Nestlé Science Uncovers Dual Benefits of NAD+ Supplementation for Healthy Longevity
New scientific findings from Nestlé researchers have highlighted the promising dual role of NAD+ supplementation in supporting both cellular energy production and gut microbiome health. The research provides fresh insight into how targeted nutritional interventions may contribute to healthy longevity — an area that Nestlé has identified as a major strategic growth platform.
The study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that restoring declining NAD+ levels in the body may not only enhance cellular function but also positively influence the gut microbiota, which plays a central role in overall health as people age.
Understanding NAD+ and Its Importance in the Body
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is an essential co-enzyme present in every living cell. It plays a critical role in converting nutrients into cellular energy and is deeply involved in metabolic processes that sustain life. Beyond energy production, NAD+ contributes to DNA repair, mitochondrial function, immune modulation, and regulation of cellular stress responses.
As individuals age, NAD+ levels naturally decline. This reduction has been linked to a range of age-associated health concerns, including:
- Cognitive decline
- Cardiovascular dysfunction
- Muscle weakness and loss
- Metabolic imbalance
- Sleep disturbances
Because NAD+ is central to cellular repair and energy metabolism, its depletion can compromise how efficiently cells function. Over time, this may accelerate biological aging processes.
One of the systems particularly sensitive to declining cellular energy is the gut microbiome. The gut microbiota — a complex ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms — influences immune regulation, inflammation, metabolic control, and even neurological signaling. Reduced NAD+ availability may therefore indirectly affect microbiome stability and diversity, potentially contributing to broader health challenges during aging.
The Study Published in Nature Metabolism
The findings were recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Metabolism, underscoring the scientific rigor behind the research. The study explored how supplementation with NAD+ precursors affects NAD+ levels and gut microbiota activity in healthy adults.
Researchers examined three different NAD+ precursors:
- NR (nicotinamide riboside)
- NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide)
- Nam (nicotinamide)
These compounds are known building blocks that the body can convert into NAD+. However, until now, there had been limited direct clinical comparisons evaluating how effectively each precursor elevates circulating NAD+ levels and how they interact with the gut microbiome.
Comparing NAD+ Precursors: NR, NMN, and Nam
The clinical study compared the effects of the three precursors over a 14-day supplementation period in healthy adults. The results revealed important distinctions between them.
For the first time in a head-to-head clinical setting, researchers found that both NR and NMN significantly and comparably increased circulating NAD+ concentrations in participants. In contrast, supplementation with nicotinamide (Nam) did not lead to a measurable rise in NAD+ levels in the bloodstream.
This discovery is significant because it clarifies which precursors may be more effective in boosting systemic NAD+ availability. Such clarity helps inform the development of targeted nutritional solutions aimed at supporting healthy aging.
Impact on the Gut Microbiome
Beyond increasing NAD+ levels, the study revealed another compelling finding: NR and NMN supplementation appeared to interact with the gut microbiota.
Researchers observed that these precursors contributed to the production of nicotinic acid through microbial metabolism. Additionally, supplementation enhanced microbial activity and the production of beneficial metabolites. This suggests that NAD+ precursors may influence not only host cellular function but also the microbial ecosystem residing in the digestive tract.
The gut microbiome plays a central role in health throughout the lifespan. It influences immune responses, metabolic health, inflammation regulation, and communication between the gut and brain. By supporting microbial growth and beneficial metabolite production, NAD+ precursors could potentially contribute to improved systemic resilience during aging.
This dual mechanism — enhancing cellular NAD+ levels while positively modulating gut microbiota — highlights a more holistic pathway toward healthy longevity.
Expert Perspective from Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences
According to Prof. Eline van der Beek, Head of the Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, the research represents a major step forward in understanding how NAD+ precursors function in humans.
She noted that this is the first clinical study directly comparing multiple NAD+ precursors and demonstrating that NR and NMN supplementation can similarly increase NAD+ levels in healthy adults. Moreover, the findings indicate potential supportive effects on gut health.
These insights deepen scientific understanding of how cellular metabolism and microbiome health intersect — two areas increasingly recognized as pillars of healthy aging. The research opens new opportunities for developing science-based nutritional solutions designed to promote longevity at the cellular level.
Strengthening R&D for Future Innovation
Nestlé has recently reinforced its research and development capabilities, investing in advanced biotechnology and clinical research platforms. This strategy aims to accelerate consumer-centric innovations that support healthier lives across all life stages, including aging populations.
Healthy longevity has emerged as a priority area, driven by global demographic shifts and increasing interest in preventative health strategies. By combining cutting-edge scientific research with product development expertise, Nestlé seeks to translate emerging biological insights into accessible nutritional solutions.
The company’s expanded R&D efforts focus on understanding the biological mechanisms underlying aging and identifying safe, evidence-based interventions that can promote vitality and resilience over time.
Existing NAD+-Focused Supplement Solutions
Nestlé Health Science has already introduced several supplements designed to support cellular health and longevity. Products containing nicotinamide riboside are available under brands such as:
- Solgar Cellular Nutrition Cellular Energy
- Pure Encapsulations NR Longevity
These supplements are formulated to help support cellular energy metabolism and overall vitality. The new research findings may further inform refinement of such formulations and guide future product innovation.
Advancing the Science of Healthy Aging
The study’s results reinforce the importance of targeting aging at the cellular and microbial levels. As NAD+ naturally declines with age, restoring its levels through effective precursors such as NR and NMN may offer a promising strategy for maintaining metabolic health, supporting DNA repair processes, and preserving mitochondrial function.
Simultaneously, the demonstrated interaction between NAD+ precursors and the gut microbiome introduces a broader systems-based perspective on longevity. Rather than focusing solely on isolated cellular pathways, this research emphasizes interconnected biological networks.
By bridging cellular metabolism and microbial ecology, Nestlé’s scientists are contributing to a deeper understanding of how nutrition can influence the aging process in multifaceted ways.
While further long-term studies are needed to fully understand the clinical implications of sustained NAD+ supplementation, the findings mark an important milestone in longevity research.
The dual benefits observed — enhanced NAD+ levels and microbiome support — suggest that targeted bioactive supplementation could play an increasingly significant role in preventative health strategies.
As global populations age, science-backed nutritional solutions that promote resilience, vitality, and quality of life will likely become even more essential. Through continued investment in research and innovation, Nestlé aims to remain at the forefront of developing evidence-based approaches that support healthy longevity across the lifespan.
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