-olds? Waste of money.“
Who Should Try This?
✅ Aging athletes wanting better recovery
✅ Pre-diabetics looking to improve metabolism
✅ Biohackers willing to track biomarkers
Skip if:
❌ You’re under 30 and healthy
❌ Expect overnight miracles
❌ Can’t afford ongoing testing
Final Grade: B+
Pros:
– Legit anti-aging benefits
– Improved my metabolic health
– No scary side effects
Cons:
– Pricey long-term
– Requires patience
– Needs lifestyle support
Would I Continue? Yes – but cycling 5 days on/2 off to save money.
