Magic pill? Don’t be surprised if you haven’t heard of NAD+, which is short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a key metabolism enzyme.

These new wonder drugs spotlighting NAD+ are promising to dial back the years. Consumers are seeking long-term preventative health-care solutions, not just creams and serums, which is where NAD+ steps up to the plate.

NAD+ is a component in all living cells, and stimulating this enzyme through NAD+ tools or supplements has numerous benefits. Why? According to the National Library of Medicine, scientists believe that this enzyme influences cellular functions, such as “metabolic pathways, DNA repair, chromatin remodeling, cellular senescence and immune cellular function. These cellular processes and functions are critical for maintaining tissue and metabolic homeostasis for healthy aging.” Thus, as we age, the amount of NAD+ declines, so NAD+ treatments aim to help reverse the clock a bit at a cellular level.

Whether part of an anti-aging routine or a supposed cure to neurodegenerative disorders or not, these babies have been touted to improve sleep, hangover recovery, collagen production, athletic performance, menopause symptoms and food cravings.

ChromaDex, a global authority on NAD+ research, answered consumers’ call with the release of Tru Niagen, touted as a top of the line, proven effective NAD+ activator on the market. Tru Niagen PRO 1,000 mg and Tru Niagen 300mg performance enhancers are at the helm of their offering. These supplements have garnered the support of two Nobel Prize winners, over 25 clinical studies, more than 300 published scientific studies, and beyond.

One capsule of Tru Niagen 300 mg daily can increase blood NAD+ levels by up to 51% in as little as two weeks. And clinical strength Tru Niagen PRO 1,000mg, recommended by physicians and pro-athletes, is proven to boost NAD+ by 150% in as little as two weeks. DNA repair, stress management, a healthy heart, brain and muscles ... Need we say more?

“As a nutrition expert, feeding the body well supports optimal function and performance, which begins in the cells. Tru Niagen, a unique form of vitamin B3 functions as an NAD+ precursor, a molecule that’s crucial for converting the food we enjoy into a usable form of energy and repairing and defending our cells against the daily metabolic stressors,” shares Mona Rosene, MS, RD, Director of Scientific Affairs at ChromaDex & Tru Niagen. “Over time (age) and exposure to these stressors, NAD+ declines, which can impact our body’s ability to function optimally.”

Boosted with NR, nicotinamide riboside, its sole active ingredient, it is highly effective in that it accesses the cell membrane directly.

“Tru Niagen helps you maintain activity as you age by targeting a root cause of aging, NAD+ decline, and cellular degeneration. Tru Niagen supports muscle health and recovery, brain health, cellular health and repair, and heart health (in combi- nation with a healthy lifestyle), because healthy aging can mean different things to different people,” Rosene, MS, RD, adds.

Another key player in the NAD+ arena is Avea, a Swiss startup boasting longevity for your metabolism and cells, to keep you energized, vibrant and youthful. Avea boasts two main NAD+-boosting products: a vitamin B3 derivative and NMN, a NAD+ precursor, that is pure Swiss to enhance energy and metabolism and leave you feeling well rested.

Just one a day with the NMN complex, and you’ll feel brand new. NMN is naturally present in various foods — milk, meat, avocado, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber and edamame — but you’d need to consume a boatload in order to have the equivalent benefits.

When taken in combo with the Booster supplement, you’ll have heightened metabolic and cognitive function, thanks to these powerful anti-inflammatory agents.

While not recommended to take while you’re pregnant, as there are not enough studies to show the benefits, most NAD+ supplements or topical treatments can be safely consumed by adults.

Bottom line: Why is boosting NAD+ beneficial? Well, NAD+ declines nearly up to 65% between ages 30 to 70, being drained by every life, a high-fat diet, sun exposure, among other issues related to aging. The best way to benefit is to, of course, combine with a healthy diet and exercise.