Lately, there’s been a huge rise in conversation around NAD supplements, mitochondrial health and “cellular energy” – often wrapped up in quite extreme wellness or biohacking culture.

But underneath the hype is something genuinely fascinating and physiologically important.

What is NAD?

NAD stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.

It’s a molecule found in every single cell of the body and it plays a vital role in:

• energy production
• mitochondrial function
• cellular repair
• nervous system resilience
• healthy ageing

In simple terms, NAD helps your body convert food into usable energy.

Without adequate NAD, your cells struggle to produce energy efficiently.

Why NAD Matters

Many people today feel:

• tired despite sleeping
• flat despite eating “well”
• mentally foggy
• burnt out
• less resilient to stress than they used to be

Of course, there are many possible causes for fatigue and low energy – but declining mitochondrial efficiency is one increasingly discussed piece of the puzzle.

NAD levels naturally decline with:

• age
• chronic stress
• poor sleep
• inflammation
• alcohol excess
• circadian disruption
• metabolic dysfunction
• hormonal changes

This decline may affect how efficiently the body produces and uses energy.

My Experience with NAD+

Recently, while judging supplements for the Nourish Awards, I trialled an NAD+ supplement myself.

Honestly, I was surprised by how noticeable the difference felt.

Not stimulated, jittery or that wired high from caffeine.

Instead, I noticed:

• steadier energy
• improved mental clarity
• better resilience throughout the day

Interestingly, my husband noticed similar effects independently.

This made me more curious about the science behind NAD and mitochondrial support.

But Isn’t Oral NAD+ Poorly Absorbed?

This is where things get interesting.

You’ll often hear that oral NAD+ itself is less bioavailable than precursor forms like NMN or NR.

That’s partly true.

NAD is a relatively large molecule and may not easily enter cells intact when taken orally. However, the body is incredibly adaptive and capable of breaking molecules down and recycling components into usable cellular pathways.

So while researchers are still exploring the exact mechanisms involved, many people do report noticeable benefits from oral NAD+ supplementation.

Human physiology is rarely as simplistic as:
“If absorption isn’t perfect, it can’t work.”

Supplements Aren’t Magic

This part matters most.

No supplement can override:

• chronic stress
• burnout
• under-eating
• poor sleep
• lack of recovery
• nervous system overload

For me, the foundations always come first:

• protein intake
• blood sugar balance
• nutrient sufficiency
• movement
• sleep
• stress regulation
• circadian rhythm

Supplements should support a well-built foundation – not replace one.

The Bigger Picture

I think one reason NAD resonates with so many people is because it reflects a deeper truth:

Energy is not simply about motivation or willpower.

It’s biological.

Sometimes supporting the body at a cellular level genuinely can help people feel clearer, steadier and more resilient.

Not because it’s magic, hype or the latest wellness trend.

But because physiology matters.

As always, supplementation should be personalised and approached thoughtfully, especially if you have medical conditions, take medication, or are undergoing medical treatment.

But as research into mitochondria and cellular energy continues to evolve, NAD is certainly an area worth watching and something I personally use from time to time.

(I tried Goldman Labs Liposomal NAD+)