As people age, the body’s natural ability to regenerate and repair itself slows down. One of the reasons for this decline is a drop in NAD+ levels—a coenzyme critical for energy production, DNA repair, and cellular health. A new supplement called NAD3® has been developed to support NAD+ levels, but recent research is uncovering its unique effects on adult stem cells as well.
A recent clinical study explored what happens when healthy adults aged 40 to 70 take NAD3® for one week. The results shed new light on how this supplement might impact aging and cellular regeneration.
What Is NAD3®?
NAD3® is a dietary supplement that contains a proprietary blend of theacrine, Wasabi japonica extract, and a copper nicotinic acid complex. These ingredients work together to raise NAD+ levels in the body. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) plays a central role in energy metabolism, maintaining mitochondrial health, and regulating aging processes. Theacrine, a compound similar to caffeine, also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and is known to improve mood and focus without increasing heart rate or blood pressure.
Unlike other NAD+ boosters that focus solely on energy and metabolism, NAD3® claims to also address inflammation by suppressing the NLRP3 gene. This gene is associated with chronic inflammation, especially in older adults, and its suppression may help reduce muscle and joint pain, improving mobility and recovery.
The Research Behind NAD3®
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted by researchers Janine Hellenbrand, Richard J. Bloomer, and Marie Van der Merwe at the University of Memphis. The study involved 12 healthy adults aged 40 to 70, who took either NAD3® or a placebo daily for seven days. Blood samples were collected before and after the week of supplementation, and also one and two hours after the final dose.
The goal was to see if NAD3® would influence the number of circulating adult stem cells, which play a key role in tissue repair and immune function. Researchers focused on different types of stem cells in the blood, including:
- CD34+ stem cells, involved in blood and immune system development
- Progenitor cells, which are early-stage stem cells
- Endothelial stem cells, involved in blood vessel repair
- Mesenchymal stem cells, which support bone, cartilage, and fat tissue
Flow cytometry, a highly accurate blood analysis technique, was used to measure the concentration of each cell type.
What the Tests Revealed
NAD3® did not cause an immediate (acute) release of stem cells into the bloodstream. However, after one week of supplementation, researchers found a significant decrease in the number of CD34+ progenitor stem cells. These are early-stage cells that typically grow into blood and immune cells.
Interestingly, there was also a trend toward an increase in endothelial stem cells, which help maintain and repair blood vessels. This trend, although not statistically significant due to the small sample size, suggests that NAD3® may shift the stem cell balance in a way that supports vascular health.
White blood cell counts remained unchanged, meaning NAD3® didn’t negatively affect the immune system. Participants’ diets and caffeine intake were also consistent throughout the study, helping ensure the results were due to the supplement alone.
Why This Matters for Aging
As people age, the number of stem cells in the body doesn’t necessarily drop, but their ability to function and repair tissue does. The aging process often leads to a buildup of less effective stem cells and a loss of diversity in their types. One theory is that boosting NAD+ can improve the quality of stem cells by enhancing mitochondrial function and reducing cellular aging, or senescence.
By increasing NAD+ and influencing the types of stem cells in circulation, NAD3® could help preserve regenerative capacity in older adults. While a decrease in progenitor cells might seem negative at first glance, it could indicate a reduction in damaged or senescent cells. At the same time, a rise in endothelial cells could support better blood vessel function and cardiovascular health.
Previous studies have shown that NAD3® increases NAD+ levels in muscle cells and improves the ratio of NAD+ to NADH, which indicates better mitochondrial efficiency. It also increases the activity of sirtuins, a family of proteins linked to longevity, metabolism, and DNA repair.
The Potential Benefits of NAD3®
Although this study was short and involved only 12 participants, the findings are promising. NAD3® could offer several potential benefits:
- Supports healthy NAD+ levels, which decline with age
- May improve mitochondrial function and energy production
- Shows trends toward improving blood vessel repair
- Contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that may support joint and muscle health
- Potentially reduces the number of aged or dysfunctional stem cells
These effects suggest that NAD3® could be a helpful tool in supporting cellular health, energy, and tissue repair as people age.
Study Limitations and Next Steps
The most significant limitations of the study were the small sample size and short duration. One week may not be enough time to observe major changes in stem cell function or regenerative capacity. Also, the study didn’t test how well the circulating stem cells could actually repair tissues, which is an important next step in understanding the supplement’s real-world benefits.
Researchers recommend longer studies with more participants and more functional assessments of stem cells to better understand how NAD3® works over time.
NAD3® shows potential as a supplement that does more than just boost energy. By influencing NAD+ metabolism and possibly improving stem cell health, it may offer a unique approach to aging support. While more research is needed to confirm its long-term effects, the early data is encouraging—especially for those looking for natural ways to support healthy aging, better mobility, and cellular repair.
For anyone already using NAD+ boosters, NAD3® may represent a more complete option that also targets inflammation and mobility, making it an intriguing step forward in the science of healthy aging.
