NAD+ & Cellular Energy
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) declines ~50% between ages 40–60. It is the central currency of cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and sirtuin activation. The two main precursors — NMN and NR — are among the most actively researched longevity compounds in the world with 13+ human RCTs published since 2020.
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) 500–1000mg
The direct NAD+ precursor. 8+ human RCTs (2021–2024) confirm: NAD+ blood levels elevated 40–60%, improved muscle insulin sensitivity (Yoshino et al., Cell Metabolism 2021), improved aerobic capacity in recreational runners (Liao et al. 2021), and improved sleep quality and muscle function in older adults. Higher molecular weight than NR — some evidence it may be more efficient at cellular uptake at higher doses.
NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) 300–450mg
The most clinically studied NAD+ precursor with 5+ RCTs directly on the Tru Niagen® (Niagen®) branded ingredient. Martens et al. (Nature Communications 2018): dose-dependent NAD+ elevation + reduced aortic stiffness. Elysium's published RCT on Basis (NR+pterostilbene) confirmed NAD+ elevation. USP Verified. Gold standard for NR evidence quality.
CoQ10 Ubiquinol 200–300mg
CoQ10 is the electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain — the last step in ATP production. Without it, cells cannot generate energy efficiently. Ubiquinol (reduced) form shows 3–8× superior absorption vs. standard ubiquinone, especially in patients over 50. Q-SYMBIO trial: 50% reduction in all-cause mortality in heart failure. Critical for anyone on statins, which deplete CoQ10 by up to 40%.
GG (Geranylgeraniol) 300mg
GG is the upstream isoprenoid precursor that statins block — and it is the molecule CoQ10 cannot fully replace. While statins reduce CoQ10 by ~40%, they reduce GG by a far greater margin. CoQ10 addresses energy deficits; GG addresses the root cause. GG reverses statin-associated myopathy (SAMS) including muscle damage and atrophy — something CoQ10 does not do. Frontiers in Physiology 2023 review: GG completely reversed 60% statin-induced myofiber loss and reduced atrogin-1 (the muscle atrophy protein) by 65%. GG also regenerates CoQ10 endogenously. For statin users, GG + CoQ10 together is the gold-standard protocol — GG alone is more effective than CoQ10 alone.
Designs for Health uses the patented GG-Gold® ingredient from American River Nutrition — the only GG source with published safety data and the ingredient used in all current clinical trials. 300mg/day is the research-validated dose. Take with food containing healthy fats (fat-soluble compound).
TMG (Trimethylglycine) — NMN Cofactor
NMN supplementation consumes methyl groups during NAD+ synthesis. TMG donates methyl groups to prevent depletion of SAMe and homocysteine accumulation. Most longevity clinicians recommend pairing 500–1000mg TMG with every NMN dose. Also independently reduces homocysteine — an independent cardiovascular risk factor.
Liposomal NMN / Sublingual NMN
Standard NMN capsules are absorbed via the gut. Liposomal and sublingual forms bypass first-pass metabolism, potentially delivering more NMN directly into circulation. Renue By Science specializes in these enhanced delivery forms. Best option for people who have tried standard NMN without noticeable results.
High-Dose Tru Niagen Pro 1000mg
For those wanting maximum NAD+ elevation from the most rigorously tested NR product. The 1000mg dose was used in the aortic stiffness RCT published in Nature Communications. ChromaDex's Niagen® is the only NR ingredient with an FDA safety review and multiple independent institutional RCTs.
Mitopure® (Urolithin A)
The only clinically tested Urolithin A supplement, backed by 25+ human trials. Urolithin A activates mitophagy — the cellular process that clears damaged mitochondria — a key mechanism in muscular and immune aging. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled data: 12% improvement in muscle strength, improved VO2 max and 6-minute walk distance, reduced inflammatory markers. Only 12% of people naturally produce meaningful Urolithin A from diet; Mitopure delivers 6× the exposure of pomegranate juice.