NAD+ and Muscle Function: Supporting Energy and Endurance

Every muscle contraction, every rep and every recovery day runs on cellular energy.

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell, and it is one of the more interesting topics in performance science.

Research on NAD⁺ and its precursors explores how supporting NAD⁺ levels relates to energy metabolism, muscle function, and cellular health [1][2]. These are areas of ongoing study rather than established outcomes for any particular product.

Whether you train often or want to stay active over time, the science around NAD+ starts with cellular energy and muscle function.

The Role of NAD⁺ in Muscle Energy and Function

To understand how NAD+ relates to muscle function, it helps to look at what it does inside your body.

The Powerhouse Connection

NAD⁺ is a coenzyme found in every living cell. Its main job is to help mitochondria — your body's energy factories — turn nutrients into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the molecule that powers muscle contraction and other cellular processes.

When NAD+ levels drop, mitochondria have less of what they need to produce energy efficiently, which is associated with lower cellular energy. Lower NAD+ is also associated with changes in the body's normal energy metabolism with age [3].

NAD+ is involved in the body's normal cellular energy system.

What the Research Explores: NAD⁺ and the Body

Over the past few years, human research has explored NAD⁺ and its precursors in relation to energy metabolism, muscle function, and cellular health.

Much of this research has been conducted on the NAD⁺ precursor nicotinamide riboside (NR) rather than on liposomal NAD⁺ products. These studies describe research findings about NR and energy metabolism, and shouldn't be read as outcomes any specific supplement delivers. The underlying idea researchers explore is that NAD⁺ supports mitochondrial energy, which the body uses for muscle activity and recovery [1][2].

As always, individual experiences vary, and these areas continue to be studied.

How NAD+ Relates to Muscle Function

NAD⁺ is involved in many processes related to physical activity. Here's how:

As these systems work together, NAD⁺ supports the cellular energy your body relies on.

Mitochondrial Support: The Core Mechanism

Mitochondria are often called the "powerhouses of the cell", and NAD⁺ is one of their most important inputs.

When NAD+ levels drop, mitochondrial efficiency tends to decline, which is associated with lower cellular energy.

NAD+ is involved in these processes through:

• Sirtuin function, which is involved in mitochondrial biology and antioxidant balance.
• Oxidative phosphorylation, the process that turns food into ATP.
• The body's normal energy metabolism, including how muscles use fuel sources like glucose and fat.

These cellular processes are part of the body's normal energy systems.

NAD⁺ Through the Ages: Cellular Support at Every Life Stage

NAD+'s role in cellular energy is relevant across many stages of life.

Young Adults (18–30)

• Recovery support after workouts
• Support for cognitive and physical endurance
• Antioxidant balance during high-intensity exercise

Midlife (31–50)

• Support for the body's normal energy metabolism
• Support for cellular efficiency
• Support for muscle function as cellular function shifts

Older Adults (50+)

• Support for muscle function as part of healthy aging
• Support for muscle function
• Support for cellular energy

Research explores how supporting NAD⁺ in older individuals relates to the body's normal energy metabolism and healthy aging [2].

Real-World Applications: From Athletes to Everyday Energy

Some athletes explore NAD+ supplementation as part of their training and recovery routines.

Anecdotal reports describe a range of experiences over time, particularly when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Individual experiences vary.

Spotlight on Liposomal NAD⁺: Stability Meets Quality

Not all NAD⁺ supplements are created equal — and the molecule's delicate structure makes formulation especially challenging.

Why NAD⁺ Stability Matters

It's well-documented that NAD⁺ is highly unstable, degrading rapidly when exposed to light, heat, or moisture.
To address this, our research and development team created a liposomal NAD⁺ formulation that preserves potency while supporting bioavailability.

Here's what our testing shows:

• Non-encapsulated NAD⁺ degraded at a rate of 1.22% per day under refrigeration, even with a 10% overage added to account for natural breakdown.
• Liposomal NAD⁺, tested independently by ArLok Laboratory, showed no measurable degradation over 30 days under refrigeration.
• Even when stored at room temperature (78°F) for three weeks, potency decreased by just 10% total — demonstrating strong real-world stability.

In our testing, liposomal encapsulation made a clear difference to NAD+ stability under refrigerated conditions.

The Science Behind Liposomal Delivery

Liposomes are microscopic phospholipid spheres that encapsulate NAD+ molecules.

Our ethanol-free liposomal NAD⁺ formulation offers several key advantages:

• Improved stability: The bilayer shields NAD⁺ from oxidation and breakdown.
• Pleasant taste & purity: Our product contains reverse osmosis water, glycerin, sunflower-derived phospholipids, and dietary supplement-grade NAD⁺ — no ethanol or harsh solvents.

In a blinded preference exercise at Springfield Wellness Center, participants with 10 to 20 years of NAD+ experience ranked our product #1 for taste and perceived effectiveness among the products compared. This was a preference exercise, not an efficacy trial. Individual experiences vary.

Based on stability data, we continue to monitor longer-term stability under recommended refrigerated storage conditions.

How to Support NAD+ Alongside Muscle and Energy Routines

To make NAD+ part of a consistent routine, consider these practical strategies:

1. Choose a Stable Format

Liposomal NAD+ is designed for stability, so look for third party stability data and follow the storage directions.

2. Store It Cold

Keep NAD+ supplements refrigerated (ideally 35-45°F) and follow the storage directions on the label.

3. Stay Consistent

BioVara is designed for consistent daily use. Follow the serving directions on the label.

4. Support Your Mitochondria

Many people take NAD+ alongside antioxidants and other nutrients. Talk with your healthcare provider before combining supplements, especially if you take medication.

5. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity is associated with higher NAD+ turnover, and supplementation is one way to support healthy NAD+ levels alongside it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How does NAD+ relate to muscle function?
NAD+ is involved in mitochondrial energy production, which the body uses for muscle activity. Research on NAD+ and its precursors continues to explore these areas [1][2]. Individual experiences vary.

Q2: How long should I use it before deciding if it suits me?
BioVara is designed for consistent daily use over the long term. Many people give a new supplement several weeks before deciding whether it fits their routine. Individual experiences vary.

Q3: Why choose liposomal NAD+?
Liposomal encapsulation is designed to keep NAD+ stable. In third party testing, our liposomal NAD+ showed no measurable degradation over 30 days under recommended refrigerated storage conditions.

Q4: Can I combine NAD+ with exercise or other supplements?
Many people take NAD+ alongside exercise, antioxidants and other nutrients. Talk with your healthcare provider before combining supplements, especially if you take medication.

Q5: How does NAD⁺ relate to older adults?
Research explores how supporting NAD⁺ relates to the body's normal energy metabolism and muscle function in older populations, as part of healthy aging [2]. Individual experiences vary.

Supporting Cellular Energy with NAD⁺

NAD+ is involved in cellular energy and muscle function across life stages.

From the body's normal energy metabolism to mitochondrial function, NAD+ is part of the cellular energy picture your body relies on.

Liposomal delivery technology adds stability to that picture, so each serving holds up in the fridge.

Whether your focus is training, recovery routines or staying active with age, NAD+ supplementation may be a useful part of your routine. As always, talk with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements.

References

1. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49092-5
2. https://www.parkview.com/blog/should-nad-be-a-staple-in-your-supplement-lineup
3. https://www.jinfiniti.com/benefits-of-nad/
   

Disclaimer: Please remember to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before taking supplements or any new supplement, especially if you have an existing health condition. Individual results can vary, and supplements are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

FDA DISCLAIMER: The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The information provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professionals. The products mentioned on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise program, or dietary supplement regimen.